What Do Colleges Consider When They Review an Application?

Selective Admission Institutions require materials beyond a high school transcript for a student to be considered for admission. Most colleges fall into this category. A “Holistic” review means more than one pair of eyes reviews all components of your application. These schools will have their own application or use an application platform such as the Common App or the Coalition App. Check on each college’s website for specifics.

Here is a breakdown of the most common materials admission officers request and review in applications with input from the ARROW group of college professionals.

Academics, Rigor of Curriculum & GPA

1. Course Selection/Rigor Have you taken IB, AP, or Honors classes?

2. Grade Trends, going up or going down

3. GPA

4. Class Rank if available

5. Context of where you attend school. Have you taken the best advantage of academic opportunities available to you?

What’s Considered

1. Scores- Some schools are test blind and will not review test scores. Most do not require them. Some may look at test scores if submitted.

2. Activities/ Work Resume Paid or Unpaid- work experience, internships, community service, family responsibilities, athletics

3. Have you gone above and beyond in any area? Shown dedication? Demonstrated leadership?

4. Now is the time to brag about yourself

5. Essay-give insight into your unique values, goals, and personality, portray these through a story or experience, gain feedback from others and edit before submitting, write from your personal perspective and stay true to who you are

6. Supplemental Information- short answers and should not repeat information already appearing in application. Use this opportunity to share additional information about yourself which has not been directly requested

7. Recommendation Letters- know how many are required, should provide information on your academic ability, other skills and strengths, and character

8. Demonstrated Interest- some schools track if you’ve been to campus, been offered an interview, or have contacted an admissions counselor.

9. Portfolio or Audition- Follow directions for each school to schedule

10. Other Attributes or Awards- honors, awards, or evidence of other unique talents or abilities, in school or in the community, provide explanation of acronym

11. Personal Information- gender, ethnicity, citizenship, demographic background, family information, education history, disciplinary issues

Admission offices work hard to curate a freshman class which will carry on the mission of the institution. You are looking for a good fit as much as they are. Although many schools must decline many more qualified applicants than they can accept, this is your time to be true to your authentic self and put your best foot forward in each application you complete. The right school is out there for you!

– Ann Voorhees is founder of Ann Voorhees College Consulting

ann@annvoorhees.com