What do Admissions Officers really look for?

have this habit of trying to predict what other people are thinking. I love trying to figure out what they want, what they’re looking for, or what makes them tick.  I admit, this is a bit strange, but hey, it works for me!

In the world of college admissions, this technique really helps me get to know the students better, and it also helps me get them into college. How? By understanding super well what the Admissions Officers are looking for. 

Let’s dive into the minds of university admissions officers to shed light on the qualities, experiences, and attributes they value most.

Obviously, good grades and high grade point averages play a crucial role in the admissions process. Admissions officers carefully scrutinize transcripts, examining a student's grades, rigor of coursework, and academic consistency. Doing well  in core subjects like Math, Science, English, and Social Sciences are what they love to see. 

Beyond grades, admissions officers want to see students who display genuine intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. They look for things like interesting research projects, advanced coursework, participation in academic competitions or special projects you've done on your own. Demonstrating a genuine passion for a particular subject or field of study helps applicants stand out and showcases their potential to contribute to the academic community.

Don't underestimate the value of extracurricular activities. Getting involved with things outside the classroom fosters personal growth, leadership skills, and a well-rounded education. Admissions officers look for applicants who have made meaningful contributions to their communities, whether through sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, or part-time jobs. They seek evidence of leadership potential, dedication to your projects, teamwork, initiative, and the ability to balance a busy schedule.

Admissions Officers love to create a diverse community on campus because it makes the community more interesting and promotes a broader perspective in the learning environment. They appreciate applicants who have overcome personal challenges of any type, embraced cultural experiences, or demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Sharing your unique life experiences, such as traveling, overcoming a major problem in your life or participating in community service project, can set you apart and showcase your individuality.

Personal statements and essays allow you to show who you are as an individual. Your essay should convey your personal story like only you can. They will be looking for authentic, well-crafted essays that reflect your voice, your experiences, and hopes for the future. They seek applicants who can articulate their thoughts effectively, exhibit critical thinking, and demonstrate self-reflection. Successful essays will tell a story with a beginning, middle and end, highlighting significant life experiences or personal growth. It's always a good idea to include how your personal goals align with the university's culture and class offerings too.

Letters of recommendation provide admissions officers with an alternate perspective of the student. A good one will discuss the student's personality, character, work ethic, and potential for success. Strong recommendations from teachers, mentors, or employers who know the applicant well can be a really powerful addition to your application.  Admissions officers value recommendations that offer specific examples and anecdotes. Therefore, you may want to remind the person who is writing the recommendation about the classes you've shared or the projects you've worked on together, so that they can include all of those things in the recommendation. 

While the admissions process remains complex and multifaceted, understanding what university admissions officers are looking for can really help your whole application. Keep in mind that they are trying to find well-rounded students, not just good grades or just a creative essay. They want intelligent, interesting people from across the spectrum, including a good mix of genders, races, geographic regions, socioeconomic levels, religions etc. 

Therefore, just be YOU. That's the best application you can submit!