The Ivy League and other selective universities have been going through much change in their admissions processes in recent years. Here are a few of the trends we have been witnessing:
Increasing selectivity: The competition for admission to these universities has become more intense than ever. In recent years, many of these schools have seen a record number of applicants, but the number of available spots has remained relatively constant.
Focus on diversity: Many of these universities have made a concerted effort to increase the diversity of their student body, both in terms of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic background. They have implemented policies such as affirmative action, need-blind admissions, and outreach programs to attract a wider range of applicants.
Test-optional policies: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many selective universities temporarily implemented test-optional policies, meaning that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT) as part of their application. A few institutions have since made this policy permanent. As for the majority, having and submitting excellent test scores can make a difference in admission.
Holistic admissions: These universities consider a wide range of factors when evaluating applicants, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and more. This holistic approach means that a student’s academic record is just one part of the equation, and other factors can sometimes make up for weaker grades or test scores. One factor that has become more prominent is the student’s CHARACTER as demonstrated through your essays, activities, and recommendations.
Increasing reliance on waitlists: As the number of qualified applicants continues to rise, many selective universities are using their waitlists more frequently. Rather than outright rejecting applicants, they may defer them or place them on the waitlist and then admit them if spots open up later in the admissions cycle. This can lead to a more unpredictable admissions process for applicants.
Overall, the Ivy League and other selective universities are constantly evolving their admissions processes to meet changing demands and priorities. However, competition for admission to these schools is likely to remain fierce for the foreseeable future, making it even more important for every applicant to have a balanced list of reach, target, and likely institutions.