Understanding College Competitiveness Rankings

So, I've seen colleges ranked from 'most competitive' to 'highly competitive.' How exactly are these rankings determined?

College competitiveness rankings are often determined by a variety of factors collected by organizations who create these rankings. The primary criteria used are typically:

1. Acceptance Rate: One of the first factors considered is the acceptance rate of the college, which is calculated as the number of students admitted divided by the number of applications received. The lower the acceptance rate, the more competitive the college is considered to be.

2. Average GPA: The mean high school GPA of a school’s incoming freshmen is another factor. Schools with high average GPAs are considered more competitive because applicants must have strong academic records to be admitted.

3. Average Standardized Test Scores: Much like the average GPA, the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students also play a big role. However, some schools, especially following the pandemic, have opted to go test-optional or even test-blind in their admissions processes.

4. Retention and Graduation Rates: Colleges that retain and graduate a high percentage of their students signify a strong educational environment, making them more competitive.

5. Academic Reputation: The college's academic reputation also plays a significant role. This is often based on peer assessments, faculty resources, and input from high school counselors.

6. Strength of the Applicant Pool: Aside from the quantitative factors, a growing trend involves looking at the qualitative characteristics of the applicants, such as the rigor of the high school coursework taken, involvement in extracurricular activities, the 'spike' or unique aspects of an applicant's profile, and the ability to contribute to the campus community, etc.

This is a general guideline, though each ranking system may weigh the factors differently, so do check the methodology of each college ranking system. Also, remember that rankings do not reflect the personal fit and experience that you might have at a college. Always prioritize what matters to you in your college search!