True or False- I only need a high GPA and SAT score to win admissions?

The Season in Review - Part 4.

Of course, the answer depends on the schools you apply to. For the Top 300 colleges in the U.S., that statement is false.

I don't understand. My son was denied, but his friends with lower GPAs were accepted. I don't understand.

My daughter had a 1520 SAT score and was denied admission to her top schools.

They're right. They don't understand. These people's comments show a misunderstanding of how college admissions work.

The initial 10-second glance of an application determines whether the applicant's academic credentials merit further consideration. While an immediate denial is determined in thousands of cases, acceptance requires further evaluation.  The ultimate decision is made based on the importance of the remaining factors, and each college weighs them differently. Let's examine them.

On a side note, SAT/ACT scores are becoming increasingly essential and required by more colleges each year. Applying "Test Optional" is a weakened platform for admissions into top schools.

Factors considered for Admission Acceptance

Once an application passes through the initial academic review, which includes GPA, AP, and SAT/ ACT scores, admission decisions are deferred to a combination of the following ten factors. Five tangibles for creating significant advantages:

1. Course rigor is measured by the gap between unweighted and weighted GPAs. Every college values this factor.
2. Essay quality is determined by the applicant's ability to convey their thoughts in a meaningful and interesting way—a way that makes complete sense to the reader.
3. Student substance is reflected in their Student Profile, which shows the real purpose of a student's chosen major, ambitions, intentions, mindset, and goals.
4. Activities and extracurriculars measure an applicant's holistic perspective. They reflect a broader involvement in life with a deeper meaning and purpose for each activity.
5. Senior year performance is more critical than ever before. Most colleges now hold off their final decisions until after receiving the applicant's first semester grade report. Hence, the increasing use of "Deferrals" over the last two years.

Five intangibles for establishing worthiness:

1. Family wealth position measures the family's ability to pay the cost of school. Do not underestimate the importance placed on this factor by many schools.
2. Relationships are determined by the student's genuine engagement with the admission office and are still valued in many situations.
3. Global mindedness reflects a student's ability to respect other students' perspectives, contribute to the student culture, and bring value to themselves.
4. Submitting early applications and then tending to the portal reflects the ability to manage matters in a timely and disciplined manner. This is where most students drop off.
5. Expressing one's interests shows an ability to think, speak, and write. The college's biggest frustration with applicants is this. However, it also creates our biggest advantage!

While this is bad news for students and parents who don't pay attention to it, it's excellent news for the students who prioritize building their Profile for Success early on in high school.

In much of this, students have complete control in creating their unique advantages.

For those who wait until the end and rush to submit random applications with poorly written essays, their outcomes are predictable, and their excuses are widely heard. The outcomes are equally predictable for those who become involved early and own their performance. Their celebrations are well earned.

Outcomes from this process result from each family's knowledge, involvement, effort, performance, and ownership.  If you'd like to build for your child's Application Success, let's talk.

Hans