by Bethany Goldszer |
Last Updated: April 12, 2023 When applying to a top college, it can be tough to get in. To improve your chances, you should focus on a few things. First, work hard to get great grades and test scores that are better than most students. Second, take part in interesting classes, clubs, and activities, and build strong connections with your teachers. Finally, it’s important to get to know the admissions officer who will look at your application. Many students know the first three points are important, but they may not understand why it’s important to connect with the admissions officer. Before reading this post, you might not have even thought about it. However, building a relationship with your admissions officer can really help you stand out.
This post will share more details about who an admissions officer is, what they do, and why you should partner with them to boost your chances of admission into your top colleges.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Admissions Process
As you begin your high school journey, it’s important to understand the college admissions process to make informed decisions and better prepare for your future. Start by researching different colleges and universities to find ones that match your interests, needs, and goals. Consider factors like location, size, programs, campus life, and financial aid. Focus on your academics by taking challenging courses and maintaining good grades. Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or community service, to showcase your talents and interests. When the time comes, you’ll need to complete and submit applications, which often include essays and letters of recommendation from your teachers or mentors. You may also be asked to submit standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Some colleges may even invite you for an interview. Remember, the key is to stay organized and plan ahead to make the college admissions process as smooth as possible.
What does an admissions officer do?
Colleges hire admissions officers to provide information about the school to interested students. Admissions officers review incoming and transfer student applications to determine who will be accepted and denied admission. The admissions officer is well versed in all aspects of academics and campus life. The admissions officer can direct you to other contacts at the college or university to assist you with a question or concern. Also, they are an ally and potential partner in your admissions into the college or university.
Beyond their role of being a representative for the college or university, keep reading to know their other important tasks and how they relate to your admission decision.
Admission Officers Review Applications
Admissions officers review applications in a thorough and holistic manner. They evaluate each component of the application to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s qualifications and potential as a student. Here are some of the most important factors that admissions officers consider when making admissions decisions:
Grades and Test Scores: Admissions officers typically look for students with a strong academic record. They review a student’s high school transcript to see the grades they have earned in different subjects and to ensure that they have taken a rigorous course load. Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also considered.
Extracurricular Activities: Admissions officers are interested in what students do outside of the classroom. They look for students who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, and passion in their extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteering, or work experience.
Essays: Essays are a crucial component of the application process. Admissions officers read them to get a sense of a student’s writing ability, personality, and values. Essays should demonstrate a student’s critical thinking skills and show why they would be a good fit for the college or university.
Letters of Recommendation: Admissions officers often require letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors. These letters can provide valuable insight into a student’s character, work ethic, and academic potential.
Demonstrated Interest: Admissions officers want to admit students who are genuinely interested in attending their college or university. Demonstrated interest can be shown through a student’s visits to the campus, attendance at college fairs or information sessions, and communication with admissions officers.
Admission Officers Build an Incoming Class
As much as the admissions officer may like you as a real person, their commitment is to the college and institutional priorities. Institutional priorities are a foundational concept that I’ll touch on in a future post. Essentially, it is the set of guidelines that admissions officers must abide by as they select students to join the incoming class. Examples could be exceptional students who can fully pay the tuition price and don’t need financial aid. Or students who play golf, female marine biologists, and low-income students who’d help the college meet its commitment to ethnic and geographic diversity.
This concept of institutional priorities may motivate you can pinpoint your top colleges’ institutional priorities. Being who they are looking for can benefit you favorably. When I advise you to find your best-fit college, I am telling you to build a list of the colleges with all of the qualities you look for in a school where you want to study and spend four years. In reverse, I advise that you know that you check all the boxes for the college or university. When endearment goes both ways, it’s a perfect match made.
Admission Officers Decide Who Gets In
After reviewing all applications and evaluating each applicant’s qualifications and potential, admissions officers typically use a voting system to make final decisions. Here is a general overview of the process:
Committee Review: Admissions officers usually review applications in committees composed of several members, including faculty members, administrators, and current students. Each committee member evaluates the applications and presents their findings to the group.
Initial Vote: After the committee has evaluated all applications, members may take an initial vote to determine which applicants will receive further consideration. This vote may be based on academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and other factors.
Discussion and Deliberation: After the initial vote, the committee members discuss each applicant in more detail, sharing their perspectives on each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. This discussion may lead to revisions of the initial vote.
Final Vote: Once the committee has discussed all applicants, members take a final vote to determine which students will be admitted. This vote may be based on a combination of factors, including academic qualifications, personal qualities, fit with the college’s mission and values, and the needs of the incoming class.
Notification: After the final vote, the admissions office sends notifications to all applicants, letting them know whether they have been admitted, denied, or waitlisted.
It’s important to keep in mind that every school may have a slightly different process in place. However, understanding these general principles can help you prepare and position yourself for success in the admissions process.
