College admission continues to become increasingly competitive at four-year public and private colleges. Witnessed first, by the deluge of interactive, dynamic e-mails, pod casts chat rooms, blogs, and animated flash and video messages. All a product of strategically constructed e-marketing college recruitment campaigns sent - sometimes daily - to today's connected high school applicants, not to mention the printed versions arriving weekly if not daily in your mailbox.
Secondly and more importantly, it is witnessed by the large number of high school students applying to multiple colleges and universities, in particular, the increasing number applying to selective schools once considered second and third tier choices, thus raising the admissions bar for these respective colleges. Upon visiting a number of these colleges, I saw over and over again overcrowded admissions office reception areas with standing room only, groups of young wide eyed high school seniors with one or two parents in tow, patiently waiting to meet and impress an overworked admissions officer in the brief time allotted to them. Many of these schools were once considered second or third choice but good choice (back up schools). Recent admissions reports show that a higher number of students, once thought of as sure admits are getting rejected at these schools as competition for limited spots continues to raise the bar on admissions criteria.
Students and parents should realize that categories of selectivity and college ratings and rankings have widened beyond the simple tier 1, 2, and 3 rankings, the Ivy League and Public Ivies reputations, or top 25 reported in annual publications. There are many excellent colleges that are now seen as competitive and highly regarded as the traditional seven Ivy Leagues colleges and universities. One can now think of schools by levels of selectivity such as "somewhat selective", "selective", "very selective", "highly selective" and "most selective" or some close variation.
Beyond name recognition, selectivity is often set by the admissions yield in proportion to the number of applicants and admitted students. For example, Stanford and Harvard, pride themselves on their selectivity partly based on the number of applicants in proportion to the number admitted and in turn to the number that accept their offer of admissions. For example, Stanford receives over 20,000 applicants and will admit about 2500 students to achieve a freshmen class size of 1600 resulting in 12% of the number applying gaining a spot at Stanford.
It is clear that colleges are vying to attract the best-qualified students. Today, more students than ever are applying for a limited number of spots. As colleges become more selective, parents and students should not think that stellar GPA's and SAT scores alone will get their student into the college of their choice. Mere statistics do not guarantee admission into any college. Highly selective colleges, both private and public, turn down applicants with perfect SAT scores and 4.0 plus GPA's and admit students based on other accomplishments, values, background and criteria. Most private and now public colleges and universities conduct a comprehensive review of an applicant's background. This is not to say that academic performance doesn't play a critical role in the admission's process. On the contrary, most college admission counselors advise high school students to challenge themselves academically, pursue a balanced and rigorous curriculum and strive for an academic record that reflects their true potential.
Most competitive colleges are building a freshmen class and look beyond academic statistics to build a well-rounded student body. Two to three admission readers or an admissions committee often review and discuss each applicant. Each reader attempts to assess how an applicant will contribute personally, socially, and academically to his or her respective campus. They look for unique experiences, values, background, accomplishments and other features of a particular candidate.
Colleges rate the personal attributes of an applicant by looking at the student's life outside the classroom, their contributions to their school, community, society, country and others on a local, state and national level. In particular, they look for such things as leadership qualities, special talents, resilience in dealing with an adverse experience, and unique learning and applied experiences (internships, research experiences, awards, performances, public service) or individuals that may have significantly impacted a student's life. Colleges also get a sense of someone's traits and what matters to them most and why, through well-written personal essays, answers to specific questions, and personal interviews.
With increased competition, varying requirements and timelines, it is no wonder that the process of selecting, applying and gaining admission to college can be stressful, anxiety producing and confusing to both high school students and parents. Fortunately, there are a number of resources to help students and families approach the college admissions process in a clear, organized, and strategic manner.
Students applying to selective, competitive colleges and universities may want to consider hiring a private college counselor who can devote a significant amount of time and attention to assist a student in applying to their top colleges. There is also valuable information and numerous resources through many online sites.
You will get the best help from individuals who take the time to understand the personal, family and educational needs of a student and who have carefully assessed the student's academic background, interests and goals. Good college counseling includes helping a student make the right choices in regard to high school courses, appropriate extra or co-curricular activities that reflect interests and present opportunities for recognized achievements. Good college counseling will also assist students with finalizing a list of appropriate colleges, standardized testing, college visits, applications, writing personal essays, supporting documents, financial aid, college interviews/resumes, and final selection.
As stressful as this can seem, one needs to keep in mind that that there is a right college for everyone.
H. Joseph Cuevas is an El Dorado Hills resident and Private College Admission Counselor. He has extensive experience in outreach, recruitment, admissions and advising in higher education with the University of California and Stanford University. He also has served as an instructor with UC Berkeley's College Admission and Career Planning Certificate Program. You can reach him at cmahc@sbcglobal.net or (916) 933-9879.