What Do University Admission Officers Look For?

The Admissions Rubric breaks down what college admissions officers are looking for into two categories, the “hard factors,” like grades, test scores, and courses, and the “soft factors,” like extracurricular activities, essays, demonstrated interest, and more.

What makes you a good candidate for admission?

A high GPA (relative to what admitted students have) and a rigorous curriculum. Strong test scores (relative to what admitted students have) A specific, honest, and well-written personal statement. A unique extracurricular interest or passion (a “spike,” as we like to call it)

What do admissions officers look for in a personal statement?

Therefore, your essay or personal statement is your opportunity to showcase what makes you stand out from others. This is your chance to humbly brag about your life. Admissions officers look for unique experiences beyond traditional education such as volunteer work, travel, or overcoming personal adversity.

What does admissions look for in?

In the US admissions process, colleges and universities take many factors into consideration. Admissions officers look at “hard factors” (GPA, grades, and test scores) and “soft factors” (essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and demonstrated interest) to gain a full picture of applicants.

How many admissions officers read my application?

Many schools make sure most applications receive at least two full reads before going to committee. The second reader will add additional input and notes to the applicant’s file. The second reader often agrees with the comments and recommendations of the first reader but sometimes they will disagree.

How do I make my uni application stand out?

12 Ways to Make Your College Application Look Good and Stand Out Above the Rest

1. Research Your Major.
2. Read Books About Your Chosen Subject.
3. Apply Early and Follow the Application Instructions Carefully.
4. Volunteer.
5. Get Course Related Work Experience.
6. Improve Your Grades.
7. Choose the Right Standardized Test.

How do you convince a college to accept you?

If you feel that same drive and urge to appeal, here’s exactly how to write an appeal letter for college admission.

1. Research the school’s appeals process.
2. Submit your appeal as soon as possible.
3. Fight your own battle.
4. Present all the facts and be specific.
5. Don’t be afraid to get personal.

Do admissions officers read all essays?

Yes, every college essay is read if the college has asked for it (and often even if they did not ask for it). The number of readers depends on the college’s review process. It will be anywhere from one reader to four readers.

What qualities do colleges look for in students?

To gauge what students can bring to their campus, they look for these types of qualities:

• Leadership.
• A willingness to take risks.
• Initiative.
• A sense of social responsibility.
• A commitment to service.
• Special talents or abilities.

How do you write a good personal statement?

What makes a good personal statement?

1. Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
2. Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
3. Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you’re interested in.

How can I impress an admissions officer?

How To Impress Admissions Officers

1. Be Prepared. Research the school beforehand.
2. First Impressions Count. If you have an interview with an admissions officer, make their impression of you memorable.
3. Take Academic Studies Seriously.
4. Demonstrate Problem Solving.
5. Highlight Your Uniqueness And Passions.

How do universities pick students?

Standards are usually based on test scores, GPA, enrollment quotas, and other predetermined criteria. Student applications that move forward then go to committee, where college admissions counselors read applications and determine who gets accepted or rejected.

What are the 3 main things admissions officers check for before admitting you into their school?

3 Things Admissions Officers Look For in Students

• Defined Interests. A popular myth that many parents and students still believe is that colleges want to admit well-rounded students.
• Academic Achievement.
• Context Outside of Your Grades, Courses, and Activities.

Do Admissions Officers fact check?

Do admissions officers at highly selective colleges fact check every detail on every application? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, with some exceptions (hi MIT), admissions officers at elite universities rarely fact check much of anything.

What do you say to an admissions officer?

You should get to your point pretty quickly, explaining why you’re emailing and how they might know you. (For example, saying something like “It was nice to meet you at the Regional College Fair last week.”) You should end with a “Thank you,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your first and last name.

Do admissions officers look at social media?

The survey found that 36 percent of admissions officers polled visit applicants’ social media profiles like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to learn more about them⁠ — holding steady from Kaplan’s 2019 survey, but up significantly from 25 percent in Kaplan’s 2018 survey.

How can I increase my chances of getting into university?

1. Earn Good Grades in Challenging Courses.
2. Get a High SAT/ACT Score.
3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement.
4. Demonstrate Interest.
5. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation.
6. Apply to a Diverse Selection of Colleges.
7. Opt for an Early Admission Plan.
8. Manage Your Online Reputation.

Do universities look at extracurricular activities?

In the US, it’s important to be a “well-rounded” applicant. Good grades and high test scores aren’t enough to set you apart from the crowd. Colleges also look at extracurricular activities, from drama to sports, as well as community service projects.

What looks good on UCAS application?

5 Ways to Boost Your UCAS Application

• Get relevant work experience. Universities love this.
• Get a leadership position in a club or society. Whether you’re in the chess club or the rugby team, leadership is a quality that all admissions officers look for – regardless of course.
• Get a job.
• Get awarded.
• Do something different.

How do you know if a college wants you?

How to Know If a College Coach is Interested in You

• No Contact Means No Interest.
• If a Coach Gives You Their Personal Contact Info, That is a Great Sign.
• Personal Letters or Emails Saying “We Know Who You Are”
• Impersonal Letters Inviting You to Camps or to Fill Out a Recruiting Questionnaire.

What do admissions officers look for in college essays?

Admissions officers look for students whose essays reveal their character and perspective through their real experiences, not contrived situations. Admissions officers say most essays they read are safe, generic and do nothing to make them remember or want to advocate for the students who wrote them.