Admission Strategies from both the Applicant and College's Perspectives

Young Hah, Director of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Services at Baruch College

The current landscape of college admissions is saturated with articles discussing everything from the latest trends in Ivy League admissions to changes in standardized testing requirements. This information overload can be overwhelming for students and parents navigating the complex admissions process.

With over 23 years of experience in higher education admissions, I have observed many changes—some necessary and strategic, others driven by external factors like the pandemic. Colleges continue to adapt to the evolving world by creating innovative programs, updating curricula, offering various learning modalities, and incorporating AI. Consequently, what colleges seek in prospective students and what students expect from institutions have evolved and will continue to do so.

However, a few fundamental aspects of the admissions process remain constant. Let's discuss these enduring principles.

What Applicants Look for in a College:

Reputation/Faculty

When compiling a list of potential schools, college applicants must thoroughly research the rigor and industry reputation of each program. They must also examine the faculty composition, identifying whether experts specialize in their areas of interest. Additionally, applicants want to verify that the college offers relevant specializations and provides sufficient courses and support for obtaining required certifications.

“Colleges seek students who are a good fit for their institution, just as students look for colleges that match their learning styles and goals”

Degree/Major

Colleges may offer a variety of degrees, but they are often known for excelling in specific majors more than others. Acceptance rates can vary significantly depending on the major. These rates are generally accessible, allowing applicants to assess their chances based on preferred criteria.

A common question I encounter is, "Should I apply to a less competitive major at the same school and attempt to transfer into my desired major in the second year?" The answer depends "on the school's policy". If a major is highly competitive initially, it will likely remain difficult to transfer into later. Additionally, some schools do not allow transfers into popular majors. Therefore, it's crucial to have a clear conversation with the school's admissions office before submitting your application.

Support

When choosing a college, students may find themselves thousands of miles from home, and their desired major might be highly specialized. Applicants need to research and ensure that the school offers the necessary support services, including health and counseling, academic advising, housing, tutoring, student assistantships, career counseling, and internship support.

Environment

When evaluating prospective universities, college applicants should consider the environment and location of each school. Key questions to explore include: Is the campus urban or rural? How large is the institution, and does it have a defined campus? Assess the security measures both on campus and in the surrounding area. Determine whether on-campus housing is available and if first-year students must reside there. Additionally, applicants should seek feedback from current students regarding their peers and facilities and consider whether the school cultivates a competitive or supportive atmosphere.

Cost

Cost is an important factor in deciding which college to attend. Even if an applicant has already received an award, it can be beneficial to inquire about additional scholarships or financial aid. Applicants should compare the net cost of attendance after factoring in all awards and living expenses. Sometimes, even smaller awards can make a substantial difference if the base tuition is already lower than other schools, which leads to a significantly reduced overall cost.

What Colleges Look for in an Applicant:

While I cannot speak for all colleges, the following are commonly-sought qualities:

Self-Driven Candidates

Colleges value applicants who demonstrate motivation and initiative. These traits are often evident in students' essays and resumes, where they articulate their goals and showcase a variety of activities that support their ambitions.

Knowledge and Understanding of the Field and College

Applicants with a clear vision of their chosen field and the college they are applying to tend to stand out. This is usually reflected in a well-crafted essay that explains their interest in the field and aligns their strengths with that of the college.

Strong Academic Record

A high GPA indicates that a candidate is dedicated to their studies and excels in an academic environment. Colleges prioritize such candidates because their success is a positive reflection of the institution.

Community Engagement

Colleges are communities composed of students, faculty, and staff. They seek students who will contribute positively to this community, enhancing the collective experience for everyone involved. Examples of such contributions include participating in or supporting college athletics, serving on student committees, joining student clubs, and representing the college at external events.

Mutual grounds:

Fit

Colleges seek students who are a good fit for their institution, just as students look for colleges that match their learning styles and goals. This mutual fit is pivotal for a successful and satisfying college experience. If the fit is not right, students may become unhappy and contemplate transferring, affecting the student retention rates and resulting in empty vacancies.

Outcome:

No one should be expected to make a decision that defines the rest of their life at the age of eighteen. Choosing a college should be about finding the best fit for a student's interests and desired environment. Even if they enroll in their first-choice school, their interests and priorities may evolve over the next four to five years, necessitating different types of support.

Ending up at a second, third, or even tenth-choice school does not signify failure. It might simply mean that the student will explore other opportunities, such as deciding on graduate studies earlier and mapping a course to that goal, seeking internships in their desired field, or working part-time jobs in various areas to discover their passion.

Many successful people did not get into their top choice school initially. As with many aspects of life, there are multiple paths to a rewarding and enjoyable higher education.

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