Versed Editors's blog

A look at admission statistics for colleges in the United States reveals certain trends regarding gender and the college admission process. The not so insignificant gender gap in the admission rates for different colleges shows how it might give students an upper or lower hand when applying.

Colleges proactively try to balance how many men and women they admit, which might give a student a better edge over another because of their gender. Let us look a little closer at the trends that give women and men upper hands at different colleges.

 

As of 2021, women make up 55 percent of college students. Therefore, in the general college admission pool, men are in a slight minority. Therefore, given the larger number of female applicants, men end up having a slight advantage since colleges aim to have around the same number of men and women walking their halls. Here is a list of some of the colleges where men have a better edge: 

 

Vassar College

Acceptance rate for men: 35.2

Acceptance rate for women: 19.2

 

Brown University

Acceptance rate for men: 9

Acceptance rate for women: 6

Pomona College

Acceptance rate for men: 9

Acceptance rate for women: 6

 

Bowdoin University 

Acceptance rate for men: 10

Acceptance rate for women: 8

 

Vanderbilt University 

Acceptance rate for men: 10

Acceptance rate for women: 8

 

Tufts University

Acceptance rate for men: 20

Acceptance rate for women: 15

 

However, it is not just the large number of female applicants that influences admission rates everywhere. The gap in applicants along the lines of gender is also influenced by the specific programs that students are applying to. Throughout history, some majors have been more popular with men while others were with women. Colleges are trying to establish a parity within disciplines as well - therefore, being of the gender where the discipline is less popular for you to take up will give you an edge.

Disciplines that have been historically more popular with women include teaching, nursing, the humanities, and colleges with liberal arts focus in general, to name a few. For example, Vassar is a liberal arts college that was exclusively a women’s college in the past. Hence, they receive many more female applicants. Therefore, men have an admission edge as Vassar is trying to establish a parity in their now coed structure. 

 

On the other hand, science and technology is an area where women have an edge. Here is a list of some colleges where women have higher acceptance rates: 

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Acceptance rate for men: 5

Acceptance rate for women: 11

 

Georgia Tech

Acceptance rate for men: 17

Acceptance rate for women: 28

Harvey Mudd College

Acceptance rate for men: 9

Acceptance rate for women: 24

 

Carnegie Mellon University 

Acceptance rate for men: 12

Acceptance rate for women: 21

 

Caltech

Acceptance rate for men: 5

Acceptance rate for women: 11

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

Acceptance rate for men: 44

Acceptance rate for women: 63

 

Ultimately, given the greater number of female applicants overall, men end up having a slight edge. However, women alway have the option to apply to all women’s colleges. Most of these colleges still have their doors shut to male applicants, making it a great option for women. There are a total of only three all men’s colleges in the United states as of 2021, while there are thirty five all women’s colleges right now. Despite having higher admissions rates and being easier to get into compared to the highly selective schools, these colleges still provide a great education and are of good value, and excellent name recognition. 

 

In the end, while statistics show how you might do better or worse given your gender, it's not a deciding factor that makes or breaks your application. Understanding how gender might influence is something that it is good to be aware of, but nothing that should sway your decision when applying to a school of your choice.

 

Should Students Disclose their Major on the College Application? If So, Does Choosing a Less Popular Major Help in Admissions?

Busting 10 Popular College Admissions Myths

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

 

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Colleges have different admission cycles; Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Rolling, and the Regular Decision cycles. An Early Decision (ED) cycle allows students to apply earlier to a particular college and receive notification on their admission early as well. The main feature of an ED is that it is binding. This means that if a student gets into a college where they have applied through the Early Decision cycle, they must commit to this institution unless unable to do so because of financial constraints. 

 

To understand and learn more about the different admission cycles and the benefits of the ED and EA cycle (as well as the difference between the two), visit our blog on When should Students Consider Applying Early Action/ Decision? 

 

So then, why do colleges offer Early Decision I and II? What is the difference? The main difference between ED I and ED II is that there are two different time frames to choose an early and binding option to colleges. ED II has a later application deadline that usually falls around early to mid January, and students hear back around February. Therefore, ED II is a second chance to submit a binding application should a student get deferred or rejected from their ED I school, or should a student decide in January that they are ready to commit to a school and want to apply ED. 

 

 

Why apply ED II?

1. ED II is a second chance after ED I to demonstrate the highest commitment to a school. If a student does not get into their ED I college, this offers them a second chance to apply to another college of their choice in a binding manner. Students often apply to a dream college that is either a reach for them, or a reach for everyone (the most selective schools) during ED I cycle. ED II allows students to set more realistic colleges as their new goal. 

2. While applications are usually due around the same time as the regular decision applications, ED II decisions get back to students earlier. Students generally hear back in February, which is a month to two months earlier than Regular Decision cycles. 

3. Applying to a college through the ED II cycle provides the student with an admission boost. Therefore, if students have a college that they are keen on attending over others, they should consider this option. Colleges love to see that students are pledging themselves to go to their institution!  

4. An advantage of doing ED II over ED I is that students can submit their senior year grades for ED II. If the student is not too happy with their performance during earlier years in high school, they can use senior year to boost their grades and apply to a college through ED II. 

 

Colleges that offer ED II

Different colleges across the United States offer ED II as a part of their admissions cycles, but not all of them do. Here is a list of some of the colleges that offer ED II as a part of their admissions cycle. Take a look at this information to understand how the chances differ by colleges.

