预告
Ever wondered what goes on
inside the admissions office as applications are processed? I’ve spoken to
several admissions officers from Ivy-caliber institutions and wanted to share
some insights on the process.
The
Process
(1)
Admissions officers usually begin their review of an application with the
candidate’s transcript and standardized exams. The first glance is to ensure
your GPA and test scores are competitive given the applicant pool. Then the
rigor of your academic schedule and how it equips you for university study will
be evaluated.
Because
admission offers are so competitive, no one earns a place at a top school just
based off their GPA and test scores. Instead, admissions officers examine a
candidate’s academic record to ensure they can adequately perform university
work, cutting those that fall below the threshold.
(2)
Admissions officers will next determine your ability to contribute to the
university community. Many will spend just 30 seconds skimming your CV and the
first paragraph of your PS to size up your candidacy. They are looking for
demonstrated commitment to your extracurricular activities and leadership
potential. Unless a candidate has hooked the committee, the application may be
rejected at this stage. For compelling candidates, the entire personal
statement and recommendations will be considered.
(3)
Many universities are now requiring an interview with a local affiliate
organization or an alumnus. International applicants will be evaluated based on
their communication skills and probable fit with the campus culture. The
interview can be the difference between an acceptance and rejection for
candidates on the margin.
The
Daunting Challenges
(1)(1) Admissions are
ruthlessly competitive. Many of the
top programs accept fewer than 10% of applicants. It’s
especially difficult to earn admission as an international student because there
are so many strong applicants.Competition is
fierce – each student has worked hard to receive excellent grades and test
scores but many applications simply blend together for admissions officers.
(2)(2)Because the
number of quality candidates is so large, admissions officers quickly filter
applications.As mentioned,
the CV you spent four years building will be skimmed in just 30 seconds and the
personal statement you tweaked for weeks could be dismissed after just a
paragraph.
It
is clear. To get in, you must STAND OUT! Here’s
how:
(1)(1)Your personal
statement needs to hook the reader in the first paragraph. Be creative, thought
provoking, daring, and memorable. A remarkable opening and interesting theme
ensures that a reader engages with the entire statement, giving you a much
better opportunity to earn a champion to endorse your acceptance.
(2)(2)Your CV needs
to quickly demonstrate your past contributions and impact.Admissions
officers are aiming to invest in candidates that will add to the campus
community.A CV that
showcases commitment to an extracurriculars, leadership potential and an
eagerness to get engaged will give you much better odds.
(3)(3) Your
recommendation letters should speak to your academic abilities, intellectual
interests, contributions to class, and character traits.Investing the
time to build close professional relationships with your teachers is a
phenomenal investment that will yield wisdom and much stronger rec letters that
will help you to stand out.
An
insider glimpse into the world of selective admissions can be intimidating at
first. But now that you have insights into the process and challenges you are
better able to formulate a winning strategy. Get started
today!