The college admissions process can be intimidating. It requires students to submit an application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation—typically from teachers and counselors but also coaches, mentors, spiritual leaders, employers, community organizers, and volunteers—and sometimes personal statements or essays. Standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT are important for many colleges, although class rank is declining in importance. Extracurricular activities and well-written essays are also key.
Grades
During the College admissions process, applicants must fill out an application, write an essay, provide letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, high school academic transcripts, and attend interviews. All of these factors affect a student’s chances of being admitted to their top-choice colleges. Grades are an essential part of the admissions equation because research has shown that day-in and day-out grades better predict a student’s academic performance in college than one single standardized test score taken under unusual circumstances. Admissions officers also take note of upward grade trends. Students who start off their freshman year with a low GPA but then make consistent A’s during upper level classes show commitment and dedication, which is very appealing to admissions officers.
However, many schools weigh freshman and sophomore grades less heavily than junior and senior grades. This is because they understand that it can take time for students to adjust to the higher workload and course rigor of high school.
Test Scores
With more students applying to college than ever before, competition is fierce. A higher test score-even a few points on the SAT or ACT-could make the difference between acceptance and being put on the waitlist. It’s important to talk with your counselor and admissions staff about the colleges you’re interested in to determine whether it makes sense to submit test scores. Many colleges have made the choice to be test-optional or even test-blind, though some still require them. It’s worth knowing how each school uses these scores, as they can be an important indicator of readiness for college-level work.
However, research has shown that test-based admissions measures are prone to biases. Unequal access to test preparation resources and high-quality educational experiences, as well as cultural and social capital, can lead to a significant disparity in test results. These biases make it difficult to use standardized tests as objective benchmarks in the admission process. However, there are a number of factors that are more reliable than test scores in college admissions decisions.
Extracurricular Activities
College admission teams want to see that you are engaged outside of the classroom. They know that teens who are interested in pursuits beyond academics tend to do better in school. You should take part in a variety of extracurricular activities, but be careful not to go overboard. Too many activities can signal that you haven’t found your passion, and too few can show a lack of commitment. It’s best to select activities that are related to the subjects you plan to study at college. For example, you should join the school paper or yearbook team if you plan to study journalism in college.
Community service activities also make a good choice, as do hobbies and working while you’re in high school. Whether it’s volunteering to clean your neighborhood, tutoring younger students or even participating in space camp over the summer, these activities can give a strong picture of who you are. They can also be used in your personal essays.
Essays
Essays, or personal statements, are an important part of many college applications. These essays, sometimes called “supplemental essays,” let applicants expand on their activities, interests and leadership experiences in a way that isn’t as limited by space as the other sections of the application. At the more selective private schools, such as the Ivies, admissions committees consider applicants’ academic records, test scores and extracurricular activities to make their initial decisions, but the essays help them learn more about the applicants’ personalities and backgrounds. The essays become especially critical for these colleges, which may receive applications from highly qualified students with similar grades and test scores.
The best essays are those that focus on one experience or quirk that reveals something about the applicant’s personality and strengths, experts say. It’s also a good idea to have teachers, guidance counselors and family members read your essay before you submit it. Also avoid plagiarism, which can be easily detected by some colleges.
Conclusion
Students can boost their chances by taking challenging courses. Admissions officers also want to see that applicants have a well-rounded high school experience and extracurricular activities. Additional criteria, used to varying degrees, include legacy preferences (family members who attended the college), athletic ability, perceived fit and a subjective evaluation of student character.
