Sage-Tips

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.

What is most important on a college application?

Generally the most important thing is the GPA and challenging high school curriculum. That is followed by test scores for those colleges that require them. Quality extracurricular activities and outstanding essays are extremely important as well in that they can distinguish a student from other viable candidates.

What does priority mean in college applications?

Priority deadlines are comparable to early action deadlines. For these deadlines, you just have to apply by that deadline. If you’re accepted, the student can decide if they want to attend that college or look at other colleges. If you apply by the deadline, you’ll get an earlier decision.

What is a priority admission decision?

Priority Admission is when a college sets a date by which applications given the most consideration must be received. This date precedes such colleges’ Regular Decision deadlines. Plus, Priority Admission is non-binding, which means you don’t have to attend the college if admitted.

When considering a student for admissions What do most colleges look at?

When considering a student for admission, most colleges look at all of the following EXCEPT: How many of the faculty a student knows. A four-year career plan developed for use in high school should reflect: Courses to support the student’s chosen career goal.

Are priority applications good?

If you apply using a priority application, you may hear back faster, often by a guaranteed response date. Some colleges guarantee a response time in as little as two weeks, and knowing a college’s admission decision that quickly can help you plan out which other schools you’ll apply to.

What do admissions officers look at first?

Admissions officers are looking for students that will best thrive and contribute to the unique milieu at their college. Specifically strong grades in a rigorous curriculum along with strong standardized test scores are seen first.

What does a college admissions officer do?

Even the comparatively welcoming University of Virginia greeted only 28.8 percent of applicants. Vetting these thousands of hopefuls are college admissions officers, typically alumni of the school who review applications for the best, brightest, and most valued would-be graduates.

Is it OK to be rude to admissions officers?

But that never means you can be rude or pushy to anyone — anyone — working in or near an admissions office. 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.

What do admissions officers do for borderline applicants?

Admissions officers typically need to make a case for borderline applicants at faculty meetings. This is a good thing, since having a passionate advocate means your application stood out—but it also means not everyone is going to agree. “80 percent of students who apply could do the work if they were admitted,” Toor says.

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.