10 Factors That Impact Your College Candidacy (Part 2)

Welcome back to our College Candidacy series. In Part 1 of this series we spoke about 5 factors : Grades/GPA , Extracurriculars, Essays , SAT Scores and Campus Visits. This article will share further insights into the AdCom thinking when it comes to picking students who will be able to withstand the academic rigor of the institution, someone whose values are aligned with the university's and one that will continue to be a vocal ambassador for the college in the years to come. The final 5 criteria are as below:

Please Note: College admissions is not an exact science. The weightage of each factor in the AdCom decision process could be subjective. Also each college will have its priority for each factor and may not use them at all.

6) Recommendations : The academic referrals provided by your high school teachers and counsellors will provide them an insight into your passion for the subjects you want to pursue in college. Ensure that the referrals are coming from someone who has taught a subject related to the major/program you are applying for. The substance of the letter and how it speaks to your personal character is the most important aspect, rather than run-of-the-mill language that speaks about generic traits that most other students possess.

7) Communication Skills : Many colleges hold interviews that are meant?to evaluate your capability to think on your feet, assess if you have clarity about your goals, and also includes their takeaways on your personality, strengths and weaknesses .?Often the most selective schools use evaluative interviews - think Ivy Leagues, OxBridge and a few more.

8) Knowledge or experience in intended major : Admissions committees love to see that candidates have been consistent in building a strong foundation in their intended area of study. If you have done internships in organizations where you could implement the foundational learnings related to your major, and gain further knowledge from experienced professionals, that's a powerful way to show that. Consciously taking up volunteering opportunities that aligns with building the skills you will need to thrive in the intended program, is another way applicants can beef up their profile.

9) Applying Early : Generally Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) applicants have a dream college in mind, which is a perfect fit for their goals, and they are willing to make a commitment to enroll, if admitted (and withdraw all other applications). Applicants should be able to elucidate the "Why?" they believe this college is their first choice, in order to benefit from the higher acceptance rates in these rounds. Starting your planning early for ED/EA applications is critical to improving your success chances to your ideal college.

10) Demographic data : Finally, colleges have the capability to make exceptions on many academic parameters to ensure they are able to bring diversity and equality in the admissions process. International students, women applicants, underrepresented minorities, first-gen college goers, LGBTQ applicants, are occasionally given additional weightage and identifying yourself in these categories may be helpful when filling out the application forms.

Now that rounds up the Top 10 factors to keep in mind for college admissions. Remember what we said earlier, the AdCom decision making process is complex and continuously evolving. A lot of data on "admissions chances" is available on the internet, although conflicting reviews on college forums have made it difficult to decipher what really matters. Consultants, including us, provide clarity of thought, aid decision making, bring a regimen to the whole process. We make students introspect about their goals, while balancing their social and financial needs.

If you enjoyed this article, I recommend reading some of the blogs we have written before: https://lilacbuds.com/blog/category/essays/.