This is probably the biggest question on the minds of students as they go through the college application process. As much as we might wish for a predictable formula for 'getting in', that is was a simple as "do this and you'll be accepted", that's just not the case. But maybe knowing that colleges really do take many things into account and are looking for a wide variety of people to welcome to their next freshman class, and that it might not actually be as personal as it feels, can relieve some pressure to do 'all the right things' or have a flawless transcript and perfect test scores. Maybe knowing how the people reviewing those future applications are thinking about admissions will even encourage applicants to - yes, we know it's a cliché - just be themselves!
If even these admissions counselors at the same school with the same goals cannot agree on applicants, maybe that's a reason to take this a little less personally. We know that's easier said than done... this process often feels very personal, especially when you get denied from a school (which most of us have or will!). But if there really is no formula, no step-by-step "how to get in", maybe instead of that reality stressing you out and trying to do all the things, it can be a reason to really focus on your best fit - what you're looking for in a school, and then doing a great job of sharing that in your application.
Just some thoughts... :)