How Do Colleges Decide Who Gets Admitted?

As college admissions experts, we’re often asked about the secret formula for getting into top schools. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but understanding the factors that influence admissions decisions can help students put their best foot forward.

The Holistic Review Process

Most colleges today use a holistic admissions process, which means they look at the whole applicant, not just their grades and test scores. This approach aims to understand each student's unique experiences, potential, and fit within the institution's community. It also allows schools to build diverse, well-rounded classes that align with their institutional goals. 

Key Factors in Admissions Decisions

• Academic Performance

  • Grades in college prep courses are typically the most significant factor.

  • The rigor of a student's curriculum is also crucial, with colleges favoring those who challenge themselves with AP, IB, or other advanced classes.

• Standardized Test Scores

• While some schools remain test-optional, many still consider SAT or ACT scores as an important factor.

• Essays and Personal Statements

• These provide insight into your personality, writing skills, and potential contributions to campus life.

• Letters of Recommendation

• Insights from teachers and counselors can highlight your character and classroom performance.

• Extracurricular Activities

• Colleges look for depth of involvement rather than a long list of superficial activities.

• Demonstrated Interest

• Some schools consider how much interest a student has shown in attending, through campus visits, early applications, or engagement with admissions events and regional admissions officers.

• Demonstrated interest can have a significant impact on college admission decisions, particularly for selective institutions. 15.7% of colleges rate demonstrated interest as considerably important, while 28% consider it moderately important in their admissions decisions.

• Personal Qualities

• Colleges value character traits such as: leadership potential, initiative and willingness to take risks, sense of social responsibility, integrity and ethical decision-making, intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas. These qualities demonstrate an applicant's potential to thrive in a college environment and contribute positively to the campus community.

• Life experiences

• Admissions officers consider an applicant's background and experiences, such as overcoming personal challenges or obstacles and family responsibilities or unique family dynamics. These experiences provide context for an applicant's achievements and can highlight their resilience, maturity, and diverse perspectives.

• Potential contributions to campus

• Colleges seek students who will enrich the campus community. They look for special talents or abilities, unique perspectives and backgrounds, commitment to service and community involvement, and potential for leadership in various campus activities. By considering these factors, colleges aim to create a diverse and dynamic student body that will enhance the educational experience for all students

Reasons for Holistic Admissions 

Colleges embrace holistic admissions for a variety of reasons. A holistic admissions process helps create a diverse student body with varied perspectives and experiences. It also allows for a more equitable evaluation of students from different backgrounds. Finally, holistic admissions helps identify students who will thrive academically and contribute positively to campus life.

Variations in Admissions Approaches

It's important to note that different types of institutions may weigh these factors differently:

• Large public universities often rely more heavily on quantitative measures like GPA and test scores.

• Highly selective private universities tend to dig deeper into qualitative factors like essays and recommendations.

• Small liberal arts colleges may place more emphasis on fit and demonstrated interest.

Beyond the Numbers: Hidden Factors

Admissions decisions aren't made in a vacuum. Colleges also consider:

• Institutional Priorities: Each college has its own mission and goals. Admissions decisions are made with these in mind, aiming to build a well-rounded class that aligns with the institution's values. Schools may be looking to increase diversity, boost certain academic programs, or meet other strategic goals. 

• Class Composition: Admissions officers aim to build a well-rounded class with diverse talents, interests, and backgrounds.

• Ability to Pay: Some colleges consider financial need in their decisions, while others are need-blind.

Tips for Prospective Students

• Start Early: Begin planning for college freshman year of high school. Use freshman year to look for activities you’re passionate about and excited to engage in throughout high school.

• Challenge Yourself: Take the most rigorous courses available at your school.

• Maintain Strong Grades: Consistent performance in all courses matters. While holistic admissions consider many factors, academic performance remains crucial.

• Pursue Passionate Involvement: Engage deeply in extracurriculars you genuinely care about. Pursue meaningful extracurricular activities and develop your unique talents . Depth of involvement in a few areas is more impressive than a long list of superficial activities.

• Craft Authentic Essays: Use your personal statement to showcase your unique voice and experiences.

• Authentic Representation: Showcase your true self in your application, highlighting personal growth and overcoming challenges. Authenticity is valued in the holistic process. Avoid exaggeration or misrepresentation.

• Show Interest: If you're excited about a school, let them know through campus visits and engagement with admissions officers and events.

Holistic admissions offers a more comprehensive way for colleges to evaluate applicants, giving you the opportunity to showcase your full potential. By understanding this process, you can better prepare a strong, well-rounded application that truly represents who you are and what you can bring to a college community.

Remember, the goal is not just to get into college, but to find the right fit where you can thrive and grow. Embrace the holistic approach as a chance to shine in all aspects of your life and experiences.