A Big Shift in Elite College Admissions Could Impact the Future of Our Nation’s Top Universities
College enrollment declined during the pandemic, but an area of education is defying that trend. Jeff Selingo, author of “Who Gets In And Why,” discusses on The Indicator podcast how an uptick in elite college admissions could shape the future of our country’s top universities.
Stanford University
Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, California, offers bachelor’s, certificate and master’s degrees to its students. Established in 1891, the institution has grown into a world-class institution known for its scientific research and innovation initiatives.
The university is renowned for its top-notch academics and commitment to diversity. It consistently ranks as one of the top colleges in America.
Students with top scores on their SATs and high GPAs are more likely to be accepted at Stanford. Furthermore, they should demonstrate strong community involvement as well as an avid interest in one or two subjects outside the classroom.
If you are considering attending Stanford, it is essential to begin working on your college application early. Doing this gives you time to research different topics and compose an effective essay that convinces the admissions officers at Stanford why you deserve a spot.
Some of the best ways to increase your odds for admission at Stanford are taking challenging classes, earning high GPAs and scoring well on either the SAT or ACT tests. Additionally, practice writing essays and answering short question answers in order to demonstrate knowledge of a topic.
Additionally, if you are part of a competitive sports team, reach out to your coach and request extra training. Doing this will demonstrate Stanford that you are serious about improving in your sport and give yourself an edge during college application processes.
Additionally, strive to achieve excellent grades in your AP and IB courses. Doing so will demonstrate to college admissions officers at Stanford that you are an ambitious student with what it takes to succeed there.
Elite college admissions are seeing a major shift. Earlier this year, some of America’s top schools announced they would be altering their policies to reduce stress for prospective students. But some students and consultants disagreed with this change and suggested it could prove unhelpful.
Cornell University
Cornell University is an esteemed Ivy League school that attracts many talented students. It’s renowned for its academic programs and research centers across various subjects, as well as having a top-ranked College of Veterinary Medicine and esteemed Hotel Administration program.
Cornell is an esteemed college that requires a great deal of hard work to gain acceptance. To maximize your chances of being accepted when applying, be sure to maintain excellent grades throughout high school.
The college’s idyllic setting in Ithaca, New York offers students the perfect blend of small-town comfort and big city excitement. As they take in the stunning sights around them – such as Cayuga Lake and campus – they also have access to plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking through nearby forests.
This university boasts an impressive alumni network and its student body is passionate about their careers. Many are active members in their communities, possessing an incredible drive for success.
One reason many people choose Cornell is the school’s dual-degree program, which allows you to earn both an MBA and bachelor’s degree simultaneously.
Popularity: This university boasts a diverse student body with interests in various fields such as engineering and computer science.
Cornell’s unique intersectional approach to composition makes it possible to collaborate with researchers across different departments or groups. It’s no surprise that some of the world’s most groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs have been created here.
Due to the school’s welcoming environment and diverse student body, you’re sure to make friends and form bonds that will last a lifetime. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by some of the top professors in America!
When applying to Cornell, it’s essential to remember the college accepts both the Common Application and Universal College Application. Be sure to review both when they become available, so you can decide which one you feel most confident using. Additionally, begin working on your essays early so you have ample time for revisions and polishing them perfectly.
Princeton University
Princeton University, situated in the picturesque town of Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the oldest and most esteemed colleges in America. Established in 1746, it’s also one of only four members of the Ivy League to boast such an esteemed legacy.
Princeton students enjoy an expansive curriculum. They have the option to major in a variety of fields, from humanities and arts to engineering and sciences. Plus, they have the chance to pursue a bachelor’s degree!
Students have the freedom to pursue their passions and interests through various extracurricular activities. Furthermore, they’re encouraged to join research projects sponsored by the university that support their studies.
Princeton is dedicated to ensuring all students succeed. The school offers several financial aid programs for those from low income households to assist them in attending.
When applying to Princeton, be sure to include a strong ACT or SAT score. This is an integral component of your application as 50% of students at Princeton have SAT scores between 1450 and 1570; having an impressive score can certainly impress admissions officers.
Additionally, take time to compose effective essays for your application. Your essays will showcase your writing abilities and give the admissions team a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual.
A well-written essay can make the difference between rejection and acceptance from Princeton. It shows the admissions team that you aren’t just striving to get in, but truly passionate about attending.
In addition to your personal statement and essay, it is also recommended that you submit your transcript. The admissions committee wants to confirm that you are taking all required classes and possess the capacity for challenging coursework.
Candidates who haven’t performed well on the SAT should consider taking it again to strengthen their application. They may also wish to invest in ACT tutoring services to guarantee they are prepared to do well on the test.
Beyond academic excellence, it’s also essential to show off your leadership abilities and be actively engaged in extracurricular activities. The admissions team looks for applicants who possess a genuine enthusiasm for the school and its mission. Furthermore, you should be an active member in your community with an interest in social issues that affect other people’s lives.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, an esteemed Ivy League school, is witnessing a dramatic change in college admissions trends. With growing popularity among its incoming freshman class of 59,000 applicants this year alone, Penn has seen record enrollment numbers.
To be considered for a place at this prestigious university, you must demonstrate your high academic achievements. This includes having an impressive high school GPA and impressive standardized test scores. Furthermore, you should craft an impressive essay and take part in extracurricular activities that showcase your exceptional talents and abilities.
One way to begin the application process is early. Consider taking either the SAT or ACT during your junior year of high school; this will give you ample time for studying and preparation, as well as an opportunity to improve scores if needed.
Additionally, you should ask teachers you respect to provide recommendations for your application. Ideally, these should come from those teaching major academic subject areas and who can write a strong letter of support on your behalf.
If you can’t locate these teachers, why not write one yourself? Not only will this demonstrate that you are an accomplished writer, but it may also help make you stand out from other applicants.
Additionally, it is wise to visit the university campus before submitting your application. This will give you a sense of its atmosphere and determine if it’s the perfect fit for you.
Finally, you should attempt to connect with alumni who live nearby and can offer you an interview. Not only will this demonstrate your suitability for the school, but it also shows the admissions board that you are serious about gaining admission into the University of Pennsylvania.
If you are an outstanding student with the necessary academic credentials, there is no reason not to apply to the University of Pennsylvania. This esteemed college is highly selective in America and will accept only the brightest students. Don’t delay; don’t miss out!