From Jay Matthews, longtime education writer at The Washington Post, on the question of writing about the pandemic:

A passing mention in a humorous vein, such as “closing school meant I avoided the trauma of junior prom,” might work. The idea is to reveal things about yourself that will impress readers and help them like you. Your darkest thoughts aren’t going to do that. They already know what kind of student you are from the rest of your application.

He’s a reliable source. Here’s his whole analysis.