A Truth College Admissions Doesn't Want You to Know
Recent articles in the WALL STREET JOURNAL (1/31/18, “Some elite colleges review an application in 8 minutes”) and the CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (2/1/18 “Reading an application in 10 minutes?”) shine a spotlight on a reality.
Truth #1: In a highly competitive environment, college administrators want to see “numbers” out of the admissions office.
Truth #2: Colleges market themselves to increase the total number of applications without increasing actual number of students accepted.
Truth #3: Colleges trumpet “holistic“ admissions practices that look at the “whole student”; admissions staff are under pressure to read through essays and personal statements as quickly as possible.
Truth #4: Turnover in college admissions staff is high.
Truth #5: Colleges profess disdain for the rankings (ex: US NEWS & WORLD REPORT) but total number of applications is an important factor in these AND it is true that the LOWER the acceptance rate the HIGHER the placement on a ranking.
Truth # 6: High demand and stagnant supply is a perfect way to keep prices (a.k.a. cost of college) high.
What does this mean for a college bound high school student and her family? Be a savvy consumer. Don’t feed the frenzy. Research carefully, visit several campuses. Control what you can control.
Remember this; the most important single data point in an applicant’s folder is the quality of the applicant’s high school academic program. Are you challenging yourself? In an area of interest –a possible college major-are you taking the most demanding academic level your school offers?
Many readers have found these earlier e-newsletters on “How college admission decisions are made”to be helpful: