Autopsying the Tuesday Night Admissions Massacre: Part I

The truth is like the sun; it may be temporarily obscured but will ultimately emerge fully revealed. After students around the world logged onto the various websites of some of the most competitive colleges in the country, many now face the harsh reality of the most competitive year in the history of the US college admission process.

Probably the most informative statement about the admission process – a statement that is made repeatedly by the schools and advisers, is that the process is more art than science. However, students continue to attempt to “game” the system, often by means of very unrealistic ideas of what the nature of the competition actually is.

Let’s look at the process in a more realistic way: Picture the admissions process this way, the Belgrade Arena has a maximum capacity of 23,000. Imagine the stadium is filled to that capacity, yet they manage to squeeze in 1,988 more people – the actual number of applications received by one Ivy League school this year. The numbers look a bit like this:

Now let us examine some of the criteria used in the admissions process. The most concrete criteria for selection is based on GPA, class rank, and SAT scores. Actually, none of these numbers will get you in, but bad results in those areas will for the most part keep you out. If we eliminate the applications that are not academically qualified, estimates are that about 20,000 people will remain in this application pool.

Another factor is early decision applicants. These are the true superstars that took all required SATs, scored well, and completed their application early. Those who need financial aid were able to get an early financial aid estimate and based on that agreed to attend that school if admitted. Schools generally view these as extremely committed applicants.

Now it is time to look a little bit deeper. What about community service and a high level of social consciousness? How many of these 20,000 have made a contribution in this way? Generally most of the US applicants are involved in their community. International students around the world are also quite active. There are students that have designed irrigation systems for remote villages, spent some time at local libraries reading to young children, or have engaged in other activities to improve their communities. There are two basic rules for these activities – they start before the senior year of high school and they are uncompensated. Then of course there are the applicants that have distinguished themselves in sports, music, or the arts.

In addition to the common application, some students have written outstanding supplementary essays that reflect excellence in their character, a concern for the world outside of their own goals and ambitions – what they bring with them to share with the campus community. These essays are supported by the recommendations that speak of student character that goes beyond perceived genius.

Another factor to consider is total reach of the individual student applications. Students who apply to all Ivy League schools may appear to lack direction and focus. In these days of competition, such a student could appear to be shopping brands. This can be especially hazardous to full financial need students. Another piece of the puzzle is to be sure that you do not find yourself in a “herd instinct” situation. For example, the admission office will probably notice if large numbers of Serbian students are applying to their institution. Then they will also see that this group is applying to almost all the same institutions. It is unlikely that 10 Serbian students all just happen to be good fits at all of these schools.

Once all of these factors have been examined in great detail by the admission committee, which this year worked around the clock sifting through applications, reading between the lines, and looking in depth at every qualified applicant, decisions are made.

Although one student from Serbia was admitted to this school through early decision for Fall 2009, students applying regular decision are now in a pool of around 2,173 openings, but diversity of background has already been covered for Serbia. At this point, a student needs something extraordinary to stand out in this competitive pool of about 20,000 excellent students.

Does that mean this situation is hopeless? Well that depends, stay tuned for more insight.