When college admissions decisions are released every year, I receive a number of inquiries from distraught parents who are struggling to understand why their student, who has earned near-perfect grades throughout high school and scored well on the ACT or SAT, didn't get into one or more schools on their college list.
However, the reality of today's admissions landscape is that with many colleges, it takes so much more than just great grades and high test scores to be admitted, let alone receive some sort of scholarship. Here’s why:
1. Limited Spots, High Competition
Many colleges receive tens of thousands of applications but can only admit a small percentage of applicants. With acceptance rates often in the single digits, even highly qualified students face rejection simply due to the sheer volume of competition.
2. Institutional Priorities
Colleges have their own institutional goals, which might include building up a certain population of underrepresented students, strengthening specific academic programs, supporting legacy students, or recruiting top athletes. These priorities can sometimes mean that a student with exceptional academic credentials may be overlooked in favor of a candidate who fulfills another institutional need.
3. Overrepresentation in Applicant Pools
Some specific demographics and regions have an overabundance of highly qualified applicants. For example, students from academically challenging high schools or certain geographic areas might find it harder to distinguish themselves, as they are competing against many other students with similar achievements, and/or from the same city or state.
4. Mismatched Fit
Not every top student is the right fit for every college. Some universities look for students who align with specific institutional values, culture and mission. These are items that students often overlook in the application process, only to find out later that they should have been addressed throughout their application.
5. Lack of a Compelling Narrative
Admissions officers look for students who tell a compelling personal story, demonstrate a clear sense of purpose and offer some unique passions that they intend to continue to pursue in college. If an applicant appears to be a "cookie-cutter" student – someone who excels in academics but lacks a strong personal angle or unique passion – their application will not stack up to other candidates during the selection process.
Admissions Strategies Matter
Although applying to college is more competitive than ever, focusing on the right strategies throughout high school and the admissions process can help maximize a student's chances of admissions and scholarships. A few of the most important of these strategies I find are often overlooked include:
Gathering an early understanding of a student's core talents and strengths so that they can build and use them to their advantage in the admissions process.
Building a best-fit, balanced list of safety, target and reach colleges that ensures a student's academic, social and financial needs are met.
Crafting a unique and compelling personal story throughout a student's application.
Final Thought
While facing rejection from multiple colleges does not define a student’s potential or future success, it can often be crushing, especially for top students who have worked so hard throughout high school. Families that have a realistic understanding of today's current admissions challenges – and how to address them long before applications are submitted – are better positioned to maximize a student's success.
Interested in hearing more about how you can maximize college admissions and scholarship opportunities? Sign up for a free consult today!
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