If a college or university admits fewer than 50% of its applicant pool, the school is considered selective. If a college or university admits fewer than 30% of its applicant pool, the school is considered highly-selective.

While there is no formula that will guarantee student admission to any college or university, below is a list of what colleges and universities are looking at when they review applications.

• High School Courses Taken: If you want to be considered at selective/highly-selective schools, you need to take the most appropriate and rigorous coursework available. Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself and put academics first.

• Grades & Grade Trends: Your grades in each class as well as your cumulative GPA will be a big part of the consideration. Highly selective schools want to see mostly "A" and "B" grades. A grade of a “C” as a freshman could be minimized if the student has earned “A” grades when they are a junior.

• Test Scores: You will need to check with your specific institution regarding testing.

• Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles and depth of involvement are key. Colleges do not just want to see a large list of clubs and organizations.

• Student Essays: At some colleges, this can count for 10-20% of the admission decision. While writing ability is important, the essay also shows institutions how you think, feel, what you value, and how creative you are. Please have your essay proofread by parents & teachers.

• Recommendations: Because recommendations are an important part of the admissions process, students should take this seriously. Have conversations with your teachers and counselor. Make sure that you are providing enough time for them to write your letter.

• High School: Do you come from a high school that is rich in curricular offerings, and have you taken advantage of what they have to offer? 

• Geographic Distribution: Some schools want students from all fifty states; another may want 80-90% to come from its home state. Understand the competition and how it can vary depending on what schools you’ve chosen.

• Demonstrated Interest: Colleges want you to want them. How are you proving this? Attend college representative visits in the College and Career Center, email the college and ask for information on a specific program, and interview on campus, if offered.

• "Selectivity Doesn't Equal Quality" (The Chicago Maroon, April 2019)

• "To Find the Best Fit, Ignore the Rankings" (Inside Higher Ed, October 2018)