Ten years ago, the sure fire way to get into college was good grades and a high SAT score…and a few extra-curricular activities didn’t hurt either. However, as attitudes around what constitutes a “successful” person have changed, colleges and universities have followed suit. Strictly academic pursuits are seen as not representative of a well-rounded, holistic mind. Admissions officers want to see that you’ll fit in with their school culture, that you will be involved or contribute in some way outside of the classroom, and that you are more than a score on a piece of paper. As educators learn more about differentiated learning styles, SAT scores have begun to fall out of favor, after having long been criticized for having cultural biases and not being a good indicator of actual “intelligence” since we now widely acknowledge a variety of learning styles. The UC system no longer accepts SAT scores and many private universities have made them optional much to the relief of many students and parents. If not the gold standard SAT score, what ARE colleges and universities looking for?
As our world progressively places more focus on social responsibility, higher education has been slowly shifting away from traditional academic modes of assessing candidates and has been moving in the direction of seeking out a more well-rounded approach to selecting students. So what does this mean for the average high school junior or senior? In a nutshell, admissions officers are still looking for excellent grades (not everything has changed), but are also looking for applicants who are attempting to impact their community and their world in positive ways. Being on the football team may not win you many points, but being the captain of that team just may. Displaying leadership qualities is one of the top attributes that Ivy Leagues are looking for. Volunteering for a non-profit will definitely put a positive check in your box, but starting your own charity makes you stand out from the crowd, showcasing leadership and altruistic traits that make you a more desirable candidate to admissions officers. Have you overcome adversity or helped a family member through illness or trying times? Showcasing resilience and how you handle times of hardship can also show a university what you’re made of. Today’s colleges and universities want a diverse student body. Diverse in terms of background, ethnicity, socio-economic situations, gender, and overall life experiences. Staying true to your most authentic self will actually help you gain favor with admissions officers so don’t shy away from sharing hard truths or trying times when discussing your life. Facing trials and tribulations is common to all of us, but how you deal with those times can set you apart from the pack.
Many companies that offer college counseling services have been methodically adjusting curriculum for years to meet the new standards of colleges and universities. Park Tutoring, based in Irvine, CA has been helping students gain admissions to top-tier universities for years and has developed a Leadership Class for students looking to display their leadership and altruism. The students involved with that class get help forming and running their very own non-profit. They have also adjusted SAT tutoring classes, studying the all-new test format which will start in 2024 to make sure up and coming students are fully prepared should they choose to still take the SAT. College counseling services include helping students craft their application essay, discussing their passions with them and helping them find volunteer opportunities, strategically mapping out what courses to take based on time and interest, and helping them build a complete college portfolio that puts them a step ahead of their peers.
Students that are gaining admission to not just one, but multiple top-tier universities have discovered that grades and test scores will only get you so far. They definitely help you get your foot in the door, but for schools like Stanford, Harvard, and others, the way to get that door fully open and be met with a handshake and a “Welcome to Harvard” is by showcasing your leadership potential, penchant for volunteerism, academic prowess, and your commitment to a better world. Many are welcoming this change in attitudes from elementary school on up to colleges, where we are acknowledging that kids are more than a set of numbers and grades on paper. We are reaching a long awaited point where diversity matters, kindness and philanthropy matter, and your leadership potential matters – the future is telling us these are the kinds of tests that matter most.
