Every year, thousands of high school students work tirelessly to build strong résumés, achieve high GPAs, and ace their standardized tests, all in hopes of getting into their dream colleges. Yet, despite all their hard work, many students are left wondering if admissions decisions are truly based on merit — or if colleges just pick and choose based on whatever benefits them most. It’s a frustrating question that deserves real attention.
Colleges often claim they are looking for the “whole student,” but this definition can seem blurry. Sometimes, a student with near-perfect scores and countless extracurriculars gets rejected, while another with average grades but a standout story gets in. While diversity of background and experience is important, it can feel unfair when the process seems inconsistent or secretive. Legacy status, donations, athletic ability, and institutional priorities all seem to play roles behind the scenes — roles that most applicants have little control over.
Students are taught to believe that if they work hard, success will follow. But the unpredictability of college admissions sends the opposite message. It suggests that sometimes factors like who you know or how your application fits a college’s “needs” at that moment matter more than hard work. This uncertainty can be disheartening, especially for first-generation students or those from less privileged backgrounds who don’t have the same connections.
The truth is, college admissions have never been a purely objective process. Colleges are businesses, and they make decisions that serve their own rankings, reputations, and financial needs. While this system might benefit the schools, it leaves many qualified students feeling powerless.
Ultimately, the college admissions process needs greater transparency. Students deserve to know that while effort and achievement are critical, the final decision is influenced by factors beyond their control. A more honest conversation about how colleges make decisions would not only ease frustration but also help students better understand their worth isn’t defined by an acceptance letter.
