What exactly is the admissions committee looking for???

You have done everything you were told, prepared diligently hoping to get into your top school of choice but then you were rejected. You cry, are stunned, are angry, feel hopeless, feel unwanted and frankly feel stupid. I totally understand because I have been there. I applied to Harvard twice and got an early rejection, meaning, they didn’t even spend time examining and pondering on my application, although I met the requirements, I did not have what they were looking for. What exactly are they looking for? This is the million dollar question.

Although every school varies, there is one fundamental criteria all admissions committees look for, and it is FIT. FIT??? What is that about?

Admissions committees want to know that if you were to join their program, you will blend in seamlessly. Their goal is examining how well you are likely to succeed in their program. This means that, a 4.0 GPA, all A’s transcript, and excellent everything just doesn’t cut it. This is because all of those do not determine fit. Fit is usually gaged when your statement of Purpose (SOP) is read, highlighted and analyzed. Yes, you read that right, your SOP is what lets the committee in on your past, present and future. Your hopes and dreams, your fears and strengths. It is the only soft spot in your application. So, while you are putting together the most impressive application, make sure your SOP is a priority for you. Don’t get caught up in everything else and forget the single most important part of your application.

In service,

Dr. Amuta