 What
Colleges Look For In Admitting Students
Author: Todd Johnson
Colleges look at many different factors in deciding which
students to admit. To complicate matters these factors,
and the weight given to each, differs from school to school.
However, in general terms, colleges are looking for students
who have the academic ability to succeed at their school.
They begin that process by looking at the courses taken
in high school, the grades received, the student's standing
relative to their classmates, and their test scores.
Once they have determined that a particular student could
succeed academically, many schools will look at a variety
of other factors. Some of the other factors are discussed
below.
In general terms, larger state schools tend to rely more
on grades and test scores. The smaller the school and
the more selective the school, the more factors are generally
considered in deciding whether to admit a particular student.
To determine what factors for admission are looked at
by any particular school you should ask an admission counselor
from that school.
Academic Achievement Reviewed
Your Transcript
The colleges will look at the level of difficulty of the
courses you took and the grades received in those courses.
They will also be looking to see if you challenged yourself
by taking advantage of the AP and accelerated courses that
are available.
Class Rank
The colleges will review your GPA and where you rank in
your class
Standardized Test Scores
SAT I, SAT II and ACT. How well did you do on the standardized
tests compared to the average candidate to that school.
Teacher and Counselor Recommendations
Most schools have forms that they ask your teachers and
counselor to complete. These forms provide specific information
about strengths, accomplishments, areas of improvement and
recommendations
Achievements/Awards/Scholarships
What academic awards have you received.
Academic Interest (Major)
Some schools have a reputation in a particular area of study.
At such schools, it may be easier to gain admission if you
are planning on studying a major for which they are not
known.
Personal Achievement Reviewed
The list of factors a particular college is looking for
in a student in a particular year varies widely. Listed
below are some other factors that may be considered:
Extracurricular Activities
The college will be looking at the amount of time you spent
in your activities and whether you held a leadership role.
The more time involved and the greater the involvement (i.e.
captain of a team), the more impressive your activities
will look. Remember that colleges are not looking for the
well-rounded student; they are looking for a well-rounded
first year class.
Character Traits
What traits do you possess that reflects on your leadership,
fellowship, inspiration, discipline or determination?
Interview
The interview can give put a face to your application and
might highlight a special talent or problem in your record.
Recommendations
What sort of person and student do your teachers and counselor
think you are?
Summer Experiences
What have you done in the summer and how has that influenced
your life/perspective? Don’t worry if you haven’t had any
great experience during the summer. Most schools are impressed
by someone working during the summer to save money for school.
It reflects a certain level of maturity to be able to hold
a job.
Other Considerations
The list of factors a particular college is looking for
in a student in a particular year varies widely. Listed
below are some other factors that may be considered:
Gender
Many schools try to achieve as close to a 50-50 balance
between men and women as possible. Depending on the school,
this may give one sex or the other an advantage if the school
needs more men or more women.
Family
Background, Race or Ethnicity
Students who are the first in their family to go to college
are often given additional consideration. This is also true
if you are of an ethnic background that school seeks for
diversity.
Residence
Schools are often looking for geographical diversity in
their students.
Special Talents
If you are particularly talented in some area (art, music,
writing, athletics, etc.) you may be given more consideration.
Area of Interest
If you have a particular interest that is very unusual and
to which you have devoted a great deal of time, you may
get additional consideration.
Legacy
Status
Many schools give preference if one of your parents or siblings
has previously attended the college to which you are applying.
Financial Need
Some schools make admission decisions based on whether you
are seeking financial aid or not.
Disciplinary Issues
If you have been disciplined by your school, the colleges
will look closely at what occurred.
About the
author: Todd Johnson, a lawyer and
college consultant, is the principal college admission consultant
for College Admissions Partners. Todd provides personalized
service to help students and families through the complete
college admissions and financial aid process. He can be
reached through the website College
Admissions Partners |
