We asked students how they feel about back to school in Fall 2020 (survey results)
Social media and the press have been full of stories about how the sudden shift to remote learning due to COVID-19 is affecting parents and teachers. There’s a lot to unpack there and we’re going to talk about it a bit at the bottom of this post, too. But we haven’t seen as much discussion of the way this new reality is affecting students. Our mission at Quizlet has always been to help students succeed.
So, to find out how everyone is doing, we sent a survey to Quizlet users in late April. We were interested to learn how high school and college students are feeling about going back to school in the fall. We surveyed 1,995 college students and 2,750 high school students. Here is what they said.
Survey says
When asked how they were feeling about the 2020-21 school year, about 69 percent of high school students and nearly 59 percent of college students said they were more excited for the fall semester than they were in 2019.
About 75 percent of high school students and 65 percent of college students were certain that in-person classes would resume at the start of the school year. (We love that positive spirit – keep it up!)
When asked about their biggest concerns for the school year, college students were roughly evenly split among three worries: academics (about 33 percent noted this as their top concern), paying for school (about 25 percent), and staying healthy (about 28 percent). They were less concerned with taking care of family and making and maintaining friendships and relationships.
Among high schoolers, about 44 percent noted that academics were their primary concern for the 2020-21 school year, with health concerns in second place at about 26 percent, followed by finances and social concerns.
Students were asked what they were most looking forward to in the 2020-21 school year. In both groups, “getting to see my friends on campus again” was the most popular answer.
We are pumped to see optimism and excitement from a majority of survey respondents when talking about education in the fall, and we are also cautiously waiting to see what the new school year will look like. It’s too soon to tell definitively, as most schools in the U.S. and around the world are closed.
What can we expect for fall 2020?
Educators aren’t sure what the fall will look like, but it seems that nobody is predicting school-as-usual. Possible scenarios include only a part-time return to the campus, with staggered days of physical attendance interspersed with online learning at home so reduce the number of people in the building at once.
Though community college leaders are also unsure what COVID-19 will mean for the fall semester, many are preparing for the increase in enrollment that they often see following an economic decline in the country. USA Today reported that some administrators anticipate that, if learning continues remotely in the fall, more students who would ordinarily go to a four-year university will choose to enroll in community college instead, to save money.
Key takeaways
We are all looking forward to getting back to school in the fall, but high schoolers are more optimistic than college students about whether or not campuses will reopen by then.
More high school students than college students consider academics their top concern for the fall, but academics still ranks as the overall top concern in both groups.
And, not surprisingly, everyone is missing their friends – seeing friends again is the top thing that both groups are looking forward to for fall.
Educators are adapting to the remote learning environment as time passes. No one is sure what the fall semester will look like, but most believe that even if in-person classes resume, we will still be practicing some form of social distancing that will change the way schools operate.
No matter what happens, Quizlet is committed to helping students and teachers get through this time.
How do you feel about going back to school in the fall?
Leave a comment below. 😊
Comments
BTW, thanks for the cool survey and the results. It's cool that the number one focus in the next school year is ACTUALLY LEARNING.
Yeah, starting High School seemed like a drag, but since I've gone so long without proper schoolwork and environments for learning, I am actually excited for the upcoming year!
I’m really anxious for the school year to start up again.
I am excited for a new opportunity to learn more! Fall is always a fun time of year, because I always love the start of school. However, right now, I just want school to end and for summer to come XD
agreed
SCARED AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME...
This is a very interesting survey. Thanks for sharing!
don't know what to feel...
This is very interesting but is a little bit misleading because the scale of the two graphs are different and if no one is looking carefully they might be misread. Still good information though
I don't like internet classes. I hope it will be over..
I'm excited although you never know what could happen 7th grade want be easy for me but. I am just a little anxious.
With the help of teachers, the school year will probably start off great for everyone.
Still excited yet scared! EEK!
That's a cool article!
I have four siblings at home, so I'm not lonely! But I can't wait to see my friends and teachers at school. I need a change of scenery once in a while.
I want to go back to school this online computer work isnt something i'm cut out for. I've never really liked computers because they where so much more complicated then some paper a book and something to write with, computers make it so much harder to do anything I have to make sure it is charged and if I cant find something on the computer there isn't and index or table of contents I can flip to. I sound like im 50 something years old I know and I also know that i've grown up with electronics and of course i'll be a senior next year but dang using computers takes alot more will power then it should it's honestly exhausting.
