You know their names: Stanford University, Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Insitute of Technology, Princeton University, and the like. Their acceptance rates are infinitesimal. And they grow smaller every year. With tens of thousands of talented students from across the globe trying to get into the top American colleges—especially the 50 or so that admit less than 25% of applicants—it is tough to fathom how admission officers select just a small fraction. To make things worse, colleges don’t tell you exactly what they want: Should you try to be well rounded or excel in one area? If you have one B on your transcript, are you out of the running? Do they even read your admission essay? These are just some of the questions students often ask.
Before I started working with students, I had the privilege of being an admission officer at an Ivy League school, reading thousands of applications and voting to admit or reject each one. There’s no sugarcoating it: These decisions are not easy and certainly not scientific. However, there are general guidelines selective college admission officers use to guide their selections—and most students have little or no idea what goes on behind those admission office doors! Let's debunk a few popular myths about selective college admission to help you understand how the selection process really works.
Myth #1: Admission is predicated on merit
Unfortunately for academic high achievers—and even astronomical achievers—gaining admission to selective colleges is not solely based on perfect transcripts and strong test scores. But if you think about it, it makes sense: these schools get practically nothing but applicants with perfect academic credentials! That being said, selective colleges often use their admission policies to accomplish various goals (and appease various campus stakeholders). They are looking for varied things when putting together the incoming class, including:
- Leaders
- Great athletes
- Well-rounded students
- Diversity (e.g., cultural, socioeconomic, geographical, etc.)
- Valedictorians
- Creative types (with demonstrable creative works and achievements)
- Distinguished intellectuals
- High SAT and ACT scores
- Legacy applicants (to sustain a healthy fundraising base)
- To be competitive in college rankings like U.S. News (this pleases trustees)
- Connections and outright fame (Did you ever notice the high number of actors who end up attending top schools?)
Simply put, college admission policies are confusing because colleges are confused. American higher education does not have a single, clear mission. If you ever find yourself confused about a part of the admission process, reach out to your admission counselors and ask questions—it’s what they’re there for and it will help show demonstrated interest in their school that you made the effort to reach out.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to College Admission Questions
Myth #2: Applications don’t get read
If computers were used to read students’ applications, then there would be virtually no need for admission officers. Of course applications get read! For the most part, admission counselors are assigned to read applications from particular cities, countries, or regions (e.g., New England, India, Los Angeles, etc.) so that they can become familiar with the schools in their regions and can review applicants applying from the same high schools with similar curriculums and grading scales. If you are either supremely qualified or entirely unqualified, it is possible that only your regional admission officer will review your application. However, “borderline” candidates usually go before the admission committee for a final review, so the admission decision does not fall on one counselor's shoulders.
Do some applications get skimmed? Here's the truth: yes. It happens sometimes. That's because admission counselors review enough applications to know when someone is clearly a good or bad fit for their school, so they don't necessarily need to devour every word. However, if you want to increase the chances that someone will take the time to really dig into your file like they would their favorite book, here are some tips:
- Do not make the admission officer “work” to understand what you’re saying, especially in narrative sections like your essay.
- Be sure to take complex, genuine themes and word them clearly, organize them logically, and don’t cash in on the “five-cent” words.
- Write in your own voice and strive to create a clear picture of who you really are as an applicant with every detail you add to your application.
Myth #3: It doesn’t matter if you apply Early Decision
Early admission programs allow students to apply to their top-choice college by November of senior year, and they will receive a response from the college about six weeks after that. Early Decision programs, however, are unique in that they give you an important boost in the admission process. Why? Because Early Decision programs also require students to enroll in the college if accepted.
No college wants to be a “safety school,” and Early Decision programs help admission officers determine which students are serious about attending. They want to admit students they know will say yes. But this advantage comes at a price: Before you apply Early Decision, you need to make sure you truly love the college; if you get in, you must enroll and won’t have the opportunity to apply to other colleges. Do not make this decision flippantly, because the ramifications, particularly regarding financial aid, are serious!
Myth #4: The admission process is just a means to an end
Applying to college is not just about getting into the toughest school possible. It’s about setting yourself on the right path for your future. You need to carefully evaluate what you want out of those four (or more) years—and well after.
- What are you interested in studying?
- Where do you want to live?
- What types of people do you want to be around?
- What kind of life do you want to have?
Related: The CollegeXpress Ultimate Guide to the College Search
Whether or not you agree with a particular admission committee’s decision, going to college is your opportunity to grow socially and intellectually. Whether that occurs at an Ivy League or community college, a public or private school, with the right attitude and a commitment to making the most of the experience and opportunities afforded to you, you will be successful and happy anywhere you decide to enroll.
