How do colleges make their decisions on who to accept?

It really depends on the university. Some schools only look at grades and test scores, others are much more interested in having well rounded students that have many extra-cirrcular activities and interests.

If you go to www.princetonreview.com and type in the name of the school you’re applying to, it will explain to you what is most important in each particular schools application process. Worked great for me!

They look at your extracurriculars, hobbies, awards/achievements. Not everybody is the same.

They also think about what kind of people they have already admitted. They need to have a well rounded class and that means people at the top of the curve (4.5 gpa’s, 0 activities) and people with 2.8 gpa’s who volunteer. It’s not always about who’s the best and the brightest, it’s about making a freshman class that’s well rounded and cohesive, and that is a good fit for the college.

Another important factor is how likely it is that you will actually attend.

If 50 or so of these people were silly enough to actually say this school wasn’t their first choice, they will probably be put on the back burner (if there is only 10 slots open).

Many students get accepted and never enroll, so they want to pick someone who is actually going to COME to their school. Believe it or not, lots of kids do turn down ivies (even if it is to just go to another ivy..)

Anything which makes you stand out in a good way will help your chances. The more selective the school, the better the overall image must be.

Grades are important, of course.. but given your scenario with 100 similar transcripts, other strengths will be writing ability (if there are essays), recommendations (if the school takes them), activities (clubs, sports, student gov’t), and even interviews (for some college programs).

Good luck!

They usually choose people who stand out, have personality and diversity. That’s what I was told from a recruiter who offered a lot of insight.

depends on room there is. Space.