Students immersed in the college application process often wonder just what admissions officers are looking for when deciding who gets accepted and who gets denied. Of course, there are some basics, such as a high GPA and impressive SAT scores. But there are other criteria that get taken into consideration.
College admissions officers are turned off by a “lack of course rigor, lack of extracurricular engagement, unrelated extracurricular activities, inappropriate social media presence, and unpolished and unprofessional essays,” according to Forbes.
While students may have little control over their freshman year course schedule, they should focus afterwards on taking rigorous courses, including electives, in the field they intend to pursue in college. Students who plan on majoring in business, engineering or architecture, for example, should find a way to get through Calculus while in high school. This may mean doubling up in Geometry and Algebra II during sophomore year or taking one of these courses in the summer. They should also select relevant electives that will demonstrate an interest in their future academic field.
Admissions officers know that college students have a great deal of discretionary time outside of the classroom. They evaluate how students would likely use that time, and what kind of contribution they might make to the campus community. Students should engage in relevant clubs and volunteer activities starting early in their high school days, and then seek to advance to leadership roles during their junior and senior years.
It's vital that the selection of activities helps students paint a picture of their academic and social interests. Admissions officers should be able to connect the dots between students’ activities and their passions and future goals.
It should go without saying that admissions officers seek students who will reflect positively on their institution. According to a recent study, more than two thirds of admissions officers believe it is fair game to check out applicants’ social media posts, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and others. Inappropriate content can negatively impact one’s chances of gaining admission.
Students’ essays are also scrutinized, both for subject matter and eloquence. It is never wise to “over share” or to broach sensitive subjects. Essays should be used to demonstrate how one has grown through life experiences, and how this will help them positively contribute to their future college community. It’s safest to be optimistic!
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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