 

George Washington University 

ED II Deadline: 5 January

ED II Acceptance Rate: 65

RD Acceptance Rate: 42

 

Johns Hopkins University 

ED II Deadline: 4 January

ED II Acceptance Rate: 29

RD Acceptance Rate: 8

 

New York University

ED II Deadline: 1 January

ED II Acceptance Rate: 28

RD Acceptance Rate: 14

 

Colgate University 

ED II Deadline: 15 January

ED Acceptance Rate: 45

RD Acceptance Rate: 25

 

Smith College 

ED II Deadline: 1 January

ED Acceptance Rate: 65

RD Acceptance Rate:34 

 

Tulane University 

ED II Deadline: 12 January

ED Acceptance Rate: 23

RD Acceptance Rate: 1

 

These statistics from 2020-2021 show that there is a significant difference in acceptance rates between the regular cycles and early decision cycles. To review a full list of all the colleges that offer ED II and the admissions rate for ED vs RD, click here. Please note that colleges do not report ED2 admissions rate separate from ED1 rate. Hence the ED admissions rate above is for all ED admissions combined.

 

For more insights on the college admissions process, read:

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision Admissions Rate for Colleges That Offer ED2

When Should Students Consider Applying Early Action/Early Decision?

Do High School Students Need a Focus?

Crafting a Cohesive College Application

 

 

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Many students find themselves asking during the college application process whether they should disclose what major they would like to pursue? Does this give them an edge on the application? Or is it better to go in undecided? 

 

Ideally, students who have figured out their academic or professional interests should indicate what they would like to study. Generally, colleges view students with specific interests and passions favorably, especially if they have been pursuing them through academic studies or extracurricular activities. Additionally, given that colleges are looking to fill different disciplines with students, it is easier for them to accept students with a certain interest. 

 

Some schools also require students to apply to specific programs, leaving them no opportunity to go in as undecided. For example, while applying to Boston University, students must choose a particular school within the college. For instance, they might decide to submit their application to the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Communication or College of Engineering. This means that students must have some idea as to what field they are pursuing. This principle holds for many other colleges, including New York University, Cornell University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Michigan, to name a few. 

 

However, if students declare a particular major on the application, this does not mean they are stuck with it. Sure, it allows colleges to see if students' involvements are congruent with their stated interests. However, the student is not stuck with this decision. They can always change majors once they are enrolled. This is clearly the case in liberal arts colleges, but even in an engineering school, or business school, many schools will give students the option to transfer to another discipline as long as they meet certain requirements. 

 

Does choosing a less popular major help in admissions? Choosing a less popular major can work in a student's favor and help them get into a college. Since colleges are looking to fill different disciplines, it can be a strategy for students to apply to less competitive majors. For example, if you are a humanities focused student, and have taken Latin throughout high school, it may be advantageous for you to declare a major in classics, if a particular school was looking to fill spaces in that discipline. However, students should not choose a major that is unrelated to their activities or academic areas of interest. This will stick out from the rest of the application. Additionally, students should be prepared to talk about their major at interviews and picking an unrelated major can become a disadvantage. Use this maneuver of choosing a less popular major if you are still interested in the subject and can back up that interest with supporting activities.

 

All that being said, applying to a college as undecided will not be counted against a student, especially students applying to liberal arts schools. If a student is still unsure what they want to pursue, it is OK to be honest about that in the application. It might work better than choosing something that the student has no interest in and cannot speak to. College admission teams know how challenging selecting a major is and will not look negatively upon a student for not stating a major. The major is just one part of the whole application. 

 

For additional insights on the college admissions process, check out:

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

College Admissions 2021: The Data & Changes

Busting 10 Popular College Admissions Myths

Demystifying the College Admissions Essay

 

 

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The biggest event of the year for middle school STEM students is happening this coming week.

 

Society for Science and Broadcom Foundation invite you to see research conducted by the nation’s top middle school scientists!

 

Join the virtual public exhibition of the Broadcom MASTERS 2021 finalists’ original research projects! The Broadcom MASTERS is the nation’s premier STEM competition for middle school students.

 

Click HERE to download the 2021 Finalist Book.

 

Head HERE for the Broadcom MASTERS Science and Engineering Project Showcase.

 

 

 

STEM Research Guide for High School (& Middle School) Students

This is the Bible of STEM research for High School students. In one comprehensive document, we provide students with detailed guidance on why, when, and how to conduct research. Includes over 1,000 listings of Research, Internship, Pre-College, Summer, School Year, Enrichment, and Volunteer Programs. Designed for High School and Middle School students looking ahead, this guide includes top programs in every category including Biology & Health Science, Computer Science, Engineering & Robotics, Physics & Astronomy, Math and more.

 

Learn More and Purchase this Guide

 

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As high school students navigate the college application process, a common question that pops up for most families is whether there is a correct number of colleges that their student should be applying to? Is there such a thing as too many or too few? 

 

Students should ideally aim to apply to around 8 to 10 colleges. If they wish, they could push to 12 colleges. You will definitely hear about students that apply to more, and to as many as 20 colleges. This applies particularly to  students who are aiming for more selective colleges as there are no guarantees for even so-called perfect students to get into these institutions. Students use a common practice to determine what colleges to apply to: grouping schools into safety, target, and dream schools. What do they mean in this day and age?

