Components of a Worthy Application

THE EVALUATION PROCESS OF A UNIVERSITY

How does a university evaluate the student’s application? What helps one student score over another if the academic performance is constant? If the grades meet the minimum requirements, does it guarantee admission?

These are some of the perplexing questions directed at me. The universities and colleges carefully consider several components. In my last article, I mentioned that a ‘Deserving Profile’ helps sets one apart in a pool of students. The focus should be to sculpt your individuality in your application.?

Grades, GPA, and Test scores are critical component that is taken into consideration. In addition, ‘ Soft Factors’ portray a complete picture of the applicant. Thus all the elements are crucial and lend the application a desirable depth.?

It is safe to say that the university admissions officers review the application to LOOK BEYOND the words in the application to discover the intangible qualities that make you uniquely you. First, they check you meet the essential academic requirements of UCL and the programme you have applied for. At this point, we assess your past and predicted academic performance.?It is important to note that meeting the entrance criteria through achieved or predicted grades does not guarantee an offer will be made. - University of College London        

The following are the components that require your attention:?

High School Preparation

Every high school is different thus the admissions team reviews the school’s profile to understand the types of courses available, the school’s grading scale and the challenges. It compares the extracurricular or post-secondary activities available at school to what the student undertook.

Testing

Universities use standardized testing to gain insight into the academic preparation of the applicant and language proficiency. Although the tests represent only one component in the admission process adjunct with other academic and n-academic factors, it allows the admission committee to judge the university readiness of the student.

?University Readiness

The students can depict their college readiness through the academic courses they take in addition to the educational system they follow. Advanced Placement subjects that can earn them college credits or by undertaking courses either online or outside of the classroom are a good way to depict their College Readiness. A Research Project and Articles Published are other tools that create a noteworthy distinction for the students.?

There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curriculum available to them. Successful applicants complete secondary school with a well-rounded academic background. - UCLA Admissions Team        

Extra Curricular Activities

The activities section of the application provides a glimpse into what excites the student. The passions followed, responsibilities shared and contributions to the community are significant factors that the university admission team considers. The activities should form a cohesive group with academics.

In the department, your application will be evaluated by experienced admissions tutors who will consider your application in a holistic manner
Our admissions tutor won't just look at your grades; they will also consider other aspects of your application. - Imperial College London Admissions        

Supplementary Material

Courses, especially in Art and Design, require the students to submit a portfolio. This could be an art portfolio, creative writing pieces and film/Music sample. This will depend on the course the student wishes to undertake and the guidelines prescribed by the university. Additional material is required to be submitted to add important information which does not reflect in other sections of the application.

Essays

The admission team reads the personal essays and supplemental university essays with deliberate care. These are windows into the thinking process of the student. It should demonstrate the student's perception of the university and the world and relate what the student brings to the university community.

Your personal statement is your opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd.We want to know what interests you about your chosen course and what you hope to gain from it. Think about what it is about the subject which interests you - refer to topics you've already studied and also to your wider interests in the area. It's also worth reflecting on any reading that you have done on the subject, work experience and any extracurricular activities that you do. - University of Nottigham Admissions Team        

Letter of Recommendation

It is a tool to measure the student's performance through the eyes of the teachers, beyond the grades and test scores.?It furnishes the admission team with a personal view of the student. The recommendations allow the admission to understand the learning pattern of the student and even the shortcomings if any. The recommendation devices an outline of the crucial skills of the student both within and outside the classroom.

Class Profile

For most international institutions/ universities the class profile is an aspect that is purposefully built. The class profile holds an important place in building a reputation for the institution, thus a conscious effort is made to make it diverse and qualitative at the same time.?The admissions team strives to bring the diversity and vibrancy of the community to the university. The class profile is also a clear indicator of social acceptability. It adds to the learning curve offered to the students since diversity brings the much-desired insights and effective peer-to-peer learning.?

While Academic Performance in high school is the single most important factor in the student selection process at most universities, the evaluation process takes a much wide approach. On the one hand, the grades are the tools to demonstrate the academic readiness of the student for the universities, and the Extra-Curricular or soft factors reflect the student's capability synchronized with the RIGHT PROFILE.?

The evaluation of the application, therefore, rightfully lodges all elements, the significance may vary from university to university, but they all carry a definite important space in the application process. It is, therefore, essential for the students to understand the significance of each of these components. This further help the students to identify activities and utilize the school fittingly to craft a WORTHY APPLICATION.?

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