Admissions Insights: What Universities Want Counselors to Know about the Selection Process

It's no surprise that high school counselors and their students often feel as though the entire admission process for universities is shrouded in the mystery. However, if one knows really well what admissions teams seem to care about, this mystery is generally dispelled and it allows one to empower the counselor to instruct their student better. Here are behind the scenes realities about what various universities expect in the process of selection:

1. Holistic Application is Key

Many of the global universities do not only look at the grades and scores to evaluate students. They look for an applicant who has participated in a lot of extracurricular activities, displayed leadership, and has given something back to the society they lived in. Counselors can, therefore, remind students to write in personal statements showing their own stories and passions.

2. Recommendation Letters make a difference sometimes

Well-written, specific letters of recommendation from the counselor as well as the teacher can weight admissions decisions. They appreciate the insight into the character of a student, the resilience of that student and its growth beyond the academics. So the counselor should put lots of details with respect to a student's potential and accomplishments.

5. The Power of Personal Essays

Personal essays allow students to speak directly to admissions teams. Universities often prioritize authenticity and reflective thinking over perfectly polished prose. Counselors can guide students to use their essays to connect their experiences, aspirations, and why they’re a good fit for the university.

6. Cultural and Global Awareness

For international universities, students who exhibit cross-cultural competence and an openness to diversity often stand out. This is particularly true for institutions aiming to foster global citizens.

9. Follow Deadlines and Instructions

It might sound basic, but missing deadlines or failing to adhere to application requirements can disqualify a student immediately. Counselors play a vital role in ensuring students stay organized and double-check their submissions.

Counselors play a vital role in ensuring students stay organized and double-check their submissions.

10. Universities Value Partnership

High school counselors are often a university’s first point of contact with potential applicants. Universities appreciate collaboration with counselors who understand their programs and criteria. Building strong relationships with university admissions offices can ensure better guidance for students.

Building strong relationships with university admissions offices can ensure better guidance for students.

To sum up, by aligning with what universities prioritize, high school counselors can become pivotal advocates for their students, helping them craft applications that stand out. At MEDU, we specialize in fostering these critical connections between schools and universities, ensuring every student finds their best-fit institution.

At MEDU, we specialize in fostering these critical connections between schools and universities, ensuring every student finds their best-fit institution.