College Admissions, Change or Strategic?

Getting into college has been a hotly contested subject for years. Some claim that universities employ careful planning and strategy, while others assert that the system is wholly arbitrary. Do universities primarily consider standardized test scores and GPAs when making admissions decisions, or is there a lottery system in place? By using the advice in this book, you can raise your SAT or ACT scores and increase your chances of getting into college.

Is the admissions process arbitrary or purposeful?

Process for Admissions:

University admissions officers in the United States consider a number of factors before making a final decision. Admissions that are “holistic” can be described in this way. Grades, test results, extracurricular pursuits, community service, personal statements, and letters of recommendation are a few examples. Although there is some room for interpretation, the process is not entirely random. College admissions officers seek out applicants who are well-rounded and have unique perspectives and life experiences to offer. You might not immediately see the similarities between completing a college application and playing the slots in a casino. However, both processes are amenable to analogies because they both involve randomness. In this analysis, the influence of luck on college admissions decisions is contrasted with the casino slot machine odds. Applying to colleges is similar to playing the slots in that everything depends on luck. Successful applicants are aware that their best chance of increasing their chances of acceptance is through a strategic and comprehensive college admissions process. Contrarily, slot machines are run entirely by random number generators (RNGs), making any player skill or strategy irrelevant. The comparison serves as a gentle reminder that, despite the appearance that chance and randomness are the norm, people can improve their outcomes by making informed decisions and making deliberate efforts.

Admissions officers’ responsibilities:

On the basis of the data applicants submit in their applications, admissions officers are in charge of assessing candidates and making decisions. They are leaders in their industry and never veer from corporate guidelines. This makes sure the procedure produces a truly random result. Because the institution’s values and goals are taken into consideration, the admissions process is less random and more strategic.

Tips to Improve Test Performance and College Acceptance Chances:

1. Obtain Good Grades in Difficult Courses

Applications from students who have demonstrated academic excellence through high GPAs and successful completion of challenging coursework are given more weight by colleges and universities. The National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) conducted a survey in 2019 and found that nearly 75% of schools place a high value on students’ academic performance. According to Christina Skeldon, a college counselor and executive functioning coach at JBG Educational Group, “a good GPA gets you through the first round.” “The next step is to concentrate on what distinguishes this particular student. How did they pass their free time when they weren’t in class? The only logical explanation for their occupation is that they are a student. Since more than 80% of schools ranked curriculum rigor as at least somewhat important, it is in your best interest to enroll in as many challenging courses as you can, particularly in your junior and senior years. The courses you choose for honors, AP, or IB should be carefully thought out. According to Skeldon, universities “like to see that students challenged themselves and took higher-level courses in areas that they are strong in.”

2. Increase SAT/ACT scores.

Despite test-optional policies becoming more and more popular in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAT/ACT scores continue to be reliable predictors of admission to a four-year university. Over 80% of colleges and universities, according to the NACAC, place a moderate to high value on students’ test results. You should still send your SAT or ACT scores even if the college or university doesn’t request them. The SAT or ACT is frequently taken by high school juniors in the spring of their junior year to determine whether they will need to retake the test in the fall of their senior year. Utilizing the official practice questions and tests, which are widely accessible for free online, is the best way to prepare for either exam. For SAT/ACT preparation, there are also good options like classes, books, and tutoring.

3. Compose an Effective Personal Statement

The personal statement is now more crucial than ever because many colleges and universities no longer require the SAT or ACT for admission. According to NACAC research, 51% of colleges and universities value writing samples or essays. A major selling point of your application is your essay. Skeldon claims that an essay written well can reveal more about a candidate than their GPA or test results. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel or choose a topic hastily. To share a quirky fact about your life is the idea here.

4. Express Interest

A recent NACAC study found that for 40% of the schools surveyed, the level of interest displayed by potential students is a key factor. Visit the school, take a tour, and speak with current students and staff members to demonstrate to admissions officers that you are serious about enrolling there. Skeldon insisted on a legitimate visit. I believe it presents well when a student contacts the admissions department and asks for an interview because some schools still demand them. It’s also a good idea to interact with professors in your intended field, follow the school on social media, and sign up for online seminars targeted at prospective students.

5. Recommendations that are Secure and Strong

Because they provide insight into an applicant’s character beyond what is revealed by their academic performance and test results, recommendations letters are crucial. Having references who can attest to your skills, accomplishments, and character is crucial for this reason. During the senior year of high school, teachers and guidance counselors are typically asked to write three to five letters of recommendation. Make your request in a suitable way. Make sure to inquire about this at least a month before any submission deadlines. Give your recommender plenty of time to compose a stellar letter of recommendation on your behalf.

6. Submit Applications to a Variety of Colleges

Students should submit applications to all three of their top schools (safety, match, and reach). Consult the guidance counselor at your high school about the colleges you plan to apply to and your chances of admission. If you pick these people as your matches and safeties, you have a good chance of fitting in. Following that, it’s time to start thinking about “reach schools,” or those with a slim chance of accepting you. Remember that the majority of students cannot afford to attend highly selective private universities like Stanford or even highly selective colleges like those in the Ivy League. Your chances of getting accepted by at least one school increase if you apply to several.

7. Select a plan for early admission

According to research, sending in applications to colleges and universities early increases the likelihood of acceptance. This is because during early decision and early action periods, more students are admitted to colleges. Skeldon is adamant that applications be submitted as soon as possible. You should submit your applications for both programs in early November. You should learn more about your admissions status much sooner if you submit your application before the December deadline. If accepted, early decision applicants make a legally binding commitment to enroll at their preferred institution. Students participating in early action are exempt from these demands.

8. Maintain Your Online Image

Officers in charge of making admission decisions are increasingly doing online background checks on candidates, including looking through their social media profiles. Before submitting your college applications, delete any embarrassing or inappropriate content from your online profiles. Skeldon advised individuals to keep their social media accounts private and emphasized the significance of using a business email address. To make sure your name isn’t associated with anything unfavorable, it’s a good idea to Google it.

9. Seek assistance when necessary

You shouldn’t submit your college applications on your own. If you get lost while completing your application, speak with a guidance counselor or instructor who has relevant experience. Other excellent sources of information about applying to colleges and settling into campus life include parents, friends, and older siblings. Check your application once more for grammatical errors. Skeldon emphasized the importance of getting other people’s opinions on your work. The importance of using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation cannot be overstated.