HOW COLLEGES SELECT STUDENTS

Once you have decided which schools you would like to attend and you apply, it is their job to evaluate you.

The most important thing to remember is that colleges take a variety of factors into consideration when evaluating a student.  There is no one factor that will determine your acceptance or rejection.

Colleges will base their decision on some or all of the following:

1.   Academic Record:  Your grades are an indicator of your ability to do academic work.  It is important to work to the best of your ability at all times.  Colleges will also consider your class rank, tracks and the difficulty of the courses you selected.

2.   Standardized Tests:   Most schools require the SAT.  Usually they are not looking for a specific score but scores that fall within a certain range.

3.   Ability to Communicate: Often applications request an essay or autobiography.  This shows your ability to express yourself and communicate.  It also tells the college something about you as a person.  This should be typed neatly, as should the rest of the application.

4.  High School Standing: Colleges evaluate high schools on the basis of their programs, honors courses and the number of college-bound students.

5.   Recommendations:  Written evaluations by teachers, counselors and employers are sometimes an important part of the evaluation procedure.  They can mention special qualities or circumstances that are not obvious in just looking at a transcript.

6.   Extra-Curricular Activities: It is a good idea to be involved in activities.  Colleges are looking for a well-rounded individual.  Dont try to impress colleges with a long list of activities.  Being a leader or valued contributor to a few activities is better than just being a member of a lot of activities.

7.   Number of Applicants: Colleges are only able to accept a certain number of students.  This can influence your chances.  APPLY EARLY!!!!

8.   Geography and Residence: Some schools attempt to have a varied population.  Where you live can affect your acceptance.  Other schools, such as state schools, give priority to residents of their state.