Rhiannon Schade
Director of College Counseling
Collegewise of Millburn
At most colleges, admission decisions are made holistically. But what does that mean? Essentially, it’s assessing a combination of factors to determine your academic readiness as well as your overall “fit” at the school. Typically your high school classes, academic rigor, and grades are the most important factors in college admission decisions. What classes have you taken, exactly? To what degree have you pursued all core academic areas (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language)? Have you taken those courses at the most challenging level that is manageable to you (keep in mind you will not be penalized if AP or honors courses are not offered at your high school)?
Scores from standardized tests also play a role in admission decisions at most colleges. When it comes to your academic credentials, it’s probably no surprise that the stronger they are, the more plentiful your college opportunities will be. However, colleges also look at how you spend your time outside of class: Do you invest your time wisely? Do you have the capacity to care deeply about everything in which you are involved? Have you shown initiative? Then colleges look at your recommendations: Are you pleasant and engaged in the classroom? Are you intellectually curious? Are you determined? Finally, admission officers will read your application essay and ask themselves whether or not you seem like the type of person who would fit in and do well at their institution. Your credentials are discussed and admission officers—sometimes individuals and sometimes by committee—arrive at a decision by considering all of the above factors.
John Chopka
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Messiah University
While admission counselors enjoy seeing the common “stats” that a student reports (test scores, grade point average, class rank, etc.), we also appreciate knowing what motivates a student to learn. Behind all of the statistics and lists of activities and achievements is a real person with goals and dreams. Students who are able to articulate who they are and what they hope to become will catch the eye of an admission committee. Students need to be genuine and true to themselves in what they present in college application materials. A little creativity does not hurt!
Robert G. Springall
Former Dean of Admissions
Bucknell University
Most college admission committees are looking for answers to the same questions when they read applications, so be sure to focus on the following three things:
- Can you be successful at this college? When applying, you should have all the required and at least some of the recommended high school courses a school wants. Your grades and test scores should be comparable to previously admitted and enrolled students at that institution. If your grades and/or scores are below average, be sure to identify attributes you can bring to that campus.
- How can you benefit from attending this college? Show how you’re prepared to learn and grow from the programs at that institution. Are you aware of your own limitations and areas you need to develop to be a solid college student and successful graduate? Explain that the college has programs and activities that match your interests and goals.
- How will you contribute to the community at this college? Demonstrate how you can be a positive addition to the campus through academic success, involvement in activities, and/or personal contributions to the campus and your fellow students. This includes being a good classmate to your peers, an active participant in campus life, and a student your professors will want to teach and mentor.
If you’re applying to any college that admits roughly less than a third of its applicants—schools known as highly competitive or selective in admission circles—all you can do is put your best foot forward. The decision to admit you will be based both on your characteristics and how you stack up against other applicants.
For more advice from our experts, visit our Ask the Experts—College Admission section!