College Admissions What Really Matters?

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: What Really Matters? GPA, extracurricular activities, ACT scores, recommendations: With so many factors playing a part in the college admissions process, some students may wonder which carry the most weight. Collectively, all of the factors come together like a puzzle that will help the admissions officer discover who you are. That said, some factors do weigh more heavily than others. Main Factors In 2011, the National Association for College Admission Counseling released its State of College Admission Report, which reveals which factors admissions officers Considerable Weight Limited Weight Moderate Weight No Weight value most: GRADES IN COLLEGE PREP COURSES CURRICULUM 83.4% 12.3% 2.7% 1.6% Over time, college prep class grades and the strength of a student's curriculum have been the two top factors in the admission decision. Admissions officers view these as the best indicators of how well a student will do in college. STRENGTH OF CURRICULUM 65.7% 25.7% 4.7% 3.9% PURPOSE: TIP: Shows your motivation and ability to succeed. If you're looking to increase the "strength" of your curriculum, take Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. ADMISSION TEST SCORES (ACT & SAT) 59.3% 29.4% 7.0% 4.3% ACT PURPOSE: Compares you to other students nationally. TIP: Retake a test if you feel that the score doesn't reflect your abilities and knowledge. If your testing scores match up with everything else you've submitted, they'll likely not be a deciding factor. SUBJECT TEST SCORES (AP, IB) 9.6% 32.4% 32.6% 25.3% SAT II SCORES 5.3% 11.8% 24.9% 58.0% STATE GRADUATION EXAMS 4.2% 14.0% 28.5% 53.4% GRADES IN ALL COURSES / GPA 42.6% 42.1% 10.2% 1.6% PURPOSE: TIP: Provides an Speak to your counselor to see if you can take more advanced classes in the future. overall view of your academic success. While overall GPA can serve as an indicator of academic success, it doesn't necessarily reflect your academic potential or if you challenge yourself. A student taking rigorous classes with a 3.0 GPA is more attractive to colleges than a student taking all regular classes with a 4.0 GPA. CLASS RANK 21.8% 37.2% 25.9% 15.0% ESSAY OR WRITING SAMPLE 26.6% 33.0% 22.9% 17.6% writing sample PURPOSE: TIP: Ask others read your essay so they can offer feedback and proofread it. Essays are likely to be dismissed if they are poorly written or full of Provides the opportunity to reveal more about yourself. errors. Even if the essay is on a specific topic, you can use that to your advantage to convey your own voice and perspective. Be honest and include new information about yourself, if possible, so they can get to know the real you. PORTFOLIO 5.9% 12.9% 32.9% 48.2% COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION 19.4% 45.0% 23.1% 12.4% The best recommendations come from those who know you the best. They know how you think and learn, and how you add to the classroom and contribute to your community. Choose teachers who can write a recommendation that has a lasting impression. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION 19.0% 44.2% 24.5% 12.3% PURPOSE: Allows others to TIP: Provide a cover letter, the recommendation form, stamped and addressed envelope, your transcript and application essay so discuss your strengths. they have as much information about you as possible. INTERVIEW 9.2% 22.7% 33.0% 35.2% PURPOSE: TIP: Allows the If you're offered an interview, take it. Remember to be a admissions officer to get to know you better. conversationalist, elaborate on answers and ask questions. Interviews allow students another opportunity to show off their personality and values. DEMONSTRATED INTEREST 23.0% 30.9% 26.6% 19.5% EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 9.2% 22.7% 33.0% 35.2% PURPOSE: TIP: Reveals your Leadership positions are viewed highly. If you can, make a noticeable impact during your time in the club so you can mention that in your application. Beginning new clubs also shows interests and if you are engaged. Remember quality over quantity. Instead of joining a dozen clubs, become fully involved in a few that speak to your interests. Try to be well-rounded by participating in several different types clubs or organizations. initiative and involvement. WORK 1.9% 20.3% 47.2% 30.6% NEED PAPER VHELP Information Provided By http://www.needpaperhelp.com Related factors Related factors Related factors Related factors Related factors