What are college admissions officers looking for when reviewing applications?

Admissions officers look at “hard factors” (GPA, grades, and test scores) and “soft factors” (essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and demonstrated interest) to gain a full picture of applicants.

When reviewing an application for admission What 3 factors are most important to the college?

Eight Factors College Admissions Officials Consider

• Your Course Load and Grades. This is the most important factor for college admissions.
• Standardized Test Scores.
• Great Letters of Recommendation.
• Your Résumé
• A Great Essay.
• Character and Resilience.
• Passion for Your Chosen Field.
• Interest.

Do donations help college admissions?

A family’s ability to make a substantial donation is one of many admissions factors, in addition to grades and test scores, that schools typically consider. The practical considerations that lead schools to prefer applicants from rich families are real.

How do colleges decide who gets in?

Standards are usually based on test scores, GPA, enrollment quotas, and other predetermined criteria. Student applications that move forward then go to committee, where college admissions counselors read applications and determine who gets accepted or rejected.

Are college admissions officers given lists from the Office of development?

A former admissions officer at Stanford admitted that each year she was given a list from the Office of Development of applicants who were the children of significant donors. Former admissions officers at other elite colleges have admitted this as well. Want to build the best possible college application?

What happens if a student or parent contacts the admissions office?

“When a student, parent, or surrogate makes contact with the admissions office, it is important to be aware that treating anyone on staff poorly — especially the administrative staff — may result in a negative outcome in the admissions process.

Do Colleges track your phone conversations with admissions officers?

Many schools track your and/or your parents’ communication with that college, and even if they don’t actively track your interest, admissions officers still take notes. Even on the phone with administrators, make sure you present yourself the way you want to be viewed by your application reader. This one is good life advice in general: Be nice. 2.

Does my financial need affect my college admission decision?

The answer is: it depends. When looking at a school’s admission policies it’s important to see if the school is “need-blind” in their admission decisions. If so, then your financial need or lack thereof will have no effect on your opportunities for admission.