 

Dream Schools

Dream schools are generally colleges that students are very keen on applying to but where the student’s GPA and test scores are lower than the average accepted students. Today, the most selective colleges (with acceptance rates below 15-20%) are dream schools for everyone - even for students with perfect GPAs and test scores as many of those schools reject more students with near perfect scores than they accept. Regardless, every student who wants to should apply to one or two of these schools as you never know without trying. It is possible that a school in that particular year is looking for a student with a certain profile that you may fit. Students that are well within the ballpark in terms of GPA and test scores should apply to several of these colleges as it has become far more unpredictable where the student might be accepted. This is unfortunate, as it is this unpredictability that has forced many students to apply to more schools in recent years.

 

Target schools

Target schools are colleges where a student's application falls within the average range of most accepted students in the prior years. There is a reasonable probability that a student will get into these institutions, making it their target school, but there is no guarantee of admission. Remember that for the highest performing students, the most selective schools (where acceptance rates are below 20%) are still not considered target schools. For all other schools, students should check each school’s average GPA and standardized test scores to make sure that their scores fall comfortably within the average range. Also note that there is a difference between being in the average range of all accepted students into that college, and being in the average range of all accepted students into that college from your high school. The competitiveness of a high school ranges significantly from school to school, city to city and state to state, so it is best to find data that applies specifically to the high school that you are applying from (or your town/city if very few or no students apply from your school). Many high schools use Naviance, a software that plots the GPA and test scores of students who applied to colleges from that high school in prior years, with data showing who gets in and who does not. Students can use this software to figure out whether they are in the ballpark vs. being an outlier. In schools that do not use this software, school counselors should be able to provide this information - ask.

 

Safety schools

In this day and age, many high school counselors will tell students that there is no such thing as safety schools anymore. Instead, these are schools where the majority of admitted students have GPAs and test scores that are below what the applicant has. Hence, there is a very high probability that the students will be admitted, although again, there is no guarantee. There is the possibility that a college does not expect that an applicant will accept their offer since their scores are significantly above their typical range and reject the student as a result. 

 

Ultimately, students should only apply to those schools that they would actually attend if it was the only school that they are admitted to. There is no point in spending the time and energy to apply to a school that they never intend on attending. This will make sure that the college list does not expand beyond an unreasonable size, but it does require that families research schools well and determine whether a school would be a good fit for the student.

 

Download our guide: Finding You College Questionnaire to help you get started on putting a college list together.

 

Also download the Versed Comprehensive Guide: The College Application Process to guide you through this important process and not miss anything.

 

Every student and every family is unique. If you think you can use personalized guidance on helping your student through the college admission process, book a call with us to find out how Versed Advisors can help you. 

 

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Most high schools offer multiple levels in the courses they offer. Usually the courses are standard, accelerated or honors, and AP (Advanced Placement). The conventional wisdom is that academically motivated students looking to apply to highly selective schools should take the most rigorous course load that is offered by their high schools. While this is true, and this is what college admissions officers say, it could be a conundrum for students that attend schools offering honors and AP courses in every subject. Is it necessary to take 8+ AP courses and all other honors courses? Are 4 to 5 AP courses enough? On the flip side, what if the student is not on the honors track coming into freshman year? Academic tracking starts as early as elementary school, and some families are surprised to find that their student cannot take honors courses during freshman year which leads to other honors and AP courses in the future.

 

High performing students on the honors track:

There is no set number of AP courses a student must take during high school. However, colleges look to see how much of the offered AP courses students take advantage of in their schools. It is therefore advisable for students to take several of these advanced courses in the areas of interest, if offered in their schools. Colleges like to not just see good grades, but to see students take the opportunity to challenge and push themselves. This is more so if you are applying to more selective colleges.

While aiming to take AP courses, students should not go overboard or force themselves to follow in the footsteps of other students around them at all times. In some schools, many students take 8-9 AP courses during highschool. In other schools, students might generally do 4 to 5. However, just because other students are taking a said number of courses, not everyone needs to do it. A student with 8 AP courses is not automatically seen as a better candidate than a student with 5 AP courses. Beyond a certain level of rigor and grades, other aspects of the application matter more than additional AP courses.  Students should do as many as they personally can push themselves to do, focusing on taking these courses in their areas of interest. This shows the college admissions teams that the student has chosen courses that advance their area of interest. 

 

Students that are not on the honors track:

It is true that every student develops at a different pace. Some students blossom towards the end of middle school or even beginning of high school, and if they have been in a school system where tracking began early, the student may not be on the honors track coming into high school. However it is still important that students take challenging courses if they want to be considered for selective colleges. In this case, students should identify one or two subjects that they enjoy and do well in, and find a path to get into honors courses. In math and sciences, this may entail taking summer school that will allow them to skip a grade on math, or go into honors/AP science courses. In the humanities, students should explore placement exams that they can prepare for and take to move into higher level courses. There are also electives with AP and high level courses to consider where none of the students coming into freshman year necessarily had an advantage - for example, AP Computer Science, AP Art, AP Music, and AP Languages. The students can start with Intro classes as a freshman and build up to those courses. Students should sit down with their guidance counselors and explore options that the school offers for moving up, and also research opportunities outside of school.

It is not required that students take honors and AP courses in ALL subjects. This applies to both students that are qualified to take 12 AP courses as well as those that only qualify to take 2-3 APs.