I can't wait to go back to school! I am not a huge fan of this online school because I get impatient because no actual teacher is teaching me. The teachers do go on Zoom but that's only if you have questions. They don't exactly teach the assignments. I am more of an introvert so I don't mind staying at home, but I do want to see the few friends that I have.
I agree with you makaylaan , I greatly dislike working on computers , I am home schooled , and spend 11 1/2 hours daily over 12 subjects ,half of witch are on the pc . However ,I really like Quizlet since it is well laid out and easy to use. I am an extrovert , and can't wait for COVID 19 to end.
I like online school better, teachers dont teach me anyways so whats the point of wasting 7 hours a day rather than couple hours online
I honestly want to see faces again. I want to start 8th grade the "normal" way instead by screen. I hope i see everyone at school!!!
Good Survey! I personally am excited to go back to school!! I miss my teachers and my friends and yes all of my classes!!
I'm really excited to go back to school coz this time they are many new things gonna happen that too after a very much long holidays. I miss my school even. I hope this is gonna be kinda fun and gonna move fast as it can. Um waiting for the reopening of school............
I am going to be a high schooler this fall, so I'm excited for high school sports, but I'm worried about grades and classes. It will be nice to be in the hustle and bustle of a busy life again though.
I like these surveys! They are mind-opening, and I'm glad there's a healthy fear of sickness (pun intended :) )
Im going to be an 8th grader, little scared to whats going to change :/
Agreed. I am going into 8th grade so this really helps. If I could show you I can do insane flips. Thanks.
For those of you going into 8th grade, don't be scared! That was my favorite grade in middle school.
I can wait for a bit... I'm not much of a biggie on in-person classes. I like being at home ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
IDK bout this but it feels like ima have to readjust to livin' a normal life, i meann likee it kinda does feel diferent an' stuff.. ehh ima not too sure lmfaoo.. aweee I'm so anxious xD I mean gonna meet mwah friends and learn mi fav subject Mathss and Englishh. oml.. btw cool article... just sayoin... :)) mkay ima acc not too impressed about the whole situation and ye. ....
I am exited but woried I am starting HS next yeas
i want stay home and do work
The scale is sort of misleading, but good data. I'm so excited for the next school year to begin. It will be hard studying for ISEE at home and without teachers to help out, but I will have quizlet!!!(not sponsored)
i can't wait to go back to school:) i really miss seeing all my friends everyday!
I can't wait to go back to school I really miss seeing all my friends every day!
I've been homeschooled my whole life but I'm supposed to go to a public school starting this August for 10th grade so I'm really nervous, not looking forward to it at all.
School for me is still happening pretty normally. Since I go to a private school that specifically provides iPads for each child for learning we’re now using the software Microsoft Teams. We follow our routine for school to make sure we get everything done on time. I just joined Year 7 this year so I was really excited to see what the year would bring me but I’m a bit upset that I have to spend it like this. I would love to continue school as normal next year.
I'm going to be an 8th grader and I missed soo much as a 7th grader so I'm excited to what 8th grade will bring.
I am confused about what to feel also. Awesome article and survey. I do like the idea of online classes for some subjects but it just feels like this has changed the fabric of time for all humans in the earth. I like been home, but yeah is nothing compared to sitting down with a fella in the Chem Lab and had them watch you explain some Chem to yourself so wrong!, they feel sorry your desperation, so they help you, this is hard to do via Zoom in my Pajamas been all home and bum lazy. If I am not careful, Online home classes can really mess with me, and I can get lazy. I mean one day I missed my classes, I missed classes in my own home! only because it felt like every day is a Saturday, But I corrected the malfunction. I admit it takes a bit to put my own time and organize my day a bit deeper so I can be at my desk getting school work done. I am unsure how to feel. I hope for graduation for all of us. Thanks, Quizlet!
tbh online learning at home isn't really the best for me cause I always feel tired and too lazy to do anything. While in school I am more productive. I've noticed that. so I guess I am excited to go back to school.... I kind of miss it lol.
i wanna go back to school
Since I'll be in my first year of university away from home, excited and nervous! I'm not worried about the virus, since I've caught and dealt with it already. I'm looking forward to life returning as normal...
I'm in Year 11, meaning that I was meant to do my GCSE exams this month/June, however I can take them in September 2020, so it isn't that bad.
Amazing
yeah, i'm a homeschooler, but go to a co-op every week, so it's basically the same. I also had a Mock Trial coming up and it was rescheduled. I am having to do practices online and it is really hard to work as a team on some of the stuff because of it. But it will be over soon guys! Be praying! The LORD will guide us through the school year! It will be great! Keep up the hard work!
