Making Sense of College Admissions: Institutional Priorities
How to exceed admission standards and apply as a candidate who will actively contribute to the institution’s long-term vision.
Having advised hundreds of students and families through the college admissions process, one key takeaway I always emphasize is that institutional mission drives admission. The mission, vision, and values of every university represents their foundational building blocks in which their community exists upon. When it comes to selective colleges and universities, the increasing demand and competition among applicants with a strong interest in a particular institution, makes it essential for them to understand that university's institutional priorities.
Institutional priorities are driven by a university’s mission and strategic goals, influencing the types of students they seek to admit. These priorities can range from increasing geographic diversity and improving specific academic programs to expanding access for underrepresented populations or strengthening athletic, artistic, or other communities. While students often focus on their own credentials—grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements—understanding what a college values in a given admission cycle can offer valuable insight into how decisions are made. Applicants who align with these priorities may find themselves at an advantage, even if their academic profile is similar to others in the applicant pool.
Throughout my career in schools, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this play out among students with identical credentials.
For example, a university aiming to expand its engineering program may prioritize applicants with strong STEM backgrounds, while another institution focused on global engagement might seek students with extensive international experience or language proficiency. Some colleges place a higher emphasis on first-generation college students, research experience, or even participation in specific extracurricular activities, such as performing arts or community service. These factors can influence admission decisions in ways that are not always apparent to applicants, making it critical to research each school’s evolving needs. Time and again as a school counselor and director of college counseling, I saw students with “better than or identical credentials” receive different results as opposed to their peers who aligned with the institutional priorities.
It’s important to note that these priorities can shift from year to year as well. A good example of this occurred when two siblings I had advised experienced it firsthand. The older brother was a strong student who, despite not taking the most challenging courses, performed well. He was involved in several things, but was very serious about all things reading and writing. He was an aspiring English major who overcame his dyslexia diagnosis and demonstrated significant interest in the university from start to finish while navigating his admissions journey. He was accepted and received a significant amount of merit-based scholarships. As result, he ended up attending and graduating with honors from the university. His sister, two years younger, was at the top of her class, took the most challenging courses, and was highly involved in every direction. Her grades were better, her classes were more challenging, and she was leading nearly every club on campus while playing varsity sports. Though not extrememly interested in the university, she applied and was denied admission.
Mission drives admission.
One way for students to uncover institutional priorities is by exploring a university’s strategic plan, reviewing speeches from leadership, or examining the common data set—a document that provides key admissions and enrollment statistics. Campus visits, conversations with current students, and interactions with admissions officers can also provide subtle but important clues about what a university values in its incoming class. Demonstrating an authentic connection to these priorities in application essays, interviews, and supplemental materials can make a significant impact on an applicant’s chances of admission.
Ultimately, selective colleges and universities are not just looking for academically qualified students—they are crafting a well-rounded class that meets institutional goals. Understanding these priorities allows students to approach the application process with greater clarity and strategy, ensuring they highlight the aspects of their background that resonate most with the university’s mission. Emphasizing your “why” and how you align with the mission, vision, and values of that university will be an invaluable component of your application. By doing so, applicants can exceed admission standards and apply as a candidate who actively contributes to the institution’s long-term vision.