So, What Do College Admissions Look For?
At College Flight Path, one question that frequently arises is why the admissions landscape seems to fluctuate, with some colleges and universities becoming easier to get into during certain cycles while harder in others. Many students get frustrating trying to decode the enigma of what college admissions look for in their application.
This puzzling phenomenon has perplexed many applicants and parents, but it can be attributed to various factors. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ebb and flow of admissions difficulty and shed light on the complex nature of the college admissions process.
1. Evolving Institutional Priorities:
Colleges and universities are dynamic institutions that adapt and evolve over time. Admission committees regularly reassess their institutional goals and priorities, which can lead to changes in the admissions process.
For example, a college may decide to prioritize increasing the diversity of its student body or focus on recruiting more students from underrepresented backgrounds. Such shifts in priorities can result in variations in college admission requirements and selectivity from one cycle to another and are not necessarily reported out to applicants.
2. Applicant Pool Characteristics:
The composition of the applicant pool greatly influences the admission process. Each application cycle sees a unique set of students applying, with variations in their academic qualifications, extracurricular involvement, and personal backgrounds. These fluctuations in the applicant pool can impact the admission outcomes.
For instance, if a particular year witnesses a surge in highly qualified applicants, colleges may need to become more selective, making the admission process more challenging. This can also apply to students that demonstrated interest from particular regions, majors, or applicants from prior years not going on to attend the school.
3. Demographic Trends:
Demographic changes at the regional, national, or even international level can influence college admissions. Fluctuations in birth rates, population density, or economic conditions can lead to variations in the number of applicants from different regions or demographic groups.
For example, a decrease in the number of high school graduates in a particular year can result in increased competition for college spots, making admissions more competitive.
Conversely, an increase in the number of international applicants can also impact selectivity, as college admissions offices strive to maintain a diverse student body.
4. External Influences:
Admissions processes can be influenced by external factors beyond the control of colleges and applicants. Economic conditions, changes in government policies (Affirmative Action, Title IX), or even major events like natural disasters, pandemics, or global events can have ripple effects on the admissions landscape.
For instance, a sudden economic downturn may prompt fewer students to apply to colleges, leading to decreased competition. Similarly, during a global pandemic, colleges may adjust their admissions criteria or policies to account for the challenges faced by applicants.
5. Institutional Yield:
The number of admitted students who choose to enroll, known as the institutional yield, is a crucial factor in admissions decisions. If a college historically experiences a lower yield, they may need to accept a larger number of applicants to meet their enrollment targets.
If a college observes a higher yield, they may reduce the number of offers extended in subsequent cycles, making admission more difficult. Variations in the yield from year to year can directly impact the competitiveness of the admissions process.
Understanding the College Admissions Process
The fluctuations in college admissions difficulty from one cycle to another can be attributed to a combination of factors. Evolving institutional priorities, the characteristics of the applicant pool, demographic trends, external influences, and institutional yield all play a role in shaping the admission landscape. While these fluctuations may seem mysterious and unpredictable, understanding the underlying dynamics can help applicants and parents navigate the process more effectively.
At College Flight Path, we feel it is crucial to guide students to focus on what they can control, such as developing their academic profile, pursuing meaningful extracurricular activities, and crafting compelling applications. By staying informed about trends and being adaptable, applicants can maximize their outcomes by building balanced lists at the outset.
