Annual IECA College Admissions Survey Focuses on Rigor of Curriculum and Grades

Carolyn Mulligan, Principal of the Insiders Network to College, and IECA member, is proud to share the results of the survey conducted annually of 300 of the nation's premier independent educational consultants.  According to IECA CEO, Mark Sklarow, the list saw the greatest changes in the more than 20 years the Association has conducted this survey.

Among the significant changes:

- A rigorous high school curriculum landed the number one spot, ahead of grades and SAT/ACT scores.  Said Sklarow, "our members indicated that students are best served by taking the most challenging coursework they can manage.  While good grades are important, it is even more important that students show they are willing to accept an academic challenge."

- Essays have increased in importance, especially at smaller, private colleges.

- Also increasing in importance, demonstrated leadership, demonstrated interest in attending, and a college's desire to create a diverse (geographic, racial, cultural) freshman class. Respondents indicated that "demonstrated interest" was the biggest change , with colleges now monitoring likes on Facebook, followers on Twitter, campus visits, e-mails and more.

- Less important in this year's survey: letters of recommendation and special and unique talents.  However, passionate involvement in a few activities, continued to be a major factor.

-Among the items falling off the "top 12" list entirely: student interviews, being a legacy, and submission of creative applications - like the use of a video.

Of course, every college and university is unique, and so each will emphasize something different in their process of reviewing applications.  One of the great benefits of hiring an independent educational consultant is their knowledge of such differences.

Carolyn can be reached at insidersnetwork@comcast.net or 908-277-3754.  Her website is www.insidersnetwork.org