The Top 5 Factors in College Admissions
The college admissions process can be confusing and frustrating, to say the least. Each college has unique requirements, ranging from what standardized tests it recognizes to how many years of a foreign language you'll need to take. Luckily, there are some common benchmarks universal to almost every school. A national survey* of college admissions officers identified the 5 most important factors they consider when evaluating candidates.
1. Grades in College Prep Courses
For the tenth year in a row, college admissions officers agree that the primary factor in a student's acceptance is academic performance in a strong high school curriculum.
Although some students' class choices arise out of convenience, keep in mind that admissions departments use them to gauge both your ambition and ability. Advanced Placement* courses are a fantastic way to get college-level experience (and credit), but you don't necessarily need them on your transcript to make an impression. Any solid curriculum should include progressive classes in English, math, science and social studies, with complementary courses in computers and a foreign language.
These classes not only provide the academic background you'll need—they're also great indicators of how you'll perform in a college setting. Managing a number of challenging courses shows your ability to multitask and prioritize—two keys to good college study habits.
2. Scores on Standardized Tests
You know all about the importance of the SAT and ACT, so it'll come as no surprise that standardized test scores ranked as the second most important factor in college admissions. In fact, the percentage of admissions officers who characterized these tests as of "considerable importance" jumped 5% since last year and has risen almost 20% since 1992. This trend is a sign of the times. With the number and quality of college applicants on the rise, standardized tests have become the one factor that admissions departments can use to easily—and cheaply—distinguish between candidates.
The good news is that standardized test scores are a factor you can certainly improve. Grades and class rank can be tough to correct if you've slipped up even a little in the past. Standardized tests, on the other hand, can be taken again. Plus, there are tons of resources available to help you succeed. Once you buckle down and see your score jump, you'll be happy these tests are such a factor.
3. Grades in All Courses
While college admissions officers look first to your grades in college prep courses, don't forget about the rest of your classes. Your overall grades are the third most important factor in college admissions.
The next time you're slacking off in phys-ed or bemoaning a bio lab because you know you want to be a social worker, remember that these grades matter just as much as those in your favorite subjects—maybe even more so. Admissions officers look for balanced and disciplined applicants, and getting good grades in only certain areas will send up a red flag. Demonstrate that you're capable of handling a variety of material and can succeed even when the subject matter isn't your strong suit.
4. Class Rank
Admissions officers list a student's class rank as the fourth most important factor in college admissions. Only 45% of American high schools maintain class rankings, so don't be overly concerned if your school doesn't employ them—you're actually in the majority. Most small or private high schools don't use class rank at all, and it is most prevalent at public schools with enrollment of more than 1,500 students.
If your high school does maintain rankings, be aware that they are still a major criterion in college admissions—especially within certain categories of schools. The colleges that place the most importance on class rank are private institutions. 78% replied that it is of "moderate or considerable importance." The other colleges that consider rank heavily are those that are aggressive and competitive in their recruitment. Do these sound like any of your target schools?
5. The College Application Essay
The college application essay ranked as the fifth most important factor in college admissions decisions. It is the most significant of what counselors categorize as the "tip factors." These other facets of your application play decisive roles—especially at highly selective schools and in competitive admissions pools.
In many cases, the essay is the element of your application that you have the most immediate control over. Grades and test scores require a concerted effort over time, but most essays can be improved drastically with a little structure and creativity. You can make up a lot of ground quickly in the admissions department's eyes if you tell an engaging story and tell it well. Use your essay as an opportunity to describe yourself in terms that won't come across in simple numbers.
*Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling, "The State of College Admissions 2002-2003."
