Colleges have a “type” of student they secretly look for when making admissions decisions. And understanding these factors can give you massive progress in this process.
The college admissions process is extremely competitive. And if the past few decades are any indication, it’s becoming more difficult to get into college overall.
The college acceptance rate stands at a national average of 68%, although at some of the country’s top institutions the rate is a shocking 3%.
So, what are colleges really looking for when sifting through the thousands of annual applications?
While schools emphasize the importance of an applicant’s academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essay, more covert factors that are not discussed publicly are taken into account. Here are seven less obvious but important factors that may play a role in your admissions decision.
1. Displayed interest
Schools look for students who have shown interest in their school by doing things like campus visits, direct outreach, and monitoring online activity. That’s right – admissions offices are collecting more data on prospective students than ever before.
This is partly due to the necessary adaptations made during and after COVID-19, but it’s also because today’s typical 18-year-old is likely to engage with prospective colleges almost entirely online. Therefore, schools have to work in creative ways Track student interestWhich helps them determine how serious a student is about attending their school if accepted.
But why do colleges care about this anyway? Colleges translate higher levels of demonstrated interest into a greater likelihood of enrollment. Forecasting these numbers helps colleges manage their enrollment rates. And showing continued interest in a school signals your commitment and makes you a more attractive applicant.
Good news? This is probably something you already do; You just didn’t know it was being monitored.
With that in mind – make sure you’re using the same email address to sign up for school updates, register for campus tours, and your actual application. This way your “displayed interest” can be tracked.
why it matters: Colleges value students’ demonstrated interest, and expressing your interest may increase your chances of acceptance in return.
2. Geographical diversity
Where you’re from can determine your college prospects. Why? Because colleges use geographic diversity as a way to create a more diverse and rich campus environment. In fact, because most institutions are working to broaden their geographic reach, students from underrepresented states, regions, or countries may get an edge in the admissions process.
Earlier this year, US News & World Report Wrote about this exact topic. In this he says,Colleges want to produce a diverse student body, and geographic information can give context about an applicant’s academic curriculum and the cultural diversity they can bring to the school.“
In particular, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against race-based college admissions, schools have largely turned to geography as the next best reference point for cultural, racial, and socioeconomic identity.
why it matters: There are many advantages to having a geographically diverse student body, so colleges typically seek students from underrepresented areas.
3. Legacy status
This is one of those important but often unspoken factors in the college admissions process. Legacy status usually refers to a priority ranking given to the children or grandchildren of former students, who are more likely to gain admission to that school.
Is it still used? Some studies suggest that the benefits of legacies are diminishing, while other studies indicate that the practice is still in use in many educational institutions. In itself, heritage status is not sufficient on which to base an admission decision, but when considered alongside other factors it can influence the overall decision.
In fact, Stanford has recently come under criticism for continuing to use Despite changes in California law.
Legacy status entry is a mutually beneficial transaction. The incoming student gets admission to a desirable school, and the school is more likely to receive greater alumni involvement and donations. Although Inheritance is a controversial factorSchools, particularly prestigious schools, believe that this contributes to a sense of continuity and tradition that strengthens the community and identity of the college.
why it matters: Applying as a legacy student is another way to demonstrate your interest in the school. An admissions office may take this as a sign that you are more likely to enroll, given the connections you already have on campus.
4. Institutional Priorities
Each year, colleges set specific institutional requirements and priorities that shape their admissions decisions. Some of these priorities are long-term and address the overall mission of the school; Others are short-term and usually fill some perceived deficiency in the institution or address donor issues.
Institutional priorities are unique to each school and are determined by leadership. If you want a better idea of ​​a school’s priorities, explore their strategic plan (view). here is good example) and read it to identify the steps you can take toward fulfilling your mission and values. (FYI – a quick internet search returned my alma mater’s strategic plan).
Here are some common institutional priorities:
- athlete
- first generation college students
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds (race, gender, geography, etc.)
- Winners of academic scholarships and competitions
- Students interested in new or under-enrolled academic programs
- Complementing major donor initiatives
- Heritage (as well as faculty and staff students)
- Having a “hook” (more on this below)
So, for example, a school may prioritize the admission of students seeking STEM fields to help balance the gender ratio in specific programs and departments.
Or, a school may have a new initiative created by an alumni association or other major donor. For example, Tulane has a relatively new makerspace He spent millions of dollars to build it. They would not like this space to remain unused. If you use this type of space for your education or ideas, you can stay ahead of the competition.
Another example is the relatively new one from UC San Diego music center. Although they have always had a strong music and arts program, they have recently built a state-of-the-art concert hall and music center. They will likely be involved in their music and art departments as a result – and students can take advantage of this during admissions.
The bottom line is that students should do some research on programs, initiatives, charities, and endowments in the fields they want to study.
why it matters: Institutional priorities reflect the school’s broader mission and goals. Understanding these priorities will help you align your relevant strengths and experiences with the school’s current objectives, increasing your chances of admission.
5. Special Talents (aka “Hooks”)
Perhaps you’ve heard of someone who had a “hook” that helped them with the admissions process. It refers to a personal characteristic or special achievement that benefits a student in the admissions process because it meets an institutional preference.
Admissions offices typically look for students interested in fields such as art, music or athletics. Colleges value these exceptional skills or achievements because they complement the school’s reputation and success, enhance campus life, and may even add prestige.
It would be even better if this particular hook aligned with the institutional priorities we discussed above.
why it matters: Colleges are always looking for students who can bring something unique to their campus. Highlighting your special talents, passions, and background in an application may give you a slight edge in the admissions process.
6. Ability to pay in full
While most of us are looking for ways to reduce the cost of college, another strategy is trending: simply pay the full sticker price. Why? This can increase your chances of being admitted, especially at private institutions or those with smaller financial aid budgets.
full salary students (those who receive no institutional financial aid) contribute directly to the school’s revenue, allowing the school to fund more scholarships, programs, and campus improvements. Colleges are constantly seeking new and additional funding, and a fully-paid student immediately relieves some of the financial pressure on the institution.
Remember, just because a school is non-profit doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to maximize revenue.
why it matters: Schools sometimes consider a student’s financial aid need when deciding whether to admit them. Although it’s not the best strategy – and is often blamed for favoring wealthier applicants – being able to pay in full for four years can help open doors at top-tier institutions.
7. Application time
This can affect the admissions decision when you apply to a college. Most schools offer a quick action or quick decision The deadline, and taking advantage of this opportunity, can increase your chances of being accepted.
If you think back to the first item listed in this article, you’ll remember that colleges want prospective students to clearly demonstrate their interest in and commitment to the school. Applying early does just that – plus it helps the admissions office proactively manage their admissions offers and anticipated enrollment numbers.
why it matters: The benefits of applying early include reducing the stress of making decisions in your senior year of high school, finding broader options for financial aid, receiving an early decision, and even giving yourself more time to plan your academic future. However, perhaps most importantly, demonstrating your interest early on can increase your chances of being accepted.
When money can’t buy everything
There is more to the admissions process than meets the eye. While academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and test scores are extremely important, they are not the only elements you should consider. college admissions decision.
I am in no way advocating these hidden factors. In fact, you may even feel that some of them have moral shortcomings or that existing inequities in the college admissions process run deep. However, you should now be better informed about the many factors that play a role in the admissions process, and hopefully you can put yourself in the best position for your academic future because of this new knowledge.
Remember, each of these has its own importance in the decision making process. So, if you aren’t able to pay your way through college, get creative with other options to showcase your strengths and experiences!