I am so excited to go back to high school! I will miss my seniors of 2019-2020! They are very nice girls and CAEP will miss them greatly! I can't wait to go to my second prom next year!! Thank you Quizlet for being here for us during this tough time! You all are amazing!!
As the resident "quiet kid" in my year, Im suprised that Im excited about the schoolyear at all. Ive been practicing social distancing for years, but less for disease, and more for fear of social interaction in general. You don't realise how important that little social interaction you get every now and then is, until you can't have even that anymore. Being almost entirely alone for several months is takes quite it's toll. Excited to try talking to people again, hopefully this time I won't be so scared.
Thanks for the good survey!! I'm also a high schooler and I will be a sophomore next year. I also go to a co-op and am looking forward to seeing friends and learning....I'm hoping we'll be back to normal by then
Honestly just struggling with whether or not I should do math over the summer. OOF>
Yeah, really hope we can meet in-class by the start of next school year. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do all summer.
This was a very interesting survey. I know a lot of people that are graduating this year into either highschool or college.
facts
I miss my friends...
I need a vacation...
I forgot I LOVE HOMEWORK AND READING!
Thanks for the good survey!👍
i feel like now that i do online school at home, im less motivated to do schoolwork. i rather just watch netflix.
that is cool article
The pandemic wasn't a big change for me at all. I was homeschooled ever since pre-school. I recently started going to a co-op school... It did not make much of a difference either. So I guess you could say.. Im doing fine! It gives me a lot of free time. ^^
𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓁. 𝐼 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽! 𝐿𝑒𝓉'𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒹𝑜 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝒹𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁𝓈. 𝒲𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒾𝓉! #𝒬𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂 #𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇'𝓈𝒞𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 #𝒲𝑒𝒞𝒶𝓃𝑀𝒶𝓀𝑒𝐼𝓉𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝒯𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇
I'm ready to go back to school!
I'm exited going back to my school honestly,, I meant,, doing school online is pretty easy, though I would want to see my friends.. I do have some problem with one of my friend also, which sometimes I can't concentrate on myself,, Though even though we can't see in person, we are in this generation that we can see each other online, which is a good thing..?
I can't wait to go back to school. i hated it before but i really miss being with my best friend all the time at school. we do zoom from 915am to 125pm and go in and out to all our classes. we still have to do exams which stinks, but im glad i have a lot more time to watch anime and draw
Survey is really cool! I'm getting worse grades when I was in school, however, this lack of interaction is a bit stressful for me, because I am an extreme talker, and I will interact with whoever is nearest to me. I am a junior, and I am a bit concerned about graduation and a little about all the clubs that I am participating in this year.
I'm so excited to get back to school! I feel as though this online google meet classes just aren't working. When you're at school your main focus is school. At home, distractions are everywhere, its very hard to concentrate.
I am excited for going back to school in the fall, although, as an introvert, I am really enjoying staying at home, and being able to stay at home for school is even better. There are so many people at school and sometimes I just want to hide in a corner. I find online schooling is pretty easy and I could definitely continue. I feel more organized and calmer at home too, I don't have as many distractions and I can focus more on my schoolwork. I hope I get to see my friends soon!
Same, I'm an introvert so I enjoy being at home. However, I really miss my friends and classmates and just roaming the halls and talking to my friends. I also miss being in a real classroom, it is way easier to get distracted like @mollie__edginton said at home than at school.
I really hope it doesn't change how school is too much. Getting ready to hop back into normal. :/
I’m really anxious to come back to school with all the new social distancing restrictions in place, but it will be interesting at the same time because it will be an alien environment to us and it might want to make us work more after not being there for so long.
Iv been homeschooled all my life, so 8th grade at home wont be too bad, but id like to have the Hockey season start back up and its been rly lame not being able to do stupid things with my friends. Also thnx to quizlet i hav never gotten below 75% on my spelling test when i use quizlet...
I've been homeschooled since 1st grade, so quarantine is pretty much the same as any other day for me. However, for the first time in my life, I actually have friends and miss them all so much! I can't wait for this epidemic to be over so that I can hang out with them all again.
