Throwback to one, two, three years ago when college applications were always on your mind and your biggest concern was nailing that “Why [insert college of your choice]?” essay. Were you ever curious, maybe even doubtful, how college admissions would know who you were based on only your test scores, personal statements and portfolios? Well it turns out there is some sense in the college application review process.
NPR got to see how the admissions process goes at one private liberal arts college: College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. During NPR’s visit, the committee reviewed 23 applications and spent two minutes on each before either accepting or rejecting the student, or putting the application on hold for further review. The committee members had already spent some time individually reviewing the applications.
During the final decision process, each student’s application materials are condensed into one page, and personality definitely plays a role. For example, when discussing one student, committee members commented on the arrogance he displayed in his interview and essay.
“Academically he has everything. I wonder if a counselor call might be enlightening?” one committee member said. Another counters, “It sounds like maybe he could work on it and be cognizant of it. I mean, he’s strong academically.” As you can see, the committee operates like a jury: Everyone offers a unique opinion and eventually they come to a consensus.
The review process is anything but formulaic.
“You have 13 people in a full committee room and 13 different perspectives so it can go any different way,” Ann McDermott, director of admissions at Holy Cross, told NPR. “We balance our feelings with some facts.”
McDermott offered a few pieces of advice for college applicants that are pretty applicable to any type of situation: Engage, don’t “phone it in,” and reflect. In other words, put some simple thought and effort into the process!
It’s important to remember that most schools get thousands upon thousands of applications, and there’s no way they’re going to be able to take every qualified student. Some of this stuff comes down to luck. While it’s interesting to know how admissions officers do their jobs, the best policy is probably to just be yourself.