If you’re wondering what factors matter in selective college admissions, I’m happy to summarize the list in a few words: ALL OF THEM. When you are applying to schools that accept 10% or less of applicants, nothing is really optional from test scores to supplemental essays.
The good news is that not every factor in admissions carries equal weight. A few years back, we shared what really matters in college admissions, as assessed by the NACAC 2018 State of College Admissions report. Much has changed since then, but perhaps not as much as one would think. After all, the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) recently released the results of a 2020 nationwide survey of IECA member independent educational consultants that shared major similarities with the NACAC report.
What matters? Grades still reign supreme, both qualitatively (honors, AP, IB) and quantitatively (the higher the better) to admissions officers. SAT and ACT scores still, despite rabid opposition, still help schools understand applicant readiness and aptitude for higher-level study.
What else matters? Extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and a variety of other factors play varied and changing roles in admissions decisions. Consider this IECA list a general ranking that may shift in slight or significant ways over the coming years:
Mike Bergin