We are often asked how we decided between two “identical” candidates. We always responded that no two candidates are “identical” even if they happen to have the same test scores, the same GPA with the same number of AP classes from the same high school, and the same extracurricular activities. In fact, everyone is different and everyone has a different story to tell.
So, contrary to what many applicants think, selective college admission is not just “numbers-driven.” And though many complain about having to take the SAT or ACT and its seeming importance to college admissions committees, the simple truth is that it’s just one of the many elements that Admission Committees consider. They also look at your transcripts (including the quality of your high school and the level of difficulty of the classes you took), extracurricular activities and work experience, letters of recommendation, supplemental information, and essays. If your scores and grades both look good, then readers quickly move on to the other aspects of your application – and that is where you will be able to distinguish yourself from other candidates.
The reason top schools admit so many candidates with excellent grades and scores is because of the overall high quality of the applicant pool. But some admits may have excellent scores that offset lower GPAs (especially in a rigorous program at a strong high school known to have little grade inflation). And some admits may have mediocre scores that are offset by outstanding grades from an excellent school. But if you have a notable weakness in one area, everything else presented in the application has to be exceptional.
If, for example, you have much lower test scores than your transcript would suggest, be sure to enlist teachers to recommend you who have seen your intellectual curiosity and academic strength displayed in a class room setting – and be sure you ask them to make a point of that in the recommendation that they write. If you have been involved in only a few extracurricular activities in high school, be sure to explain why – such as you held a job with significant hours required – or what you spent your time on instead: are you an avid reader? Home cook? Yoga expert? Animal breeder? In charge of younger siblings after school? In general, think about how to overcome a weakness by showing remarkable strengths and talents in other areas.
All top-school admits have a clear vision of why they wanted to attend their college, what made them unique and how they would contribute to the campus once they were admitted. Admissions committees need to be convinced that you will make a strong contribution to the program and add to the diverse experiences of the other students. And that is why the essays are your best opportunity to show the committee who you really are – beyond the numbers.