Who Gets In? Top 5 Factors Considered in the College Admissions Process

GOOD Morning Wilton asked Stephanie Klein Wassink, owner of Wilton-based business AdmissionsCheckup.com, to give some advice about a hot topic of the moment for anyone who’s a high school senior–applying to college.

Ask any high school senior – fall is crunch time for getting college applications completed. Once submitted, waiting for admission is stressful. As a former college admissions officer and a long-time college consultant, I am often asked, “Who gets in?”

While college admissions is considered a druid process steeped in mystery, most admissions officers base their decisions on common elements. According to an annual survey by the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), foremost among these are academics and standardized test scores, with additional factors such as essays, recommendations and extracurricular activities rounding out the picture.

With 750,000 to 1 million high school students applying to U.S. universities each year, it helps to know your advantages. Following are the top factors in the admissions process according to the 2011 NACAC survey of colleges, along with some tips and statistics that can help you recognize and emphasize your assets.

1. Grades & Rigorous Curriculum

Grades in college preparatory courses (rigorous courses) are by far the most important consideration in college admissions. Over 84 percent of survey respondents ranked this “of considerable importance.”

Admissions officers want to see that you have challenged yourself. Taking and doing well in rigorous courses give them a higher degree of certainty that you will be prepared for college work.

Abandoning a core subject (such as math, science or foreign language) early is a problem, as are grades that decline, rather than improve.

2. Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT)

The majority of colleges place great emphasis on SAT and ACT scores, with 60 percent calling them a top priority and 30 percent considering them “of moderate importance.”

Some institutions will superscore, or combine an applicant’s highest verbal, math and writing scores.

According to psychometrics (the study of test-taking), it doesn’t pay to take the SAT or ACT more than twice—the bulk of the population will not improve on a test during subsequent attempts.

3. Essay

While 63 percent of admissions staff rank the student essay as moderately or considerably important, “They do not have to be extraordinary works of art,” according to Brown University dean of admissions James Miller.

Avoid gimmicks (such as writing backwards or in concentric circles), and do not rely on spell-check. “We see a number of candy ‘strippers’ and ‘marital’ arts experts each year,” says Miller.

Be original. Too many students write about their public service trips, sports injuries, or their heartbreaking relationships. Also avoid topics that are too broad to be adequately addressed in a college essay.

4. Counselor & Teacher Recommendations

With 40 percent of colleges rating counselor or teacher recommendations as moderately important, it is wise to request these early and follow up with a thank-you note. Not only is it polite, but it serves as a reminder to guidance counselors/teachers who have yet to send the recommendations.

More is not necessarily better. If you want to send in an additional letter, be sure it adds a new dimension to your application.

5. Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular talents can also be important, especially if there is a need on campus. “For instance,” offers Dean Miller, “does the pep band need a tuba player? (Yes, that does happen.)”

But don’t think joining a bunch of activities in your junior or senior year of high school is fooling anyone. Colleges want to see a consistent track record of involvement.

Finally, watch your behavior on school trips…as well as on social media sites. Peers witnessing inappropriate behavior can report you to your college. It is not unheard of for an acceptance to be rescinded following a bout of bad judgment.

One thing college students and their families need to keep in mind is that it is not hard to get into college. Seventy percent of colleges admit 70 percent of their applicants. While the college application process can be a long road, keep on going — you will get into college!

Stephanie Klein Wassink, a Wilton-based college consultant for more than 15 years, is the founder and principal of AdmissionsCheckup.com. For more information, call 888-667-6219 or email info@admissionscheckup.com.