I am excited, to be going back to school. Even though i am home schooled, I am excited to be going to school- and becoming a freshman. Really excited for other girls, to do tryouts- at my cheer leading camp- and going back to school, and starting over- be and fresh! Cheers,
I too have been home-schooled all my life, and although it's great being at home, not seeing family and friends can be pretty tough! However, I definitely think that lockdown has created stronger bonds between families around the world (including my own!) Studying at home helps you become disciplined and teaches you to be organised of your work and time, so that's a good thing - you can be proud of yourself for getting things done and being productive ;) Really hope that lockdown will be over soon, I miss my cousins and grandparents so much, and just normal life in general Xx
🙌🙌🙌🙌😒
I want to go back to school to see my friends😭😥
I just wanna see my friends again tbh
online school is too easy yet I still want it to be over lol
same its easy,but it's also all to overwhelming😬😷😤😥
i don't really know how to feel bc while i love some of my teachers there is still the health issue at play
I'm honestly so tired of online school, just want school to go back where I can focus better.
I agree with all of you! I would love to go back to school, but I believe that we might be more prepared for school after this. Hang in there guys, and I'm sure you will be fine!
I dont know what to think, i want Corona to be over and see my friends but i kinda want to stay home because its nice not coming to school so early in the morning.
I just want to see my friends so I am excited
i miss my friends!!! i wish we could actually go back to school normally, not the hybrid they're doing next year...
An interesting detail I noticed was that the % of students more excited about going back to school next year is curiously similar to the % of students who are engaged in learning in our school (60-70%). I wonder if there is a correlation between academic engagement during this time of remote learning and feelings of optimism about the return to school?
These are great statistics! I miss all of my friends too. I'm currently halfway through high school and I want a great rest of high school.
I really miss my friends! It’s kinda scary because I’m doing my GCSEs next year (2021) and I’m worried that it’s going to affect preparation for that! The year above me are getting predicted grades this year for their GCSEs, and I feel really bad for them!!
But yeah, I was glad to read those stats because it lets me know that I’m not alone in missing people/school. I can’t wait to go back! #MissyouRGS!
I do not want to go back at all
Tbh I miss going back to school not gone lie I need to see my friends.#CAHS
I like the distance learning, because it's easier. But I miss actual school!
i hate internet classes they are so annoying and stressful but then again its a way shorter time but id still rather go back to school because at least that would mean corona is over
I have been getting so bored recently... distance learning is a lot less work and I wish I was still in school. I didn't even get to say goodbye to my friends!
ℍ𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕘𝕠 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕀'𝕞 𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕕𝕠 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕘𝕠 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤
This survey proves how every student is different in learning. Some kids needs social interaction where as some don't. The kids that don't will probable do well online and the others that need more social needs the brick and mortar. It's important that parents know how their child learns.
I'm excited!!!
Staying at home is hell, also being at school means your questions can be answered quicker. Also my Art teacher is leaving, we didn't even get to say goodbye :( He was a legend
i just want summer to come so i can (hopefully) go to camp chandler this year! also, exams are really stressful.
Also, Phantom-King21 I agree with your point of view, and I am only in 7th grade. you are probably in high school.
I CAN NOT WAIT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL
I really want to go back to school because my teacher is the best ever!
😁😁😁 Very good survey, I found it interesting to note that for both college and high school, about 4% of students thought that taking care of their family was their biggest concern.
That survey was very informative, thank you. Like LF-Clark, I am homeschooled and will be going into my Sophmore year at our local co-op. I am also extremely extroverted so I REALLY want to see people again and am definitely lookin' forward to school. But hey, lets enjoy this summer while it lasts y'all!
I feel somewhat nervous about this, yet I also am excited to go back to school because I am cooped up in my house all the time
I feel somewhat nervous about this, yet I also am excited to go back to school because I am cooped up in my house all the time Going to 9th grade and ready! BTW This was a great article!!!. Thanks, Quizlet.
going back to school would be ok i the only thing i like about going back is because of all the books to read
i cant wait to see my friends its ben so long
𝓢𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻! #𝓠𝓾𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓶 #𝓢𝓮𝓮𝓨'𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓝𝓮𝔁𝓽𝓨𝓮𝓪𝓻
I feel excited to be able to see everyone again, but doing homeschool has given me so much more time to do other things than just study, and do homework. It's 50-50 🤷♀️
I can't wait to be back in a real classroom with real people and not just a screen! Stay safe everyone!
i can't wait until the country opens up and stops living in fear. i really wanna see my friends again and it would be nice if the economy wasn't falling apart so scholarships could still happen as much as they have for high schoolers
i really don't know how to feel about going back i'm kinda scared
i like your opinion herder_3506... But isn't it better to be safe? I dont think we should open up until we start to really see the cases drop down low(of Covid-19).
i can't wait to go back to school
I'm honestly really excited to go to school and see all my friends again!
Great
I'm excited!!! Although a homeschooler all my life, I'm still excited for the next school year. I'll be a Senior! College here I come!