Admissions Decisions

Part Two of Three Parts

What happens behind closed doors in admissions offices? At most colleges, applicationare read by at least two people. Often, one reader is the admissionofficer assigned to that student’region, someone who knows the high school and can put the student’s academic record in context. If two readers agree that a student should be admitted or deniedthat is likely to be the decision. Ithere’s a difference of opinion, the

application will go to a third readeor to committee. At some smalleschools, all applications are reviewed by committee. Many highly selective collegegive students numerical ratings in categories like academic promiseextracurricular activities and character/personal qualities. If the scale is 1

to 9 and a student gets 9s in all categories from two readers, that student is going to be admitted. Studenton the bubble, with 6s or 7s, mighgo to committee, and ratings below 6 are not likely to be admitted. Because the competition has become so intense and admission decisions can seem arbitrary and unpredictable, I advise my highly qualified students who are determined to attend an elite college thathey need to apply to quite a few othem. A student might get into Yale but not Princeton, Harvard but noStanford, or vice versa. Since they might not get into any of them, it iimportant to include some less competitive but still excellent schoolsWith so many well-qualified students competing for space at the most selective schools, the essay can help a student stand out from the other 4.3 GPA applicants with scores over 750 on every SAT section. Even schools that are nohighly selective are increasingly using essays. According to a study by the National Association foCollege Admission Counseling, 25 percent of colleges considered the writing sample an important factor in the admissions process in 2004, up from 14 percent in 1993.

A brilliant essay will never compensate for mediocre grades or test scores. However, if a student is borderline, a great essay could make the difference. Similarly, activities and community service become a factor only when the academic record is strong enough for the student to be a serious candidate.

Teacher recommendations can be helpful if it is clear the teacher knows the student well, and can assess writing ability, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, depth of understanding, work ethic, contribution to class discussions and character.

Recommendations that don’t offer real insight into a student’s qualities won’t be seriously considered.

Interviews are used mostly to confirm the impression created by the application. Unless a student is so obnoxious that the interviewer can’t imagine inflicting him on a roommate, an interview is unlikely to ruin the prospects for admission. And even a terrific interview won’t overcome low grades or test scores.

Another factor that has grown in importance is demonstrated interest. Private colleges are especially likely to use campus visits, contact with admissions office and early applications to gauge a student’s commitment to attending the school.

Admissions officers also have institutional needs to consider. Diversity includes not only ethnic and racial groups, but geographic diversity. A strong student from North Dakota will be courted by many colleges, but that same student from California is just one of thousands of similar applicants.

There are schools, however, that want to increase their enrollment of California students, so it’s possible to make geographical diversity work in your favor. Other institutional considerations that can influence admission decisions include the needs of the band or athletic teams.

College administrators also want to keep alumni happy so they’ll make donations to the school, and that’s why their children sometimes have an edge. But being a legacy applicant will not overcome a poor academic record, unless the family has donated a library.

Next time: Admissions Decisions—Case studies

Audrey Kahane, MS, can be reached at (818) 704-7545 or audreykahane@earthlink.net.