A Sneak Peak into How Colleges Make Admissions Decisions

The Washington Post included a fantastic feature story that provides an in depth look into how the University of Maryland, College Park admissions committee works. Click here to read the article.

As a college counselor, I think this article offers several important takeaways that parents and students must recognize as they prepare to succeed in the college admissions process. Notice how much emphasis is placed on the human elements of the application. A "C" grade is not disqualifying and neither does a perfect SAT score result in automatic admission. Rather the admissions officers toil over upward grade trends, which suggest improved study and work habits and the quality of the essays.

This article highlights the importance of crafting a story in a college application that makes the admissions officers want to admit your child based on what they would add to the college. Remember application quality matters. Create a plan early in high school to stand out and earn admission.