 

While AP courses are the most popular form of advanced classes in American high schools, some schools also follow other models. For example, they might offer IB or honors courses. No matter what the system is, the essence remains the same. Students should find their strength and find ways to challenge themselves and take high level classes in those areas.  

 

Contact Us to learn more about high school course planning and how our advisors can help you uncover options that you may not have thought about.

 

 

For additional insights:

Understanding Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and Exams

6 Steps to Better Grades

How to Guarantee Academic Success

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

 

 

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There is a misperception amongst some parents that paying tuition and sending students to private schools gives their child an edge in college admissions. Is this true? Does it make a difference whether students attend a public or private high school? 

 

The answer is Yes and No. Historically, top independent and boarding schools were pipelines into Ivies and highly selective schools. That picture has changed significantly in recent years as colleges are seeking more diversity. But even today, the fact remains that 25-40% of students at top colleges come from private high schools. However this is indicative of the fact that private schools have more students with attributes that colleges were already favoring (legacies, athletes) - hence there is correlation, but not necessarily causation. It is difficult to make the argument that if a student does not fall into any of the favorable groups, that going to private school alone would help their chances of being admitted to a more competitive college. Going to a private school no longer gives students the edge that they may have enjoyed 20-30 years ago. Other factors come into play that affect the admissions process. 

 

First, highly selective colleges admit students from the top 10 percent of their high school classes. It is more challenging to distinguish oneself academically in a competitive private school where all of the students have gone through a rigorous admissions process to be there in the first place. Rather than being a mediocre student at a highly competitive private school, it will help students stand out to be a top academic achiever at a less competitive local school.

 

Second, the same could be said for extracurricular activities. It is important for students to find outlets for their interests and gain leadership opportunities. Not every student will thrive in intensely competitive environments, or in schools where wealthy families have the means to provide unlimited opportunities for their children. It is important that a student goes to a school where they will find opportunities to get involved and thrive in their pursuits.

 

Third, many private schools have families with legacy status. Also many private schools have very strong athletic programs with talented athletes who have been pre-selected. If your student does not fall in this category, they do not necessarily have an advantage being at a private school. 

 

While these reasons show that private schools do not necessarily guarantee admission, they might be helpful if the student had a skill or interest that is not supported in a public school setting. For example, sending a musically inclined student to a private school that focuses on music might help them prepare for conservatory training, or a student interested in classics without any outlet in public school may thrive in a private school with a great classics curriculum. 

 

Private schools also have an upper hand with their college admissions counselling teams. These schools usually have well trained teams of counsellors who are familiar with college admissions processes and have enough resources to properly guide students through the process. Given the smaller student population, counsellors know the students on a more personal level, making this process more customized for each student. This applies to getting recommendations from teachers, who may write better fleshed out and personalized recommendations. However, this is not reason enough to spend a fortune on private schools. Parents can still hire college consultants to help their students with the admissions process if they are not satisfied with resources available at their child's public school. While parents still have to pay for this, it is nothing compared to the fees they would have to pay to send their child to a private school. 

 

Ultimately, families should focus on finding the right school where the student can thrive. There is no right or wrong type of school. Families should focus on which environment their students can make the most of their education and be successful. To help you figure out whether public or private schools might be more suited for your child, visit our blog on The Pros and Cons of Public and Private Schools. 

 

 

Need guidance on choosing the right school for your student? Please book a free consultation with us to learn more about how Versed Advisors can help your family through this process.

 

For more insights:

Public vs. Private High Schools (Part I)

What You Need to know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

 

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By: Lloyd Nimetz, The Spike Lab

In the same way that Covid has radically transformed so much of our society, it has catalyzed major shifts in the college admissions 2021 process and beyond. The rippling aftereffects will last for years even as high schools, colleges, and society as a whole (hopefully) return to some degree of normalcy later this year. Almost without exception, every grade experienced upheaval, from pre-K to postgraduate, and observers have suggested that the Covid-19 crisis could add up to a “lost generation” of students.

 

College Admissions 2021: Last Year’s Notable Changes

Among a shortlist of disruptions to the college admissions process: test centers closed, the SAT II canceled, and AP tests went online (leading to massive student frustration and an eventual lawsuit against the College Board). In the wake of these and other impacts of the Covid crisis, college admissions offices instituted a number of policy shifts. Hundreds of schools became test-optional, allowing students to apply without submitting standardized test scores. Other schools adopted a “test blind” policy, meaning that even if applicants submitted their scores, the admissions team didn’t consider them.

In the context of high school, the isolation and dislocation of the pandemic created a number of mental health challenges for young people. This trend led to increased levels of anxiety and depression, paralleled by disengagement from classes. Students attending remote classes from their at-home bubbles experienced distraction, frustration, and exhaustion. 

These feelings were heightened by extended immersions in screens and the associated technology platforms. While some students thrived in virtual classes, other students saw their grades plummet. Cognizant of these impacts and the unreliability of Covid-era grades to reflect a student’s full capability, a number of high school administrators decided to eliminate grades and make classes pass/fail. Whether or not students agreed with this decision, the change means that their transcripts will look very different than those of past students.

Outside of academics, high school sports and extracurriculars ranging from volleyball to theater to soup kitchen volunteering were disrupted. As a result, applicants had a skimpier activities list and fewer opportunities to interact with mentors who might write a recommendation.

