How Admission Decisions Are Made

Assessing Your Chances of Admission

Some colleges have a simple formula that combines minimum grade point average and test scores, and if you meet those minimums, you will be accepted.

For colleges that require more information, trying to predict the likelihood of admission is tricky because so many variables come into play. At these colleges there is no way to predict, with absolute certainty, your chances of admission since there are several factors to consider as you ask questions and look at a college or universities' profile.

The primary academic factors include the following:

Course Curriculum and GPA
Consider what curriculum is available at your high school and what you have taken. If you have taken the most demanding courses offered and maintained a high Grade Point Average that will be a positive factor when colleges examine your transcript. Taking AP courses is not an excuse for low grades. Look at the percentage of enrolled freshmen that are admitted from the top 10% of their class. While some high schools do not rank, you can try to estimate how you will be viewed considering your curriculum, grades, and trends in grades.

SAT/ACT Mid 50% Range
Using your highest verbal and your highest math score or your highest ACT composite score, check to see where you fall within the middle 50% of standardized test scores of admitted students.

While scores are only one piece of the puzzle, having scores that fall solidly within the middle 50% range or above the range make the school that much more realistic for you. (The middle 50% range for scores means that 25% of the students scored above the high end of the range and 25% scored below the low end of the range.)

Don't focus on scores alone!  If you are from a low-income background, are the first in your family to pursue a college degree, or speak English as a second language, chances are that the admission committee will focus more on other aspects of your application than on your test scores.

Acceptance Rate
What percentage of students who applied was admitted to the school? This is an indicator of how many students are vying for a space in the class. While numbers can be deceiving, this is a good way to determine where a school falls on your college list - predictable, target, or reach.

Related Links

One source of admissions statistics is Xap.com. Enter the name of the college, then select Campus Tour icon, then Admissions, or visit the college's web site.

Special Categories

At some schools, special categories are factors that may give students an edge in the admission process. Some of these categories are:

In-State/Out-Of-State Status
If you are applying to a public institution, state residency will give you an admission edge over out-of-state applicants. Many state schools will publish their in state vs. out-of-state accept rate and profile for applications. While policies vary from state to state and from college to college, some public universities consider children of alumni within their in-state pool no matter where you live. Out-of-state enrollment quotas vary from school to school.

Legacy Status
At many schools, sons and daughters of graduates are given a preferred status in the selection process. Some colleges define legacies based on parents alone, while others may include grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Ask the colleges how they define legacy status. Legacy status may give you an edge, but it will not make up for a weak academic record.

Special Talents
Students with exceptional talents in an area who meet basic academic standards may receive special admission consideration. Your special talent may be in music, sports, writing, photography, etc. If you have a special talent, write about it in your application - it may give you an edge.

Ethnicity
Colleges and universities recognize the advantages of a diverse student body. Colleges are generally seeking an ethnically and racially diverse population, and underrepresented students are actively recruited. Students of your background may be underrepresented on one campus but not another. While a college will consider evidence of achievement, underrepresented students may be at an advantage in some applicant pools.

Level Of Interest
Many schools, especially selective colleges and universities, are now taking a student's level of interest into consideration as admission decisions are made. You can demonstrate interest by a campus visit (make sure the admission office knows you are on campus and not just there visiting friends) or an interview - a campus interview, alumni interview, or information session. Other methods of demonstrating interest include attending a local reception if offered, or visiting with the admission representatives that visit your high school. If you are interested in a college or university, let the admission office know.