Tiffany Lu 2010-01-04

In 2009, 29,000+ students applied to Harvard, 30,000+ students applied to Stanford, and nearly 50,000 students applied to UCB; record highs for applications received! And this group of applicants was as strong, if not stronger, than ever before. To make things even more competitive, a failing economy and resulting budget cuts have forced many colleges and universities to accept fewer students than before. No wonder many parents and students are finding the college admissions process so daunting.

The series “Insider Tips for College Admissions” is designed to guide students and families through the many difficult decisions related to college admissions. Looking at case studies through the perspective of seasoned industry insiders, we demystify the college admissions process. Our panel of experts includes a former senior admissions advisor at Stanford University, a senior assistant director of admissions at the University of Southern California (USC), a senior admissions representative at The University of Chicago, and a senior admissions fellow at Davidson College (a top ten liberal arts college). It is our hope that by providing accurate information about the admissions process, students can prepare effectively, avoid making classic mistakes, and position themselves favorably in this competitive academic environment.

Now there are six key factors to the college admissions process. (Please note that in this article, we will be focusing on private school admissions unless otherwise noted; public schools, particularly the University of California, have their own criteria for admissions.) The six factors, in order of importance are as follows:

1. GPA and strength of curriculum
2. Standardized test scores
(SAT/ACT, SAT 2s, APs)
3. Personal statement (college essay)
4. Extracurricular activities
5. Recommendations
6. Interview (if offered)

During this series, we will examine each of these factors in turn, helping families to develop a better understanding of how each plays a role in the college admissions process.

Column writers Gus Hsu (MBA, USC) and Tiffany Lu (BA, Stanford University) worked in collaboration with FLEX Director of College Counseling, Lauren Baird (former senior admissions advisor, Stanford University and instructor of English, Stanford University).