Admission Officers Award Merit Scholarships
Admissions officers play a critical role in awarding merit scholarships to incoming students. Merit scholarships are given to students based on their academic achievements, such as high grades, test scores, and other accomplishments.
When reviewing applications, admissions officers pay close attention to the academic records and achievements of each applicant. They consider factors such as GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles.
Based on these factors, admissions officers may nominate certain applicants for merit scholarships. These nominations are typically reviewed by a scholarship committee, which makes the final decision on awarding the scholarships.
In addition to awarding scholarships, admissions officers also play a role in communicating with students about scholarship opportunities and requirements. They may provide information on the scholarship application process, deadlines, and criteria. Admissions officers may also work with financial aid offices to ensure that students receive the maximum amount of aid available to them.
Admission Officers Support Enrolled Students
After you enroll in the college of your choice, you might think that your interaction with the admissions office ends after you receive your acceptance letter. However, the admissions office can continue to support you throughout your college journey.
One way admissions officers can support enrolled students is by providing resources and information. Admissions officers often have a wealth of knowledge about the college, its programs, and its services. They can connect you with the right people or provide you with information that can help you navigate your college experience.
Admissions officers can also liaise between students and the college administration. If you have questions or concerns about policies or procedures, admissions officers can help you find the answers you need.
Another way admissions officers can support enrolled students is by creating programs and initiatives to help students succeed. For example, some admissions offices offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and academic support services. These programs can help students make connections, feel supported, and succeed academically.
In addition, admissions officers can also serve as advocates for students. They can help connect students with scholarship opportunities or advocate for students who may be facing challenges that could impact their academic success.
In short, admissions officers can be a valuable resource for students even after they enroll. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the admissions office if you need help or have questions. They are there to support you and help you succeed.
How to Get to Know Your Admissions Officer
The college admissions officer’s job is rewarding and stressful. They have to make their best judgment decisions based on what they can’t control. If they admit you and you don’t succeed, or you transfer out, they get blamed. What they need is the assurance you’ll be successful. You do this with how you perform in school and align with previous statistics. You can also assure admissions officers you’re a great choice in the way you interact with them before submitting your application.
The admissions officer is the person you want to get to know you better. At the very least, you should contact them with a friendly and polite email letting them know your strong interest in the college or university and asking a thoughtful and engaging question. You should include your resume in the email and ask for a reply back to confirm you have their attention. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Reach out to the admissions officer with updates on a regular basis.
- Confirm with the admissions officer that they have received all your application materials.
- Ask the admissions officer when you can expect to hear back from them if it’s not clear.
- Once you receive a decision, send a thank you card to the admissions officer.
- Wait for a response, which may include a note or phone call welcoming you to campus.
How Do I Find My Designated Admission Officer?
To find your designated admissions officer, follow these simple steps that’ll help you connect with the right person:
Visit the college or university’s website: Start by going to the official website of the school you’re interested in. Look for the “Admissions” or “Undergraduate Admissions” section.
Search for a “Contact Us” or “Meet the Team” page: In the Admissions section, look for a link or menu item that says “Contact Us,” “Meet the Team,” “Admissions Staff,” or something similar. Click on it to access the list of admissions officers.
Check for regional representatives: Many colleges and universities assign admissions officers to specific regions, states, or even high schools. Look for a list or a map that shows the representative for your area. You may need to select your state or region to see the admissions officer responsible for students from your location.
Find their contact information: Once you’ve identified your designated admissions officer, look for their email address or phone number. Most schools provide contact details for their admissions staff so you can easily reach out to them.
Reach out with questions or concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about the admissions process, feel free to contact your designated admissions officer. They’re there to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Sample Email to an Admissions Officer
Dear Mr. Smith:
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Megan Watson, and I am a senior at St. Luca High School. I recently submitted my application to Connecticut College, and I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and express my sincere interest in attending the school.
I have been impressed with Connecticut College for some time and believe it would be a great fit for me academically, socially, and personally. I have researched the school thoroughly and am excited about the opportunities it offers, including the biology program. I believe that Connecticut College would provide me with the perfect environment to pursue my academic goals while also offering me the chance to grow as an individual.
If you have any questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my email, and I look forward to the possibility of attending Connecticut College.
Sincerely,
Megan Watson
Interview with an Admissions Officer
If you’re applying to a selective college, you’ll want to meet 1-on-1 with an admissions officer. This can happen either at a college fair, during a campus visit, at an informational session, or scheduled as a virtual meeting. If you get an interview with an admissions officer during your junior or senior year of high school, it’s important to make a good impression. Here are some steps to help you prepare and make the most of the opportunity:
Research the school: Familiarize yourself with the college or university you’re applying to. Understand their mission, values, programs, and any unique aspects of their campus culture.
