What College Admissions Is and Isn’t
Admission into any college is a highly competitive and complex process that may be intimidating for students and parents. Several myths and misconceptions about college admission can make it difficult to grasp what is and isn’t crucial in the U.S. university application process. In this article, we hope to clarify what college admissions is and is not.
A high GPA and standardized test score are crucial to a successful application, though they do not guarantee admission.
Universities admit students they believe have what it takes to succeed in the rigors of a college education. The most feasible way to estimate students’ collegiate potential is to evaluate past academic performance. Grades in high school transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendations, and essays are often the “key components” in college admission decisions, according to U.S. News. Even so, impressive high school transcripts and standardized test scores can’t guarantee admission.
Admissions committees also consider extracurricular activities, work experience, community service, and leadership qualities. They “try to learn about your character by looking at what you do outside the classroom,” offered the College Board. Even if an applicant’s GPA or standardized test score is just below or barely at a school’s median, it would not rule them out. It could, however, affect an applicant’s likelihood of admission or change the weights given to other components, such as letters of recommendation and community service. Demonstrating unique skill sets and accomplishments outside the classroom or having a strong letter of recommendation will help an applicant stand out.
College admission is not a one-size-fits-all procedure.
Each college and university has its admission criteria, which can differ significantly between schools. Many schools do holistic admissions, which “attempts to measure qualities that aren’t quantifiable and are usually gleaned from an applicant’s extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations,” reported The Atlantic, “but many admissions offices at less-selective colleges make the bulk of their decisions by assessing the rigor of an applicant’s high school courses and grades. In some cases, ACT and SAT scores matter, too.” Students should research each school of interest to understand their specific admissions requirements and how to tailor their applications accordingly.
Applying to college is not a four-month process.
What students do in the years leading up to submitting their applications defines the content and quality of those applications. The National Association for College Admission Counseling suggests that it is “never too early for students to begin the college search process” and “is often beneficial for Middle School students to attend” events such as college fairs. Colleges admire students who take challenging courses and participate in extracurricular activities consistently and across time. Throughout the multi-year process, students should develop relationships with teachers and mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Summary
College admissions is a multifaceted, complex process that requires self-reflection, meticulous planning, and time. While good grades and test scores are essential, admissions officers want to see more than a high GPA and SAT or ACT score. Other application components are opportunities to showcase strengths and unique abilities or perspectives that can help persuade admissions officers to admit. Admissions officers want to “identify students who will make great additions to a unique campus community,” according to the Princeton Review.
At Preppid, we understand how daunting the college application process can be for students and parents. That’s why we created a comprehensive online platform to provide personalized guidance and support for students throughout their college application journey. We are here to support students and their families throughout the application process, including essay reviews, financial aid guidance, tailoring applications to each school, preparing for interviews, and helping students and parents stay organized and on track. With Preppid, students can gain the insights and feedback needed to successfully apply to college and make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