 

College Admissions 2021: Analyzing Trends

The disruptions and shifts in college admissions sparked by the pandemic will continue to affect the college admissions 2021 process and beyond. In this Spike Lab college admissions guide, we provide an essential summary of trends for college admissions this year and coming years. We conclude with what students and families can do to pivot in the new environment for college admissions.

 

The Data

The recurring headline from the 2020-2021 college admissions cycle is that applications went up significantly at highly selective colleges while admit rates went down. With elite schools making standardized testing requirements optional, many more students threw their hats into the proverbial admissions ring. Compared to the previous admissions cycle, Harvard saw a 42% increase in the number of applicants; Columbia saw a whopping 51% jump, and Dartmouth applications went up 33%. (Check out the full stats here.)

Not only did more students apply to the most selective schools, but the number of seats available also decreased. A larger-than-usual percentage of students deferred during the throes of the pandemic in Fall 2020. With a higher number of applications and fewer seats, the admit rates decreased. Harvard went from 4.9% to 3.4%; Columbia from 6.1% to 3.7%; and Dartmouth from 8.8% to 6.2%. (See the chart below for stats on these and other top schools.) The larger numbers of applicants were largely due to the test optional shift. However, these growing numbers also represent the acceleration of an existing trend. Elite schools are attracting more students and becoming ever more competitive. And that’s exactly why you need a Spike—and if you want to skip right to our summary of a Spike’s priceless value in the admissions process, jump to this point.

The enormous significance of a Spike was evident in TSL’s college admissions 2021 decisions. Of our students, 93% were accepted to at least one “reach” school. Notably, these students garnered entrée into programs that were ideal for their backgrounds and long-term goals.

STEM MAJORS BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE

During the college admissions 2020 cycle, a greater percentage of students applied to STEM and Computer Science majors. As in previous times of economic upheaval, the humanities take a hit, since applicants and families view STEM degrees as more resilient for long-term job stability. This trend had already emerged, reflected by the decrease in the size of humanities departments across schools. However, like other shifts, it was accelerated by the pandemic.

MORE FIRST-GENERATION, BIPOC STUDENTS ACCEPTED

While application numbers went up significantly at highly selective schools, the overall number of applicants to colleges stayed the same. Namely, a larger percentage of high school seniors aimed for elite schools. Within the overall pool, other notable changes in college admissions took place. The proportion of BIPOC students accepted into top schools increased. due in part to test-optional policies. Standardized tests have been shown to have a bias against minority, and especially low-income, students. The fact that first-generation, BIPOC students were admitted in higher numbers than previous years reflects the greater emphasis that admissions officers placed on the holistic admissions process.

FLUCTUATIONS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATIONS

On the global front, applications from international students living outside of the US increased by 10%, although apps from China decreased significantly (see data). At the onset of the pandemic, the US halted in-person processing of student visas, discouraging many Chinese students from applying to US colleges last year. This number may begin to increase again for Chinese students especially since the US has started visa processing again. At the time of this article, international students from Europe and India are still waiting for the travel ban to be lifted. However, the US embassy has started processing the long backlog of student visa applications in India as well as China.

 

How To Prepare for College Admissions 2021

College admissions have gone through a sea change, and the reliable tactics of the past may no longer be valid. In the new admissions landscape, students now need to tread carefully and purposefully to achieve their admissions goals. In this guide, we explain how you can put your best foot forward.

 

Testing: Should You Test—and Should You Submit?

In the realm of testing logistics, AP Tests remain available online and SAT and ACT test centers have opened up. However, there are still hiccups in this process. A higher percentage of students who enroll in the SAT is able to take it now compared to last fall (see data), even as US testing centers have still been closing last minute due to health safety concerns.

In spite of the obstacles in test-taking during the pandemic, high schoolers still managed to go through the ritual. Last year, the number of students who took the SAT or ACT only faced small reductions. In the upcoming year, numerous schools will remain test optional, accelerating an emerging movement against the hegemony, monopoly, and—as critics describe it—the injustice of the standardized testing behemoths. One survey revealed that almost 70% of schools that switched to test optional will remain so in 2021.

The catch? Many top schools still consider standardized tests to be a meaningful predictor of a student’s ability to succeed in college. Just because these schools went test-optional last year does not mean that they ignored scores completely. Furthermore, selective colleges tended to have a higher proportion of students who did submit self-report test scores (the data on that is here).

AIMING FOR TOP COLLEGES? TAKE THE SAT/ACT

Since highly selective schools still value standardized test scores, you should take the SAT If you intend to apply for selective colleges. Once you’ve taken the test, opting to submit your scores is a strategic decision. There are multiple reasons why students don’t test well, from test-taking anxiety to simply being off your game at that moment. In general, if your scores are above a specific college’s testing median, it’s advantageous to submit scores to that school. If your scores are below the median, let the other elements of your application do the talking.

And if your scores aren’t as high as you’d like, change your college app strategy so that you submit test scores to safety/match schools, but not for reach. Also, make sure that you write strong essays and ask for recommendation letters from teachers who can eloquently advocate for you.

Some schools and state university systems were already relying less heavily on test scores, and they will likely stay that way. (For more on that trend, see here and here.) Because testing policies may fluctuate at individual colleges, stay up to date on the school’s policy. Check the school website, the Common App, or with an admissions department directly.

 

How Do Admissions Officers Evaluate Applicants Now?

