How Top Colleges Review Applications

Описание: In this webinar, hear from three QuestBridge college partner admissions representatives to learn more about how top colleges review your college application.

Video chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - Representatives from Grinnell, Rice, and Tufts introduce themselves

06:46 - Q1: The admissions process is often shrouded in mystery. Could you help demystify this process for our students by sharing a bit about what happens after your office receives a QuestBridge application?

11:38 - Q2: Holistic review is a term that we hear often. What does it mean to review an application holistically at your admissions office? What are you hoping to learn when reading a QuestBridge application?

15:20 - Q3: Transcripts, including coursework and GPA/class rank can be components of the academic review. How important are these pieces? What do you hope to see when reviewing a transcript?

19:44 - Q4: Another component of the Academic section is a School Profile. Can you share a bit about how you use School Profiles in your review process, and what students can do if they don’t have one?

24:39: Q5: Test scores are another area that students often have many questions about. While QuestBridge does not require test scores – meaning students whose applications are otherwise still very strong can be selected as Finalists without them — many students are ultimately unsure if they should submit their test scores. What advice would you give to students who are unsure of whether or not to report their scores?

30:54 - Q6: Transitioning to the Activities section now, our application asks students to list up to five activities they’ve been involved in throughout high school, as well as whether they’ve engaged in paid work or hold significant family responsibilities. How can students maximize their use of this section?

36:10 - Q7: Another big section of our application is the Writing section, comprised several short answer questions where students are asked to answer a question in 35 words or less to a classic personal essay. How should students approach this section? In your time as an admissions representative, what has stood out to you in a strong, compelling essay?

40:49 - Q8: One of the distinct components of the QuestBridge National College Match application are all the opportunities we provide for students to provide Additional Information, whether that’s in general, in the Household section, Income and Assets section, or Academics section. Can you share more about why context is important? Could you provide an example of what context can look like within an application?

45:26 - Q9: We require two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation, or School Report, as part of the QuestBridge application. As students start to think about who to ask to be a recommender, what guidance can you provide on who to select as a recommender, and what you like to see when reviewing recommendations? 

47:45 - Q10: We often tell students that they should use each part of their college application to share their story with admissions offices. Why is it important that students present their authentic selves? What advice would you give to students to stand out in their QuestBridge application?