How College Admission Works
College admissions can be a painful experience, especially the first time around. The process will occur after taking the Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Aptitude Test and then through to selecting a college. There are many colleges throughout the United States, and as such, each should be considered carefully before starting the arduous task of the admissions process.
Colleges find talented students by using scouting tools such as what are termed “defined lists”, which are mailing lists of students who performed well on their Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (which is generally taken during the 10th year, and no later than the 11th), and Scholastic Aptitude Test. These are purchased from those boards which administer the tests, such as the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA). It is also possible to get onto these mailing lists by contacting the college or university, by contacting a lecturer or administrations officer.
Before the admissions process even begins, the prospective student must choose their university, by whichever means they choose. There is also a college application form which must be filled out, which varies from college to college. These can include letters of recommendation, most likely some essays, and quires regarding extra curricular activities. As stated, each college is different, so pay attention to what is required. Generally colleges report they are accepting students whose grades fall within the middle fifty percent of the school’s grades. Extra curricular activities – if they are of an outstanding level – can nudge ahead a student whose grades are not quite of the expected standard. Often colleges will also have a policy of admitting minority groups. However, this is up to the college, and not a policy of all colleges.
These applications then go through a process of various readings – initially by temporary staff who then direct on those which reach criteria. These go on to a second full evaluation by a staff member responsible for the region of the country the student lives in. This can be taken to a committee for re-evaluation if required. The weakest percentage of the applications will be sent to another staff member for evaluation.
Following the application, the college will go through its own process by which students seeking enrollment will be examined. So here lies the importance of a well phrased application to the colleges the student chooses. This process is of various levels of examinations by the members of staff at the college. Some colleges have what is termed a “rolling decision”, which means they notify students two to three weeks after their application what their status is. Popular colleges – meaning difficult to get into – offer two types of admissions. The first is “early decision”, which occurs when students make that college their first choice. This application is usually due between November 15 and December 15. Early acceptances reach students by mid December. If you are successful in this application, you will be notified by the college, and basically make an agreement with the college to attend. “Regular decision” applications can be handed in up to mid February, and will be given notice by mid April.
There is a question whether legacy applications (where one or both parents have attended the college) are considered more highly. In some colleges there is no public statement of this policy existing, it would appear to be apparent. This is unfortunate, but not unusual. Therefore, the best thing is to study well for SAT examinations, have a calm mind, and fine the college that will suit the student the best through a thorough examination of their courses and facilities.