What are the factors in college admission decisions?

As the acceptance, deferral and non-acceptance letters are rolling out, it begs the question: what factors do colleges consider in their admission decisions?

The National Association for College Admission Counseling has published data from fall 2023. The top two factors are high school grades in college prep courses and total high school grades in all courses - reflected initially in the GPA. While sample size is 185 students and you'll have to dig a little deeper into the data to investigate types of schools reporting data, these two factors mirror previous reporting.

COVID-19 forced colleges and universities to adapt their standardized test score policy. Many are returning to requiring submission of scores, while others are remaining test-optional. Standardized test scores fall way lower on the list of admission factors than one might expect. The recent data suggests schools are more interested in a student's ability to successfully complete college coursework/degree as indicated by academic rigor at the high school and the student's GPA. The student's interest in attending the school ranks higher than the standardized test scores!

What about the essay for writing sample? This factor rounded out the top 5 and it is noteworthy that Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores ranked higher than standardized test scores for many schools. This difference might be attributed to the school and/or program applied for...so keep that in mind when registering for high school classes next year.

I highly encourage rising juniors and seniors to reach out to the schools they intend to apply to (grad class 2025 and grade class 2026 seniors, I'm looking at you) to begin the conversation about what AP/IB and dual-enrolled classes will transfer. Please check out my other blog posts on this topic, linked below. It is not uncommon for top-tier schools to limit the amount of AP credit and dual-credit they will allow which makes registering for high school classes part of the strategy. It may be best to speak with the high school counselors or if you want more detailed assistance, a college consultant can help.

Ultimately, colleges and universities are more likely to look at your student holistically rather than just one factor. That's a good thing!

Deadlines for Student Commitments Extended

Great news for students waiting on financial aid packages! Schools are starting to extend commitment deadlines due to the late release of FAFSA information to colleges. FAFSA data is used by college admission and financial aid teams to evaluate need based and institutional aid. Without FAFSA data, many schools have nothing to work from...

Some schools do not require the FAFSA for institutional aid (merit), while others require a FAFSA be on file the first year. Be sure to check with your admissions rep for the schools you have been accepted and make a note of any commitment deadlines. Additionally, some schools require a housing deposit before joining the assignment list. Be sure to verify if the deposit is refundable (or a portion) if you choose not to attend that school...the kicker is some schools, like Purdue University, have a first come-first served mentality when making residential hall assignments. Better to pay the deposit, lose a small amount if there is a change of heart than to wait and get waitlisted for a preferred dorm - or any dorm at all! There are some east coast schools facing housing shortages as well.

So far, California's University system, Oregon State University and the University of Illinois-Chicago have extended commitment deadlines. I suspect more schools will follow with May 15 or later deadlines.

AgDiscovery Summer Program-2024

Interested in plant and animal science, biotechnology, veterinarian or wildlife biology? Check out the USDA AgDiscovery Summer program.

This FREE program covers tuition, room and board, meals, lab supplies and activity fees! To be eligible, check the "grades" for the 20 participating schools - including Purdue University. Eligibility applies to current academic grade level. Then, apply!

The program focuses on four areas: agribusiness, plant, animal and combination. Students must be able to attend the camp in its entirety and can apply for a different program the following year. This is an amazing opportunity! Applications are due by April 5, 2024 by midnight.