What Happens in the College Admissions Committee Process?

I'm trying to get a behind-the-scenes look at the admissions committee process. How do they make decisions on applications, and how much do different parts of the application weigh in their discussions?

The admissions committee process is quite nuanced and can vary from college to college based on factors like the number of applications, the school's values, or the unique qualities they're looking for in students. Generally though, the process adheres to a few common stages: initial review, in-depth evaluation, and committee discussion.

1. Initial Review: This is where an admissions officer, typically assigned to a specific geographic region, reviews a student’s application. They're primarily looking at a student's academic performance, rigor of curriculum, and standardized test scores (at schools which consider them). They check if a student's Academic Index is on par with the school’s standards. The activities list, essays, and letters of recommendation are also reviewed, but the initial focus is primarily to ensure the student meets the academic thresholds.

2. In-depth Evaluation: If the student meets the academic thresholds, the admissions officer will review the application more thoroughly. Essays, letters of recommendation, and the activities list are scrutinized more closely – especially to evaluate if the student demonstrated any spike. The admissions officer usually writes a summary of the application, including comments about the student’s strengths, passions, and potential fit with the school. Application readers may also assign ratings to certain parts of the application, like the academic record, essays, and extracurricular involvement.

3. Committee Discussion: The strongest applications often go through a committee discussion, where multiple admissions officers (sometimes including a dean or director) come together to discuss the merits of the applicant. They debate, review pieces of the application, and ultimately come to a consensus or majority decision.

The weight of different parts of the application can vary. Academics typically carry a heavy weight, but highly selective schools that receive far more academically qualified applicants than they can admit also emphasize character, extracurricular impact, and fit with the college's community. Colleges rarely disclose the specific weights given to different parts of the application, but you can usually get a sense based on their published admissions criteria and common data set.

Remember, this description is a generalized process, and individual colleges can have their own variations. The process is usually a holistic one, focusing on understanding each applicant both as a student and as an individual. The goal of the admissions committee is not to simply admit the students with the highest scores, but to assemble a diverse and dynamic class of students who will contribute positively to the college community.