NACAC's survey reports that colleges across the board generally weight admissions criteria the same way. What appeals to one school most likely appeals to many others too. Do you have what it takes? Here's what the majority of admissions officers said they want to see:
The Big Three
Basically, colleges are about grades, grades, grades. And test scores. This is where you'll really want to focus your final energy reserves before applying.
Grades: Thinking of blowing off your senior year? Whoa—bad idea. There's no getting around the fact that colleges view the grades you receive throughout high school as a major indication how well you might do in their campus classrooms. Here's evidence of just how seriously they view that report card: 85 percent of schools said your grades in regular high school classes carry "moderate" to "considerable" import; your grades in college prep classes received the same comment from 91 percent of schools.
Admission Test Scores: It's just one test—is it really worth all the time, effort, and money spent studying and taking it? Schools say: Yes, your ACT/SAT scores make a difference. In some cases, a big difference. Only 12 percent of schools acknowledged admission test scores as having "limited" or "no" importance. The remaining 88 percent want to see you score big.
Class Rank: Unfortunately, this is somewhat out of your hands. Class rank depends on how many students are in your class, the mean grade point average, and so on. And if a decent chunk of your classmates are acing all the honors classes, that's just the way it is. Since you can't resort to sabotaging your friends' grades, simply focus on your own. Only 28 percent of schools said class rank has "considerable" importance, but another 37 percent said it had "moderate"—for a total of 65 percent of schools who do look at and weigh your class rank.
The Sidekicks
When students appear to be equal candidates on the "Big Three," schools may turn to these factors to make the next cuts. (Especially if you're applying at a smaller, private school.)
The Essay: If you've got a way with words, work your magic—if you're applying at a very competitive school. Otherwise, put in a valiant effort but don't sweat it. And certainly don't expect it to cancel out a poor performance in the GPA and SAT/ACT categories. Highly selective schools reported placing more emphasis on and giving more personalized attention to your well-crafted statement than public schools with higher acceptance rates did. But overall, 25 percent of schools attached "considerable" import to the essay or writing samples.
Work/Extracurricular Activities: Do you have a job working at the Quicky-Mart after school? Do you play tennis but don't expect to score a sports scholarship? Barely over half of schools surveyed ranked after-school activities as having "limited" or "no" importance. The bigger the school, the apparently less important it is to them what you do with your free time. Who knew? The true benefits of extracurriculars is that you're learning to juggle, prioritize, and manage your time-skills you'll definitely need in college. And the added bonus of a job means work experience, potential references, and a way to save up for the various costs of school. So keep at it.
Recommendations: You were teacher's pet in chemistry class, and your teacher has agreed to write a shining letter on your behalf. How many schools are going to find this of "considerable" importance? Tough break for you—only about 18 percent of schools put considerable weight on counselor and teacher recommendations. Another 12 percent actually said it was of "no" importance whatsoever; the remaining schools fall somewhere in between. A stellar letter can't hurt, but it doesn't speak the volumes that hard numbers do.
The Back-Up Reinforcements
While some institutions may vary from the norm, in general, these factors receive far less attention than you might think.
The Interview: Unlike grad schools—where an interview with the department head can make you or break you—undergrad schools often don't need to meet you to make an admissions decision. The bigger the school, the less importance is placed on interviews—partly because bigger schools have more applicants and less time to interview them. Bone up on your interview skills if you're applying to a school smaller than 5,000 students.
Ability to Pay: Whether you can actually afford a particular school or not often has little influence on whether they'll accept you! (It's like how your credit card doesn't stop you from buying stuff you don't need—it just lets you keep charging away…) In fact, 82 percent of schools surveyed said it had "no" importance. Between financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and work study, they figure you'll come up with the means if you're set on the school. And chances are, you will!
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