ABSTRACT
The proportion of applicants for admission to a college who are not accepted is a straightforward indication of the degree of selectivity in undergraduate admissions, given the pool of applicants. It might be noted initially that several important differences among academic institutions do not affect their undergraduate selectivity manifest in the rate of rejections of applicants. A well-established academic tradition apparently creates high standards of college admission. The long academic tradition that has developed over many generations cannot be responsible for the higher screening standards in private secular institutions either, because their average age is no greater than that of other academic institutions. The abilities of the students an institution of higher education attracts are as important for its success as the abilities of its faculty. The accomplishments of a university or college tend to be judged by the achievements of its graduates, by the outstanding men and women in different fields that have received their education in it.