Prepare your answers: Consider common interview questions, such as “Why are you interested in our school?” or “What do you plan to study and why?” Practice articulating your thoughts and experiences clearly and concisely.
Dress appropriately: Wear professional attire that shows you’re taking the interview seriously. A suit or dress and blazer are recommended, and make sure your clothes are clean and well-fitting.
Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to find the location and relax before the interview begins.
Make a good first impression: Greet the admissions officer with a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile.
Listen actively: Pay attention to the questions being asked, and take a moment to think before answering. This demonstrates thoughtfulness and helps ensure you provide a thoughtful response.
Be yourself: Show your genuine personality, interests, and aspirations. The admissions officer is trying to get to know you and determine if you’re a good fit for the school.
Ask questions: Prepare a few questions about the school, programs, or campus life to show your interest and engagement.
Stay positive: Be confident and maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. This will help you leave a lasting impression.
Send a thank-you note: After the interview, send a thank-you email or handwritten note to express your gratitude for the opportunity and to reaffirm your interest in the school.
Remember, an interview is a chance for you to showcase your strengths and demonstrate why you’d be a great addition to the college or university.
Frequently Asked Questions about Admissions Officers
What do admissions officers do? Admissions officers review your application and decide whether or not you’ll be admitted to their school. They look at your grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more to get a sense of who you are and how you’ll fit into their campus community.
How do they evaluate applications? Admissions officers consider various factors like your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, and personal qualities. They may also consider factors like diversity, geographic location, and special talents to create a well-rounded class.
What can you do to stand out? To make a strong impression, focus on your strengths and passions. Take challenging courses, get involved in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate leadership. When writing your essays, be genuine and let your unique voice shine through.
Do they read recommendation letters? Yes, admissions officers read recommendation letters to get a better understanding of your character, work ethic, and potential. Ask teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well to write these letters.
How important are interviews? Interviews can be an important part of the admissions process, as they give the admissions officer a chance to get to know you better. Be prepared, be yourself, and be ready to discuss your interests and aspirations.
- Can building a relationship with an admissions officer boost admissions chances? Building a relationship with an admissions officer can potentially boost your admissions chances by demonstrating interest, personalizing your application, and providing additional context. Engage with admissions officers genuinely and respectfully, asking thoughtful questions and seeking guidance. Remember that fostering a connection should be about gaining insights into the school and the application process, not trying to manipulate the outcome.
Do admissions officers consider financial aid needs? Some colleges and universities practice need-blind admissions, meaning they don’t take your financial situation into account when making admission decisions. Others might practice need-aware admissions, where financial aid needs may be considered. Always research the specific policies of the schools you’re applying to.
How important are standardized test scores to admission officers? The importance of standardized test scores varies by school. Some institutions may weigh them heavily, while others have gone test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit your scores. Regardless, strong test scores can still be an asset to your application.
Do they take into account an upward grade trend? Yes, admissions officers often look for improvement in your academic performance over time. An upward grade trend can demonstrate your dedication to learning and growth.
Can I contact an admissions officer with questions? Definitely! Admissions officers are there to help you throughout the application process. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance.
How much do extracurricular activities matter? While your academic record is crucial, extracurricular activities also play a role in the admissions process. They provide insight into your interests, talents, and potential contributions to the campus community. Pursue activities that genuinely interest you and demonstrate your commitment and leadership skills.
Conclusions + Next Steps
As an aspiring college student, it’s essential to understand the role of an admissions officer in the college application process. In the post, you have gained an understanding of what an admissions officer does and why it’s crucial to partner with them to position yourself for success.
Once you have a clear idea of the admissions officer’s role, the next step is to take action. To demonstrate your interest in a particular college or university, it’s essential to reach out to your area admissions officer. By sending them an introductory email or attending a virtual information session, you can start building a relationship and showcasing your passion for the school.
Additionally, establishing a relationship with your area admissions officer can provide valuable insights into the school’s admission process and requirements. They can answer questions you may have and provide advice on how to strengthen your application.
Recommended Reading
Inside the Admissions Committee: What Really Happens
Ever wonder what goes on behind closed doors in the admissions committee? Get an inside look at the decision-making process.
Accepted to Cornell: How She Got In
How she got accepted to Cornell. This post reviews the key steps that helped with her college application to Cornell.
Colleges with Rolling Admissions for Late Applicants
Late to the college application game? No problem! These colleges with rolling admissions accept applications throughout the year.
Extracurricular Activities & COVID-19: SOS
Extracurricular activities engagement is an important part of the college admissions process. In the age of COVID-19, here are ideas to consider.
How to Choose a College Essay Topic
This post will give you clear and easy advice on how to choose a college essay topic that you're excited to write about.
Why Demonstrated Interest Matters in College Admissions
Are you serious about attending your dream school? Discover why demonstrated interest is important and how to make a good impression.