College Admission: Here’s How it Works
Query a teen about his/her greatest sources of pressure and you can bet your house that college admission is up there.
To make the process even more stressful (to parents as well as students), many people are confused about how it works. Perhaps we can clarify things a bit here.
As you probably know, a student’s transcript is generally his or her most important voice . But, it is not just the grades on it that are important, it is also the challenge of a student’s program. Honors courses, AP courses, and a willingness to take courses outside of a student’s comfort zone are nearly always highly valued by admissions committee members.
And, the more selective the college, the greater the importance of a rigorous high school senior year. A light senior load is looked on with a great deal of suspicion, and with good reason, as the rigor of a student’s senior year has proven to be a valuable predictor of college success.
SAT’s or ACT’s are still a major factor at most colleges, although not all. But, it is still true that they are less important than what is on a student’s transcript.
Not all colleges require recommendations, and they are seldom of great importance unless they are extremely positive or significantly negative. Positive recommendations which students have not waived the right to see may carry less weight for obvious reasons.
Extra-curricular activities, work experience, and community service, unless extraordinary, are generally less important to admissions committees than most people believe. Being “well rounded” seldom compensates for academic deficiencies or gives an applicant’s candidacy a big boost.
Occasionally there are exceptions for legacies, athletes, or the children of influential parents. But, they are exceptions, and most colleges limit exceptions to a very small percentage of the incoming class.
Essays, when required, are likely to be a tip factor, unless spectacularly compelling or (more frequently) spectacularly bad. An institution’s desire for ethnic, racial, cultural and/or geographic diversity may also tip the scales a bit in favor of some applicants.
The final factor that carries significant weight at some institutions may surprise you because it is a factor about which some colleges may be less than forthcoming. It is the perceived level of interest a prospective student has in an institution. Students whose actions during the admissions cycle demonstrate high interest in an institution may be more likely to be admitted than students who seem less likely to enroll if accepted.
Some colleges have entirely objective admissions criteria; complete a prescribed college prep curriculum, earn a specified GPA, meet the required ACT or SAT minimum, and you’ll have a place in the freshman class. Unfortunately, at most institutions, the outcome is less certain because numerous variables, many of which are not easily quantifiable, are considered. So, what can students do? Do the best they can in the classroom and in their community, and be realistic about their college choices. Especially important is choosing a minimum of two colleges which are a good match and are virtually certain to tender offers of admission.