Non-Academic Factors

When it comes to non-academic factors, it's sometimes helpful to separate out what is within your control and what isn't. Unfortunately, factors outside of our control are taken into consideration--but each school will weight those factors differently based on that campus' values and goals.

Within One's Control:

  • Extra-curricular activities = What you do outside of school. Things like clubs, programs, extra classes, hobbies, sports, talents, etc.

  • Interview = Some private schools have an alumni interview you as a part of the admissions process.

  • Level of Applicant's Interest (in the campus) = also known as "demonstrated interest," some colleges track how much effort a student went through to check out that college. For example, some colleges have a log of every student who visited and took a college tour. Other colleges track how much email correspondence a student had with an admissions counselor. Other colleges colleges may consider whether or not a student has worked at a program related to that campus or with a professor or graduate student working on that campus.

  • Volunteer Work = What you volunteered for (clubs, non-profits, summer programs, etc.)

  • Special Talent & Ability = For students who have spent years on a certain talent or craft (art, music, design, sports, etc.)

  • Character/Personal Qualities = All colleges have certain student characteristic traits they prefer. Check out an article about this to learn more.

  • Work Experience = Increasingly, colleges prioritize and prefer students who have some work experience in their intended field. Perhaps you did research, interned with a non-profit or start up, did science fairs, or created your own app.

Outside of One's Control:

  • First Generation to Attend College = For some colleges, they really want to prioritize students who are the first in their family to attend college. Often times more resources, counselors, or specialized admission considerations are granted to first-generation college applicants.

  • State Residency = Especially true for public schools--the state in which you/your parents reside may matter greatly to the school you are applying to.

  • Geographical Location = Most college admissions is determined by region and zip code--since this information also informs the "educational context" one comes from (especially when comparing the amount and breadth of AP/Honors courses a school has over another)

  • Relation to Alumnus = Some schools prefer "legacy students" and admit family members/children of previous alumni

  • Religious Affiliation/Commitment = Especially true for religious schools, some schools may have a statement of faith or questions regarding one's faith background as part of their consideration or application process

  • Race/Ethnicity = More true for private colleges, sometimes race/ethnicity/nationality is taken into consideration for admissions