College admissions officers consider a number of character and data points to decide who to admit. The pandemic affected or even erased a number of those elements. These include the test scores, GPA for students whose schools switched to pass/fail, extracurriculars that were canceled, recommendations that will now be written by teachers who never saw their students in actual classrooms. As a result, admissions teams will prioritize other sources of information. They will weigh more heavily what’s revealed through the personal essay or the sort of extracurriculars that self-starting students accomplished even in the midst of the pandemic.

 

The Increasing Value of Demonstrated Interest

In the pandemic era, showing demonstrated interest in a school is now more important than ever. College wants to maintain strong yield rates (defined as the percentage of accepted students who matriculate to that school). With yield rates dropping due to uncertainty during the pandemic, demonstrated interest is an important factor. For tips, read our guide on demonstrated interest.

Prospective students should research colleges thoroughly, follow them on social media, talk to current students and alumni, attend virtual campus tours if you can’t visit in person, and send well-drafted emails to professors and admissions representatives. These forms of outreach leave a footprint that can increase your admissions prospects. Colleges are more likely to admit students who are genuinely engaged with the school. Demonstrated interest signals more certainty that a student will matriculate if accepted.

 

What’s Your ED Strategy for College Admissions 2021?

When highly selective schools adopted a test-optional policy, the application floodgates opened. With test scores eliminated from essential admissions criteria, many students took a “Hail Mary” approach and applied Early Decision (ED) to schools that were realistically beyond their reach. While we at TSL encourage our students to be ambitious, we also encourage them to use ED strategically. Applying ED is one significant way to demonstrate interest in a college, because you’re legally bound to attend if admitted. Therefore, applying ED generally increases your chances of acceptance at most top colleges. Students should apply for schools that are a good fit for their academic credentials. Most importantly, apply for a school that will engage and challenge you but not overwhelm you.

Many students want to attend a “brand name” school. However, if you realistically can’t handle the workload and the accompanying pressure, then it’s not a good fit. And if a school is more of a “reach” than a “target”—i.e., if your academic and extracurricular achievements don’t match the level of the prototypical student at the school—then applying ED to the school is akin to wasting a valuable at-bat in baseball. Instead of whiffing a potential home run, students should choose wisely when applying ED. Don’t waste your early decision opportunity during the college admissions 2021 cycle.

 

How To Select Your ED School

To do this, students should thoughtfully and realistically assess their ED choice and overall college list. Start by asking yourself what type of program fits your interests and desired level of academic rigor. Does the program you’re considering have resources (profs, research opportunities, classes) that will enable you to pursue your specific academic interests? Do your academic and extracurricular histories place you firmly within the potential pool of applicants? Does the school’s academic, social, and extracurricular environment fit your sensibility? You want to find a good match in the school you attend: a primary reason for carefully considering school choice and researching colleges thoroughly.

 

What if You’re Graduating HS in 2023 and Beyond?

Younger students who aren’t applying during the college admissions 2021 cycle have plenty of runway. They still have time to build their extracurriculars (beyond the typical school clubs and programs), achieve high grades, and more. With the return to in-person classes and activities, younger students can also focus on developing authentic relationships with their teachers and advisors, especially if they will be your recommender for college. If online learning was a struggle, focus on improving your grades now that many schools are returning to IRL learning. Last but not least, conceive and complete a Spike! It’s an excellent method to demonstrate that you are a good fit for your top choice schools and programs.

 

Why Spikes are a Timeless Strategy for Improving Admissions Prospects

With all of the changes in college admissions, one approach remains relevant: the Spike. Self-initiated projects in art, technology, activism, community service, science, and other arenas are always going to impress admissions officers. These projects show maturity, focus, wherewithal, commitment: qualities that colleges want to have in their students. This fact holds true for the upcoming college admissions 2021 cycle and beyond. 

As of summer 2021, in-person volunteering, extracurriculars, and sports are resuming, allowing students to get involved in their passions and favorite pastimes. Even with the return to relative normalcy, the fact remains that—with variants on the rise and varying vaccine uptake—some question if we can resume in-person interaction. In light of these facts, students should consider the following actions: (1) Build a Spike that won’t be affected if lockdown restrictions return. (2) At a time when extracurriculars are on hold, students should proactively pursue their own interests. Their initiative and motivation will make a significant impression on admissions officers.

 

Reflecting on Covid’s Impact on Your Application

During the 2020 admissions cycle, the Common App introduced a new question inviting students to address how Covid impacted them. The prompt:

“Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.”

It seems likely that this question will be available in upcoming years. Freshmen affected by the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 won’t be applying until fall 2022 for admission in fall 2023. If your experience during Covid was particularly unsettling and it had an impact on your academics—if you were dealing with mental health issues, or the death of a family member, or technology constraints, or other pressures brought about by the isolation and upheaval of the pandemic—it’s important to use this statement to explain to admissions departments what happened and how it influenced you.

More generally, for students applying for this college admissions 2021 cycle, the pandemic may be a major theme in your essays. Students who are applying in upcoming years might find it helpful to reflect on how their pandemic experiences changed them. How did they shape your goals for the rest of high school? This pandemic year has been an emotionally challenging time. Look to yourself, your family and your community for inspiration on how to proactively respond to these pressures.

 

What About Financial Aid?

