How We Read Applications

Applications are read on an individual basis, and applicants are not competing against other students for an admission spot.  When reading an application, the Admission Office’s goal is to predict academic success at Albright.  An applicant’s choice of major has no bearing on the admission decision because the College does not cap majors. We recommend students explore different academic areas and we want all students to have the freedom to change majors or add to their choice of interests by examining interdisciplinary options.  If we feel a student is academically prepared to succeed within Albright’s nurturing environment, we will offer a student admission. 

When reviewing applications, the Admission Office places an emphasis on the following items, listed in order of importance:

1. A student’s high school academic performance and rigor of curriculum

   High school performance is the best single indicator of four year college success at Albright.  Strong performance in a college preparatory education is a good predictor of a student’s ability to succeed if they continue to work hard, manage their time, concentrate on study habits, and take advantage of Albright’s nurturing environment. 

2. A student’s writing ability

   The ability to effectively present an argument or thought in written form is critical for success in Albright’s liberal arts education.  The College expects that students will enter with the ability to write at a college level.  Our English Composition and Writing and Literature requirements are meant to improve these skills early on in a student’s college education.

3. Extracurricular activities, noting leadership, talent developed and length of commitment

   Students participating in athletics, the arts, Greek life and other campus activities are more likely to graduate in four years than students who do not become as engaged.  A high school student who has a proven record of commitment to balancing activities outside of class and taking the initiative to lead others in some of those activities will more than likely do the same in college if given the opportunity.  Albright stresses that student involvement is an extension of the classroom education they will receive and all students are encouraged to become active in areas of passion and to attempt new opportunities as well.

4. Counselor and teacher recommendations

   Recommendations can many times give the Admission Office new insights about an applicant.  The four-year impression that students have left on professionals from their secondary schools is very telling.  It is an opportunity to find out how a student interacts with classmates, what their presence is in the classroom, and their school work ethic. It also provides us with an educators’ sense of how successful the student may be in post secondary education.

5. On-campus interview

   In Albright’s holistic admission process we enjoy getting to know applicants on a personal level.  It permits the Admission staff the opportunity to examine a candidate’s academic and extracurricular fit.  Interviews are not overly evaluative and are designed to assist students in enhancing their applications.  Interviews are recommended for all students prior to or during the application process and are required of any students deciding not to submit test scores with their application.

6. Standardized test scores

   Submission of test scores is optional.  If a student decides not to provide the College with SAT or ACT scores, an admission interview is required to complete the application.  Test scores are proven to be a decent predictor of first-year performance; however, the predictive value weakens with each year of college.  Albright decided to eliminate requiring test scores as part of the application since scores are not a strong predictor of four-year Albright success.  Those deciding not to submit test scores will be reviewed equally for admission, scholarship and financial aid with those who do submit scores.