Colleges secretly have a “type” of student they look for when deciding on admissions. Understanding these factors can give you a big boost in the process.
The college admissions process is very competitive. If the past two decades are any indication, getting into college has generally become more difficult.
College acceptance rates are a national average of 68%, although the rate at some of the nation’s top institutions is as high as 3%.
So, what are colleges really looking for as they sift through thousands of annual applications?
While schools emphasize the importance of an applicant’s academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays, more confidential factors are taken into account that are not discussed publicly. Here are seven less obvious but important factors that can play a role in your admissions decision.
1. Visible interest
Schools look for students who have shown interest in their school by monitoring things like campus visits, face-to-face contact, and online activity. That’s right—admissions offices are collecting more data on prospective students than ever before.
This is partly because of the necessary adjustments made during and after Covid-19, but also because today’s typical 18-year-old is likely to interact with a potential college almost entirely online. So, schools have had to get creative in how they do this Track students’ interestswhich helps them determine how serious the student is about joining his school if he is accepted.
But why do colleges care about this anyway? Colleges translate a higher level of demonstrated interest into a greater chance of admission. Forecasting these numbers helps colleges manage their enrollment rates. Showing continued interest in the school indicates your commitment and makes you a more attractive applicant.
The good news? This is probably something you already do; You just didn’t know he was being watched.
With this in mind – make sure you use the same email address to sign up for school updates, sign up for campus tours, and to submit your actual application. This way your “expressed interest” can be tracked.
Why it matters: Colleges value demonstrated interest from students, and expressing your interest can in turn benefit your chances of admission.
2. Geographic diversity
Where you come from can determine your college prospects. Why? Because colleges use geographic diversity as a means to create a more diverse and enriching university environment. In fact, as most institutions expand their geographic reach, students from underrepresented states, regions, or countries may have an advantage in the admissions process.
Earlier this year, US News & World Report published He wrote on this exact topic. And in it they say:Colleges want to build a diverse student body, and geographic information can provide context about an applicant’s academic approach and the cultural diversity they can bring to the school.“
In particular, since the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against college admissions based on race, schools have largely turned to geography as the next best reference point for cultural, racial, and socioeconomic identity.
Why it matters: There are many benefits to having a geographically diverse student body, so colleges typically look for students from underrepresented areas.
3. Old condition
This is an important and often unspoken factor in the college admissions process. Legacy status refers to the order of priority typically given to the children or grandchildren of graduates, who are most likely to gain admission to that school.
Is it still used? Some studies suggest that the ancient benefits are waning, while other studies indicate that the practice is still in use at many academic institutions. Legacy status is unlikely to be sufficient on its own to make an admission decision, but it can influence the overall decision when considered in combination with other factors.
In reality, Stanford University has recently come under significant criticism for its continued use Despite changes in California law.
Legacy status admissions are a mutually beneficial transaction. An incoming student gains admission to a desirable school, and the school is likely to receive greater participation and donations from alumni. Nevertheless Legacy is a controversial factorSchools, especially prestigious ones, believe they contribute to a sense of continuity and tradition that strengthens the college community and its identity.
Why it matters: Applying as a legacy student is another way to demonstrate your interest in the school. The admissions office may take this as an indication that you are more likely to apply, given your pre-existing connections to the campus.
4. Institutional priorities
Each year, colleges identify specific institutional needs and priorities that shape their admissions decisions. Some of these priorities are long-term and address the overall mission of the school; Others are short-term and usually make up for some perceived deficiency in the organization or address donor issues.
Institutional priorities are unique to each school and are determined by leadership. If you want a better idea of a school’s priorities, determine its strategic plan (see A Good example here) and read them to determine the steps they plan to take to achieve their mission and values. (FYI – a quick internet search turned up my alma mater’s strategic plan).
Here are some common institutional priorities:
- Athletes
- First generation college students
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds (race, gender, geography, etc.)
- Winners of scholarships and academic competitions
- Students interested in new academic programs or who are not enrolled
- Fulfilling key donor initiatives
- Legacies (plus students, faculty and staff)
- The presence of a “hook” (more on this below)
So, for example, a school may prioritize accepting students seeking STEM fields to help balance gender ratios in specific programs and departments.
Or the school may have a new initiative created by the alumni association or another major donor. For example, Tulane has a relatively new one Industry space Which they spent millions of dollars to build. They hate leaving space unused. If you were to use this type of space for your teaching or ideas, you might have a leg up on the competition.
Another example is the relatively new University of California, San Diego Music Center. While they have always had a strong music and arts program, they have recently built a state-of-the-art concert hall and music center. They will likely add to the Department of Music and Arts as a result – and students can benefit from this during admissions.
The bottom line is that students should do some searching for programs, initiatives, donations, and endowments in the fields they want to study.
Why it matters: Institutional priorities reflect the school’s mission and broader goals. Understanding these priorities will help you identify your strengths and relevant experiences in a way that aligns with the school’s current goals, thus increasing your chances of acceptance.
5. Special talents (also known as “hooks”)
You may have heard of someone who had a “hook” that helped them through the admissions process. Refers to a personal trait or special accomplishment that benefits a student in the admissions process because it meets an institutional priority.
Admissions offices typically see students interested in areas such as arts, music, or athletics. Colleges value these exceptional skills or accomplishments because they complement the school’s reputation and success, enhance campus life, and perhaps add prestige.
Better yet, this particular hook aligns with the institutional priorities we discussed above.
Why it matters: Colleges are always looking for students who can bring something unique to their campus. Highlighting your special talents, passions, and background in your application can give you a slight edge in the admissions process.
6. Ability to pay in full
While most of us are looking for ways to reduce the cost of college, there’s another strategy in play: just pay the full sticker price. Why? This may increase your chances of acceptance, especially at private institutions or those with low financial aid budgets.
Full payment students (Those who do not receive any institutional financial aid) contribute directly to the school’s revenues, allowing the school to fund more scholarships, programs, and campus improvements. Colleges are constantly looking for new and additional funding, and a full-wage student immediately relieves some of the financial pressure on the institution.
Remember, just because a school is a non-profit does not mean it is not trying to maximize revenue.
Why it matters: Schools sometimes take into account a student’s need for financial aid when deciding whether to accept them. Although it’s not the best strategy — and is often criticized for favoring wealthy applicants — the ability to pay in full for four years may help open doors at top-tier institutions.
7. Timing of application
When applying to college can affect the admission decision. Most schools offer Early action or early decision time frame, and taking advantage of this opportunity can increase your chances of acceptance.
If you think back to the first item mentioned in this article, you’ll remember that colleges want prospective students to clearly demonstrate their interest in and commitment to the school. Applying early does just that — plus it helps the admissions office proactively manage admission offers and projected enrollment numbers.
Why it matters: The benefits of applying early include reducing the stress of making a decision in your final year of high school, finding broader financial aid options, getting a decision sooner, and even allowing yourself more time to plan your academic future. Perhaps most importantly, showing your interest early can boost your likelihood of acceptance.
When money can’t buy you everything
There is much more to the admissions process than meets the eye. Although academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and test scores are very important, they are not the only elements considered in your journey. University admission decision.
I am in no way advocating these hidden factors. In fact, you may feel that some of them have moral flaws or deepen the inequalities that exist in the college admissions process. However, you should now have a better idea of the multiple aspects that play a role in the admissions process, and hopefully you will be able to put yourself in the best position for your academic future because of this new knowledge.
Remember that each of these elements carries its own weight in the decision-making process. So, if you can’t afford college yourself, get creative with other options to leverage your strengths and experiences!