Colleges were able to offer less merit and financial aid since they saw a decrease in revenue during the height of the pandemic—due in part to more deferrals—and lower returns on their endowments, especially after last year’s bull market (data here) However, as of summer 2021, the economy is recovering and colleges will likely offer more aid in the coming years, especially with merit scholarships that are used to help schools protect their yield rates and entice more competitive students to matriculate.

 

Required Vaccinations

Colleges and universities are still evaluating their Covid policies, but a number of institutions have announced that students returning to campus will need to be vaccinated, in the same way, that they require MMR vaccinations or boosters. As a young adult, you can get ahead of the game by getting vaccinated now if you haven’t already. And make sure you keep close track of your vaccination card.

 

 

About Lloyd Nimetz and The Spike Lab

Lloyd is the founder of The Spike Lab. He is a serial entrepreneur and startup investor who has been a founder of five for-profits and nonprofits in the US, Taiwan, Argentina and India. Previously he directed 4.0 Schools’ education startup accelerator and before that was the co-founder of Dev Bootcamp NYC (parent company was acquired by Kaplan Inc in 2014). Lloyd went to Stanford University for his MBA, majored in Economics during his undergraduate studies at Williams College and was a Fulbright Scholar.

The Spike Lab is dedicated to helping students across the world find their passions and build a “Spike,” a project that has real-world impact and is uniquely impressive.Our coaches are top college graduates and world-class experts at teaching entrepreneurship. Students work 1-1 with a coach to develop skills to succeed in the modern world, through high school, college, and their careers after.

 

 

 

For additional insights:

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

Demystifying the College Admissions Essay

 

Subscribe to our Newsletter 

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The school that a child attends has a significant impact on the child’s academic trajectory and achievement, their social and emotional development, as well as the kinds of opportunities and resources available to them. Parents often wonder if enrolling their child in a private school makes a dramatic difference in their children’s education. Is one preferable over the other? Unfortunately, there is no standard response to this question. There are many excellent private schools as well as many weak ones, just as there are many wonderful public schools as terrible ones. Although it is not possible to make sweeping generalizations about private and public schools, we have listed below some of the pros and cons experienced by families at each type of school. 

 

Public School: 

Pros 

1. Free education. Given that the government funds public schools, the tuition for children at these schools is free of charge, making this a deciding factor for most families.  

2. More diversity. Since public schools are more affordable and easily accessible, children from different backgrounds enroll in these schools. This adds more diversity to the schools in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. However, the diversity in public schools also depends on the neighborhood they are in, and not all public schools are necessarily diverse. Also, many private schools now make significant efforts to create diversity. 

3. Large selection of classes/clubs/activities. In very large public schools, the sheer size allows the school to offer every kind of classes, athletic teams, clubs, and activities not possible at smaller schools. 

4. Being part of a neighborhood/local community - community is an important component of student life and having classmates all local makes social interactions and group activities easier - many private school parents cite the challenges of getting students together after school and getting students to activities on weekends.

5. Contributes to the community. Enrolling your child in a public school helps strengthen the local community and the welfare of children within these respective communities. This leads to more people advocating for equality as well.

Cons

1. Students don't necessarily receive personalized attention. If children are not enrolled in a gifted program or special education program, some students can get lost and are provided limited hand holding in public schools. 

2. Parent input is limited. At public schools it is difficult for parents to have their requests for changes in the school implemented. 

3. Large class sizes. The type of class instruction is influenced by class sizes. Larger classes mean teachers provide less individualized feedback and can cause children to participate less, especially if they are not comfortable with speaking up in classes. 

 

Private School: 

Pros

1. Specialized and tailored. Often, parents choose to send their children to certain private schools because they have specialized courses and classes in subject areas not offered in public schools. For instance, a child involved in art, may find a private school that focuses on the arts and nurtures this skill. This applies to other subjects such as science and technology. That being said, some very large public schools offer an incredible array of classes and extracurricular activities and in large cities there are magnet schools focusing on niche areas such as the arts.

2. Quality instructors. There is often the belief that the teachers in private schools are more qualified. Teachers here are experts in what they do and teach, with many of them holding PhDs. However, this does not mean that public schools do not have highly qualified instructors. In fact, in well-funded school districts, public schools provide tenure and better salaries, making many prefer to teach here. 

3. Student to teacher ratio. The number of students per teacher is generally lower in private schools, given that the overall student population is usually smaller than in public schools. This allows students to receive more personalized attention.  

4. Alumni network. Private schools tend to have stronger alumni networks, which is advantageous for future internship and career prospects. 

5. Top notch facilities and beautiful campuses. We have seen unbelievable facilities that rival University campuses at some of the top private schools in the country. However, this does not mean all private schools have this. There are plenty of small community and parochial private schools whose facilities are no better than public schools. Also, some public schools in wealthy suburbs and magnet schools in urban areas have incredible facilities. 

6. Better college counselors. Private schools pay a lot of attention to college admissions and usually have teams well educated on how to handhold students through the process.

Cons

1. Cost of Attendance. Private schools require students’ families to pay tuition, not making it an affordable option for many.  

2. Loss of socioeconomic diversity. Given that private schools require student’s families to pay tuition, this is not an option for most families. While some students attend private schools on scholarships, this is still incomparable to the diversity present in public schools. 

3. Small student population. On the one hand, this is a plus for students as it gives them more personalized attention with teachers. On the other hand, small sizes can also be a con for peer interaction, meeting different people, and having extensive clubs and activities. Private school parents often cite the challenges of attending the same school with the same small group of students for K-12 - students that don’t fit in socially with this small group of students may have difficulties.

