ABSTRACT
Two divergent admissions review processes split by means of how a student is reviewed for admission into a college or university. Simply divided, it is safe to say that most large-scale public universities are data-driven in their review process. Meaning, application review committees ranging from one to two people upwards of 20 score a student’s application based on key components referred to as “hard factors”: grades, GPA, types and levels of classes taken (course rigor), standardized test scores; and “soft factors”: extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, strength of high school, essay(s), personal statement, and demonstrated interest.
There are four most popular application types: early action, early decision, rolling admissions, and regular deadline. Early decision is binding; one must retract applications from all other colleges if accepted to the college via early decision. Complete all college application components before the holidays—Thanksgiving, if possible, but no later than 12/1. Be prepared for various decision outcomes, and have all items completed to enact plans A, B, and C.
