Is luck a big factor in the college process?

I've read that getting into college can sometimes feel like luck because of factors outside your control, like the exact mix of students a college needs that year. Can anyone share their thoughts on how much luck plays a role?

There's definitely an element in the college admissions process that can kind of feel like "luck". This is primarily because the admissions process can be unpredictable due to many variables. For example, admission officers are looking to build a diverse incoming class, so they're often looking for particular students who will fill specific niche spaces in their campus community. This can be influenced by anything from what the student might intend to major in, to whether they're from a geographical area the university would like to see better represented on campus, or whether they have an interesting background or perspective to bring to discussions in class.

That said, applicants with strong academic profiles and substantial activities lists will generally have a good shot at being accepted. And not all of these elements are entirely out of a student's control. An applicant can research a school's incoming class profile to get a sense of the sort of students that are typically accepted, and they can work over their high school years to try to position themselves competitively against these profiles.

The word 'luck' can often make the process seem out of an applicant's hands, but there are many ways students can boost their chances. It's about preparing for all parts of the application process and making sure to represent yourself honestly and to the best of your ability. Good luck can happen, but applicants can also create 'good luck' by approaching the process thoughtfully and proactively.