4. Difficult to socialize. In private schools, there could be less of a community given that students often live in far-flung locations. This makes it difficult for students to get together for study sessions over the weekend and independently create plans and impromptu get togethers. 

 

Conclusion 

Public and private schools have their pluses and minuses, and there is no standard rule that parents should enroll their children in one over the other. It all depends on what the available options are for each family and what academic, extracurricular, and social/emotional needs that a student has. Parents need to consider the pros and cons and see what matters to them. For some, the cost might be a deciding factor. For others, it might be the importance of an alumni network. Additionally, the type of neighborhood you live in and the available schools, both private and public, would also influence this decision. For example, if students live in a well-resourced school district, there is no need for them to enroll in a private school. Sometimes, private schools may not be easily available to students, in which case parents can also consider boarding schools. For some families, none of these options work for them where they live. Fortunately, there are other options including online schools. Learn more about this option at 12 Online High Schools to Consider. Finally, parents should also consider whether one is better than the other from a college admissions standpoint. Read Public vs Private High Schools - Does It Matter for College Admissions?

 

For more insights, read:

Public vs Private High Schools - Does It Matter for College Admissions?

6 Steps to Better Grades

5 Important Skills Middle Schoolers Should Develop Before High School

5 Things Freshmen Can Do To Prepare For College (applies to Sophomores too!)

12 Online High Schools to Consider

 

Subscribe to our Newsletter 

Receive inside track information on college admissions process, high school and middle school planning, general pre-college guidance, and be the first to know about our events and announcements.

 

 

 

As students settle into school this month, with most in-person activities resuming, students will continue extracurricular activities they have already been involved in or explore new activities to pursue in the new school year. Extracurricular activities are an important part of high school as they provide an outlet for students to explore interests outside of the classroom and provide important leadership skills, as well as social and emotional benefits. It is also one of the most important criteria in how a college differentiates one applicant from another. Especially for highly selective colleges, where most applicants have near perfect grades and test scores, what students do outside of school is a key differentiator. Students that are involved deeply in meaningful activities and are achieving state and national recognition are at a significant advantage. But what extracurricular activity is meaningful? What level of involvement is required? What counts as leadership? What is unique? 

 

By now, everyone should already know that students should absolutely pursue activities that they are interested in and that they care about. Sports, arts, music, science research, community service, business internships - colleges do not prefer one category or another. It is most important that students pursue what they care about, because that will encourage them to spend time on it and have a meaningful experience. However, it is important to note that the level of involvement is very important, and that is where a student can differentiate themselves with a set of activities that show talent, dedication, and hard work. 

 

Level 1: Minimal involvement

Students entering high school should aim to start with level 1 as well as level 2 activities. The activities in level 1 are easily accessible to most students and require minimal to moderate involvement. For example, this includes being part of the school band or getting involved in the freshman team of a sport. Being a member of the French club or being a staff member of the school paper would fall into this category. Most students are involved in these activities, and college admissions officers see them listed on most applications. This is a great place to start, and most 9th graders will start here. Pursuing these activities will pave the way for students to figure out what activities interest them. They can then pursue these at more involved levels. 

 

Level 2: Significant involvement

The second level of extracurricular involvement shows that a student is committed to this activity and is spending dedicated time to pursue it. For example, a student takes on leadership positions such as secretary or treasurer of a club. Similarly, students involved in sports move up to varsity teams. Students are now working towards making an impact, earning recognition, and being involved in competitions if applicable. While this level of involvement shows commitment and interest, students should not stop here. Instead, they should aim for an even higher level of involvement. 

 

Level 3: High impact or achievement

Getting involved in level 3 extracurricular is a goal that students can work toward accomplishing. This level of involvement refers to activities that have high levels of achievement or impact. For example, involvement in school clubs and organizations must now reflect significant levels of leadership - becoming the Editor in Chief of the school newspaper, or Captain of the Debate team. Varsity athletes are now captains. This level of involvement shows colleges that students are committed and immersed in the activities, excelling, and taking on leadership roles. Other examples of this level include doing significant volunteer work, starting an organization, or winning regional competitions. 

 

Level 4: National/ international recognition 

Level 4 is the highest level of achievement that only a small group of students will reach. This includes high levels of achievement garnering national or international recognition. Students at this level are finalists in Regeneron STS, participating in National and International Math/Science Olympiads, winning Scholastic Art and Writing awards, and partaking in competitive summer programs such as the Telluride, PROMYS, and SSP. Athletes at this level are nationally ranked or are on teams winning national and international tournaments. This level of involvement in an extracurricular activity is not going to apply to most students. So, do not fret if you do not fall into this category.

 

What should be the goal?

When students apply to colleges, their goal should be to include higher levels of extracurricular activities - if possible, level 4 and level 3. Given how difficult it is to attain level 4 activities, it is OK if students do not have this to show as part of their application. Students should ideally have one or two activities at level 3, and/or few level 2 activities. Students should avoid listing ten level 1 activities. Depth is more important than breadth of activities. 

 

For those students whose interests do not clearly line up with high school activities...

Watch two great webinars on helping students pursue unique opportunities through independent projects and research.

 

WATCH THE WEBINAR

 

WATCH THE WEBINAR