Online Colleges

Question a high schooler about his/her greatest sources of stress and you can bet that college admission is close to the top of the list.

To make the process even more stressful (to parents as well as students), many people are confused about how it works. Perhaps we can clarify things a bit here.

Sure, a student’s high school transcript is critically important. But, when an admissions committee reviews transcripts, it looks at more than grades and GPA. The more selective colleges are very focused on the degree to which students challenge themselves as demonstrated by AP courses, honors courses, and courses that may not come easily to them.

Similarly, admissions committees at selective institutions expect students to carry a rigorous academic load for four years. A light twelfth grade schedule can mean the kiss of death.

ACT and SAT scores do not carry the same weight everywhere that they once did; in fact, some institutions no longer require them. However, they remain a major factor at many colleges and universities. The one constant is that virtually no college believes that standardized test scores do a better job of predicting college success than academic achievement.

Fewer colleges than ever require recommendations, but they can be important if they are strong enough or weak enough. If you are certain your recommendations will be good, waive your right to see them; it might increase their weight.

Extra-curricular activities, work experience, and community service, unless extraordinary, are generally less important to admissions committees than most people believe. Being “well rounded” seldom compensates for academic deficiencies or gives an applicant’s candidacy a big boost.

Are there exceptions? Are athletes, legacies (children of alumni), and the well connected sometimes given a break? The answer is yes, but the vast majority of students fall within the published profiles of the colleges they attend.

Essays, when required, are likely to be no more than a tip factor, unless their quality (high or low) make them stand out. An institution’s wish for diversity (ethnic, racial, cultural, or geographic) may also influence a small percentage of admissions decisions.

Here is a factor that surprises many families, because it’s not often discussed. As a result of institutional ego, and the desire to be viewed as prestigious, colleges may deny admission to students they feel are unlikely to enroll while admitting weaker applicants who appear more likely to attend if granted admission. That is why experienced counselors advise students to visit colleges, meet with admissions counselors at college fairs, and take other steps to demonstrate serious interest in the colleges to which they decide to apply.

Some colleges have very straightforward admissions criteria; complete a prescribed group of courses, achieve specified GPA’s and test scores, and you’re in. Those colleges are in the minority; at most, there are numerous variables that can come into play. The solution is to not agonize over the process. Instead, do the best you can in the classroom and in your community, and be sure that your college list includes two institutions which are a good fit for you and are almost certain to offer you admission.