Harvard University has decided to keep its admissions events virtual through at least January 2022. That’s right. There will be no in-person information sessions or tours at Harvard through the rest of 2021 due to the spread of the Delta variant. And while there was a glimmer of hope earlier this summer that admissions events would switch to in-person this fall, Harvard is typically an excellent bell-weather. When Harvard makes a move, other elite universities tend to follow its lead. It’s that simple. So Harvard’s decision to maintain virtual admissions events through 2021 is an indicator that other Ivy League schools and beyond will soon follow their lead.

As Harvard’s admissions office writes on its site, “The Harvard College Admissions, Griffin Financial Aid, and Student Employment Office is excited that all students of Harvard College have returned to campus this fall! However, the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread nationally and locally. While Harvard health officials have deemed it safe for staff and visitors to be on campus, the office has decided out of an abundance of caution to keep its operations and events virtual until at least January, 2022. In addition, the office has made the difficult decision to suspend its in-person information sessions and tours throughout the fall, as well as close the Visitor Center to the public. Virtual options will remain available, and staff will continue to respond to inquiries via email and phone. Our staff have successfully supported students and applicants remotely since the pandemic began, and we know that they will continue to do so, regardless of their office location.”

Will Ivy Coach’s crystal ball forecast prove true? Will other elite universities soon follow Harvard’s lead and hold off having in-person tours and information sessions until 2022? Only time will tell!