If you’re thinking of applying to a university or college in the US, aside from facing higher tuition costs, you will be encountering a number of factors that have made gaining admission progressively harder each year.
At the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Education Fair in downtown Vancouver last Saturday, December 3rd, Melinda Giampietro of Options Solutions identified and outlined some key and “tip factors” that would help US-bound students to be more successful at applying to higher education institutions in the States. With the number of seats in colleges staying pretty much the same, the growth in applicant pool including an increased influx of international students, grade inflations, re-scaled SAT, more overachieving kids and high-volume applications to multiple schools have all contributed to making the selection process more challenging and college admissions more competitive.
“Since 1993, grades in college prep courses have remained the number one factor in the decision about whom to admit to college,” says NACAC, State of College Admissions. But beyond standardized admissions tests scores such as the SAT and the ACT and these high school cumulative GPAs, a fair amount of emphasis is also placed on “academic factors” that add context to the academic record. These supplementals include the student’s class rank, the application essay (and writing samples), and the teacher and counsellor letters of recommendation. Thrown into the mix are “non-academic” factors that account for the applicant’s involvement in extra-curricular activities, work and volunteer experience and demonstrated “interestability” which would help to round off of the individual’s profile in the critical eyes of admissions officers. Additional attractive qualities and abilities that set the candidate apart from others, referred to as “hooks”, can truly boost their chances if their special talents, outstanding achievements and awards, athletic prowess, alumni connection and legacy, published works are highlighted and conveyed to the admissions team.
So, if your goal is to pursue your university studies in the States, prepare well by taking inventory of your academic accomplishments and your equally-important non-academic involvements, adding to them where possible, and put together an application profile that they can’t refuse.
