How to Apply to College: Do You Want to Plan Ahead or Take a Chance?

Access to higher education has long been a contentious issue. While some claim that the system is completely arbitrary, others assert that universities use careful planning and strategy. The goal of this report is to clarify whether or not universities choose students randomly for enrollment. It also offers advice on how to perform better on the college entrance exam and raise your likelihood of admission.

Admissions: At Random or on Purpose?

Admissions with a broad scope:

In contrast to other countries, the United States evaluates potential students using a variety of factors. This is how a “holistic” admissions procedure would work. Academic achievement, test scores, extracurricular and volunteer activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are a few examples. There is some room for interpretation, but the method is not entirely random. University admissions officers seek out students who are well-rounded and will contribute outside of the classroom. Casinos and higher education may not initially seem to have anything in common. Looking at the randomness in both processes, however, reveals some fascinating similarities. How do ideas like probability and luck factor into situations like applying to colleges and playing slots? Both the college application process and playing slots involve a certain element of chance. By enhancing their credentials and effort through the strategic and comprehensive college admissions process, applicants can improve their chances of acceptance. On the other hand, player skill or strategy are completely irrelevant when playing slots because they are entirely controlled by random number generators (RNGs). The comparison serves as a gentle reminder that even when it seems randomness and chance are the norm, people can still improve their outcomes by making informed decisions and making strategic efforts. Visit SpinGenie.com to learn more about the randomness of slot machines.

Admissions representative:

The admissions department of a school is in charge of processing applications and selecting applicants. They are competent and always abide by the policies established by the business. This ensures that the process will produce a highly random result. The admissions process becomes less random and more strategic when the institution’s values and objectives are taken into account.

How to Perform Better on Tests and Get Accepted to College:

1. Successfully finish challenging courses

Students who have taken difficult courses and have kept up high GPAs are valued by colleges. Nearly three-quarters of colleges surveyed by the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) in 2019 viewed students’ course grades as being extremely important. A good GPA gets you through the first round, says Christina Skeldon, a college advisor and executive functioning coach with JBG Educational Group. “The next step is to emphasize the unique characteristics that make this student stand out. What did they engage in outside of school? If not a student, then who else do you suppose they are?”Take as many advanced classes as you can, especially in your junior and senior years, as over 80% of schools ranked curriculum rigor as at least somewhat important. Think carefully before selecting between IB, AP, and Honors courses. University officials “like to see that students challenged themselves and took higher-level courses in areas in which they are strong,” according to Skeldon

2. Have a strong SAT/ACT score

SAT/ACT scores continue to be helpful predictors of whether an applicant will be admitted to a four-year university despite the recent rise in popularity of test-optional policies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NACAC survey found that more than four out of five institutions gave the results of standardized test results a moderate to high priority. You should still submit your test results even if a particular university doesn’t ask for them. Many students take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year to determine whether they need to retake it in the fall of their senior year. Utilizing official practice questions and tests, many of which are free of charge, is the most effective way to get ready for either exam. Additionally, you can get assistance with SAT or ACT preparation by hiring a tutor, registering for a class, or buying a book.

3. Compose an effective personal statement

Considering that many universities no longer require the SAT or ACT for admission, the personal statement is more important than ever. The essay or writing sample was important to more than half of the colleges and universities surveyed by NACAC. One of your best marketing resources is the essay you submit. “An outstanding essay reveals who the student is beyond a GPA or test scores,” claims Skeldon. Spend some time selecting the best prompt and coming up with a novel approach. The goal is to share a fascinating personal story.

4. Show interest

According to the NACAC, 40% of the institutions surveyed used prospective students’ level of interest as a criterion for admission. You can show that you are interested in attending a school by going on a tour, speaking with the admissions officers, and visiting the campus. Skeldon emphasized the value of an official visit. I think it is positive when a student asks the admissions office for an interview because some universities still require them. Following the school on social media, taking part in online seminars for prospective students, and getting in touch with professors in your intended area of study are all wise moves.

5. Obtain powerful letters of recommendation

Grades and test results cannot reveal a candidate’s character, but letters of recommendation can. Selecting references who will speak highly of you and your abilities, achievements, and character is crucial. Three to five letters of recommendation are typically requested from high school guidance counselors and teachers. When making your request, be courteous. A month before any application deadlines, be sure to ask. Leave plenty of time for your recommender to draft a strong letter of recommendation.

diverse applications to colleges

A student should apply to all three of their “safety,” “match,” and “reach” schools. Ask the guidance counselor at your high school about the colleges you might apply to and their acceptance rates. You stand a good chance of being accepted if you choose these individuals as your matches and safeties. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to consider “reach schools,” or institutions with a lower likelihood of admitting you. Remember that the vast majority of students cannot afford to attend prestigious private universities like Stanford or Ivy League schools. Your chances of being accepted by at least one school increase if you apply to many of them.

7. Select Early Admission

According to research, students who apply to their top schools earlier have a better chance of getting in. This is because colleges typically accept a greater number of applicants during early decision and early action admissions periods. Skeldon consistently emphasizes the significance of submitting applications on time. Early November is the best time to submit an application for both programs. The sooner your application for admission is reviewed—at the latest in December—the better. Prospective students can choose between “early decision” and “early action” when submitting their early college applications. The former calls for an unwavering dedication to an organization, whereas the latter does not.

8. Reputation control

Admissions officers are increasingly looking into applicants’ social media profiles to get to know them better and to search for red flags that might make them think twice before accepting them. Remove anything embarrassing or inappropriate from your online profiles before submitting college applications. Skeldon recommended keeping social media accounts private and emphasized the importance of using an email address with a business-related domain. Make sure there are no unfavorable postings about you by conducting a Google search for your name.

9. Seek Assistance

You shouldn’t attempt the college application process by yourself. As you complete the application preparation process, seek advice from teachers and counselors who have knowledge of the admissions process. You can also ask your parents, friends, and older siblings for advice on the application process and college life. Finally, before submitting your application, make sure it is error-free. The importance of getting a second opinion on your work was emphasized by Skeldon. One cannot overstate the significance of using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.