Cracking the Code: Quantitative Factors in College Admissions
Understand which numbers matter and why.
The college admissions process can feel like a mystery, shrouded in rumors and anxieties. While there's no magic formula, understanding the quantitative factors colleges consider can demystify the process and empower you and your student to build a strategic college list.
The Numbers Game: What Colleges Look At
Most colleges use a holistic approach, but these quantitative factors play a significant role:
GPA: This is the most important factor, reflecting your student's overall academic performance. A high GPA demonstrates consistent effort and mastery of coursework. It tells a story over time and gives colleges the confidence that your student will succeed in the big leagues.
Rigor of Coursework: Colleges don't just look at grades; they also assess the difficulty of your student's classes. Taking challenging courses like honors, AP, or IB curriculum demonstrates a willingness to push boundaries. Strength of curriculum matters.
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT): While some colleges are test-optional, SAT and ACT scores still provide a standardized measure of academic aptitude. Strong scores can strengthen an application but remember it’s just a quick snapshot of a student versus a GPA that shows off 4 years of work. The GPA holds more weight and tells a broader story.
Advanced Placement (AP) /International Baccalaureate (IB) Scores: High scores on AP tests or IB exams demonstrate college-level mastery of subjects and can earn college credit, potentially saving time and money.
Building a Balanced College List
Once you have a grasp of your student's quantitative profile, it's time to build a college list that balances aspiration with realistic expectations. Here's how:
Know the Numbers: Research colleges of interest and note their average GPA, test score ranges, and acceptance rates. This data provides a benchmark for your student's profile.
Categorize Colleges: Divide the list into "likely" (where your student exceeds the average profile), "Target" (where they are within range), and "Reach" (where they fall slightly below but are still competitive).
Consider "Fit": Quantitative data is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider factors like location, size, campus culture, and academic programs to ensure a good fit.
A quick note on HOW the numbers are communicated to each college
While senior students submit the college application, school counselors provide materials to enhance and legitimize the application review. Each counselor is responsible for submitting several documents to colleges that a college will then typically use to supplement the review:
A School Profile
A Secondary School Report (SSR)
A Letter of Recommendation
A Mid-Year Report
The School Profile provides colleges with an overview of a school’s curriculum and rigor, grading and ranking procedures, testing averages, college attendance history, and more, while the information provided within the SSR is specific to the individual student, entailing details of their academic performance within the context of their high school.
Key sections of the SSR include:
Number of students in the graduating class
The students cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) - both weighted and unweighted along with a grading scale
Class rank (if the school ranks)
Duration of time the counselor has known the student
Ratings Chart determining Academic Achievement, Extracurricular Accomplishments, and Personal Qualities and Character
Beyond the Numbers
While quantitative factors are important, remember that colleges seek well-rounded individuals. Encourage your students to pursue their passions, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop strong character traits. Essentially help them figure out their “So What.” These qualitative factors, combined with strong academics, create a compelling application.
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie