Exploring Elite College Admissions
Remember when we were kids and decided to look under a pretty rock that had been in the ground for a while? I bet we all had the same reaction—- eeewww! What was UNDER the rock was squiggly, kinda slimy, and definitely gross (except to your friend who became a biologist or entomologist.)
It may be time to step gingerly towards an issue I am seeing in college admissions, especially in more selective “flagship” or private, nationally ranked colleges. It may be time to reveal a few “secrets” about how their admissions process differs from what you might think.
For the most part, I have stayed away from that world for a good reason. That is not the audience for my book, ENOUGH! The College Cost Crisis . My audience needs practical advice & guidance about their student and their college wallet. Most of my audience will be the 75% of students who attend a college within 50 miles of their hometown and overwhelmingly attends public universities. Few actually attend elite private schools.
I have been watching the incredible “arms race” and efforts by parents and students to be admitted to an elite school. I have seen students plunge into depression over admissions’ “no thank you” letters from the same. Sadly, many families spend thousands of dollars on “admissions coaching” in hopes it will bring a specific, desired result.
Because of the “gap year” many students took in 2020, acceptance rates are even lower than before. Schools like Duke, MIT, and Yale have acceptance rates at or below 5%. So out of any 20 applications to Duke, one was admitted. Unreal.
It is particularly interesting how acceptances are awarded, too. Over 40% of these schools are now saying they don’t consider class rank, AND any SAT/ACT score is “optional.” That leaves grades and activities, right?
Well- they are NOT sharing their whole process with you. This is why parents hire college admissions coaches to help their students gain an edge. I follow one of those coaches. She has significant experience in the admissions field in both public and private schools in the northeast. Even she is calling on admissions departments to be more transparent. If the college coaches don’t understand how to snag a coveted golden ticket, what can you do?
Here’s what I can piece together from this secretive world.
They recalculate your GPA- Each elite college has a system for re-calculating your student’s GPA to more easily compare applicants. It is still true you want to take challenging courses in high school. It is still better to get a B in an Advanced Placement course than an A in an honors class. But, these elite schools re-set your GPA to their own unique framework. And, they are NOT sharing that process with anyone.
They grade your high school on its’ academic rigor. When you ask your high school to send in your transcripts, they are supposed to send in a demographic report, which gives size, the makeup of your student body, etc. The murky part is this- colleges weigh your high school’s perceived “difficulty level” into YOUR application. If you go to a really tough private school and get mostly B’s & A’s, you may rank higher than a student who made straight A’s in a less difficult public high school. This creates an inherent problem for most students who must attend their “assigned” school. Unless a family has time and resources to do a charter or other options, you may be stuck with where you live. If you can’t afford the “right” school district, well, you get the picture.
Alumni interviews, or “voluntary interviews” are NOT voluntary. Some elite schools still use alumni volunteers, or “ambassadors” to interview prospective students Here’s the good news. Volunteer interviewers almost always report back favorably on a candidate. But, here’s the bad news. If you “turn down” the “voluntary interview”, you may appear less interested in the school than your admission competitors. No is not an option. How antiquarian. And, how painful for introverted students for whom an interview (likely on Zoom!) may be the equivalent of fighting tigers in the Roman Coliseum. Basically, if asked, prepare well and do it to the best of your ability.
“Luck be a lady, tonight” Like the famous Frank Sinatra song, there is a certain amount of “luck” involved. Maybe your essay struck a chord with the admissions panel- Maybe an alum saw themselves in your shy, but sincere answers, and passed along a favorable recommendation.
Or, maybe luck was NOT a lady after all, and you did not get admitted.
I promise you, it is NOT the end of the world.
I still stand by what I say- take hard courses in high school and make your studies your priority. Learn the art of studying well. Do some good while you are in high school. Demonstrate your interest in a school, and learn how to respond well to adult questions. All this will help you in your admissions journey. Accept that some places, for some reasons, simply don’t think you are the best fit.
Here’s the real goal. Staying in AND completing your degree on time is the real test of commitment and discipline. Since only 40% graduate with a degree in four years, THAT is the mark of a dedicated student.
Finally, don’t borrow yourself into deep debt for a degree from an elite institution unless your career path can support those payments. Take the time to understand your starting salary ranges in your chosen field, and make sure you can make those loan payments that begin six months after graduation or after you drop out. Finally, how YOU present yourself to future employers will be the key. The degree may get you an interview, but it will NEVER get you the job.
OK. It might be time to put that rock back down where we found it and move on. Just make sure you are doing your best to BE your best so you can maximize your options.
Next week, sage words from the mom of an NBA championship player. You don’t want to miss it!
Until Next Time,
All My Best,
Bonnie Burkett
