Madeline Stocks Gatekeeper’s Essay Have you ever noticed how a college admission’s office can often be a dark and unforgiving place? There are mazes to conquer and winding roads to follow until the end is in pure sight. The Gatekeepers, is a very analytical book describing the twists and turns to an elite college's admissions office. It is a competitive world in the private college atmosphere, and that is why I have decided to attend a public college. Those in elite and private education are at a disadvantage to the applications process. This novel has shown an average student that private college applications have to have impeccable SAT scores, with excellent extracurricular activities, but the admissions office also wants to check and see if an applicant is ready for their college. The first part of this application would have to be well-thought out. The application would be the best it could be, with impeccable SAT scores, to catch the college’s attention. For example in Gatekeepers, when Ralph was describing the nature of applicant's SAT scores he said, "Scholars might be divided over to what degree the SAT measured factors other than aptitude or intelligence, but the position of the Wesleyan admissions committee was fairly clear." (Steinberg 143). The SAT scores were the deciding factor in this applicant's admission. The applicant had everything up to par, in Wesleyan's book that is, but did not have an outstanding SAT score. The college did not want to accept him and therefore furthered my questioning. In addition, when the “SAT scores and Application Process" webpage described SAT scores and said, "Universities realize that not every student is a champion test-taker, but so far these exams are their best way of putting your application into perspective." (SAT/ACT Scores and College Admissions pg 1). SAT scores are a big part of an application. It is not the deciding factor, however if an applicant’s SAT score is poor then it will lessen the chances of that student getting in that college. Next, in an official application to a college of choice, it must have a long list of extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can have a very big impact of how a college look’s at an application. For example, when Ralph is describing one application he, "…noticed that Jordan's grades were almost all A's and A minuses, and that he had taken four Advanced Placement courses."(Steinberg 160). When Ralph was reviewing this application, he was forced to reject it because Jordan was involving himself at all in his community. He had earned good grades in school but, for some colleges, that isn't enough. In addition, the point of having a list of extracurricular activities was made clear when an article, called Making Extracurricular Activities Stand Out in College Applications, said, “At first glance, college applications seem easy enough. You give the basic facts about your background, education, and achievements. However, one section that stumps many students is the section for extracurricular activities.” (Tanabe) An applicant has to involve oneself into their community and must be proactive in the city. He/she must be making a difference to show their responsibility and accountability for their town.
In conclusion, when applying there are many factors that go into making a critical and life-altering decision, that isn’t up to the student. When grades, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities are combined to display one’s achievements, it is up to the admissions office to accept or deny. http://www.time.com/time/columnist/morse/article/0,9565,172457,00.html |