How Universities Make Admissions Decisions: 15 Factors

No matter how strong your grades are or how high your SAT scores, admission isn’t guaranteed. There are a number of factors that go into your admissions decision. Here’s a list of factors in order from most important to least important, based on findings by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

1. Grades in College Prep Courses

As you consider whether to take AP courses, think about the impact of these courses on your college application. Not only will these courses prepare you for college personally, but also demonstrate to admissions counselors that you will be able to handle a college course load.

2. Grades in All Courses

The NACAC found that 75% percent of colleges rated grades as one of the most important factors in determining admissions decision. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, here are our tips for starting high school on the right foot.

3. Strength of Curriculum

Admissions wants to see that you challenged yourself throughout your high school career. You don’t have to take 5 APs to demonstrate a strong curriculum. But a blend of Honors, AP, and adding more challenge to your course load every year, will help you stand out in the crowd.

4. Admissions Test Score

For those of you who have test anxiety, you’ll be glad to know that the ACT and SAT scores are not the number one factor in determining your admissions decision.

5. Essay or Writing Samples

Your admissions essay and other writing supplements throughout the application will say a lot about you, providing context to your overall application.

6. Class Rank

Many high schools no longer provide a class ranking system, but if they do, it’s based on your GPA compared to the rest of your class.

7. Counselor Recommendations

Of the two or three recommendations required in your application, your guidance counselor’s recommendation has been found to weigh a little bit more heavily than your teacher’s recommendation, but the difference is very marginal.

8. Demonstrated Interest

Between visiting campus and communicating with Admissions, demonstrated interest is evidence that you’re especially excited about a particular school.

9. Teacher Recommendation

Teachers who know you well are able to talk about their experience with you inside of the classroom and provide a context for who you are as a student, valuable insight for admissions counselors.

10. Interview

While an interview isn’t a part of every college’s application process, when you are invited to interview, it’s an important part of admissions puzzle.

11. Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities show who you are and what you’re going to be bringing to the college’s campus community.

12. Work Experience

Similar to extracurricular activities, your work experience says a lot about you, showing your responsibility and maturity.

13. Subject Test Scores (AP; IB)

While it’s important to study and try your best —especially knowing that AP credits may transfer to your college—it might give you peace of mind that your AP and IB scores aren’t at the top of the list.