The journey to college can often feel like an intricate puzzle, with numerous pieces contributing to the overall success of your application, resulting in an admission. You will find yourself juggling academic records, extracurricular activities, standardized tests, recommendation letters, and more. However, amid the complexity of juggling these many components, it's important for you to recognize that not all application components are created and weighed equally. Some factors and components are within your reach, while others are not.
“When questions like these start to compound in my brain, I like to look at a drawing that my friend Carl Richards made many years ago now. It’s just two circles, one labeled “Things We Can Control” and the other “Things That Matter.” The circles overlap ever so slightly. Carl colored in the conjoined space and then drew an arrow pointing to it with a label that read “What You Should Focus On.”
― Ron Lieber, The Price You Pay for College: An StandaEntirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make
In the words of Ron Lieber, we can gain more clarity by focusing on the intersection of "Things We Can Control" and "Things That Matter." Let's take a closer look at both of these components:
Things You Can Control
academic Record
Your grades, coursework, and GPA are components that you can influence. Consistent effort and dedication to your academics are fundamental to your academic success. When it comes to the quantitative components of your college applications, your academic record is the most important of them all. The college admissions committee weighs your academic performance heavily.
Standardized Test Scores
Post-pandemic, a lot of colleges and universities have gone test-optional, which means, it is not mandatory for you to take standardized tests like SAT or ACT. However, some universities still consider your test scores, and a proactive approach to test preparation can impact your application positively.
Extracurricular Activities
Since admissions continue to become more and more holistic in nature, the college admission committees also look at your extracurricular involvement to assess your application. It gives them a holistic picture of your profile and also your personality. Your choice and commitment to extracurricular activities are entirely within your control. Engaging in clubs, sports, community service, or leadership roles reflects your interests and passions.
Essays and Personal Statements
The essays you write and submit to colleges play a significant role in portraying your personality and aspirations. Writing engaging and thoughtful essays is something you have direct control over. Make sure your essays are well-crafted and reflect who you are and how you can contribute to the campus community.
Recommendations
While you cannot write your own recommendation letters, you can cultivate meaningful relationships with teachers, mentors, or counselors who can provide strong recommendations and endorsements of your character and abilities. Recommendation letters provide a third-person perspective on your profile and it's always nice to have strong recommendations as they add value to your overall application.
Things That Matter
Application Volume
The number of applications submitted to different colleges can influence the admission outcomes. You should diversify your application process and apply to universities that fall into different brackets, such as Dream, Reach, and Safety, which will help you maximize your chances of admission.
Demographic Factors
Most colleges and universities aim to maintain diversity in their student bodies and consider factors like gender, race, or ethnicity to maintain it. The admissions committee relies heavily on maintaining this balance, but remember, this is something that's beyond your control.
Institutional Priorities
Colleges and universities have specific goals and priorities in terms of the student body they want to build. Some colleges might prioritize certain majors, geographic diversity, or legacy admissions, and these are certain factors that matter but are not in your control.
Admissions Officer's Discretion
The final admission decision rests with the admissions officers who consider the broader application context, taking into consideration multiple factors, and this is something that you cannot control.
Understanding the distinction between these elements allows you to allocate and diversify your energy effectively. It is advisable to focus on areas you can control and excel in them. Focus on your academics, invest time in crafting compelling essays, securing strong recommendations, and showcasing your unique skills and interests through your application
The overlap between "Things You Can Control" and "Things That Matter" should be the focal point where you're investing your energy. This is where your preparation, commitment, and passion meet the aspects that impact admissions decisions. You should embrace your unique qualities, make informed choices in your application process, and maintain realistic expectations. By synergizing your energy and efforts on what truly matters, you can navigate the college application journey with clarity and confidence and maximize your potential.
If you’re looking to apply to international universities or exploring overseas higher education options, The Headmaster Consulting can help you narrow your selection while keeping track of your requirements for your financial needs while tracking overseas education options. If you want personalized roadmaps to your dream universities, get in touch with our consultants to help you build your profile and applications.
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