When Grades & Test Scores are Similar, How do Admissions Officers Choose?

Let’s examine a hypothetical situation. Two students from Taiwan are applying to master’s programs in the United States: Terry, and Sharon. Terry and Sharon both went to National Taiwan University and achieved high grades throughout their undergraduate careers. They have both volunteered at the community service organizations and studied abroad at good universities in the United States.

Here’s a breakdown of Terry and Sharon’s grades, and scores.

Terry

GPA: 3.7

GMAT: 710

TOEFL: 103

Sharon

GPA: 3.58

GMAT: 730

TOEFL: 101

If Terry and Sharon, who are so similar on paper, are applying to the same school, how will the admissions officers decide between them?

Making the Decision

Admissions officers have a very difficult task. They need to understand the kind of person both Sharon, and Terry are by looking at their applications. Admissions officers have to inspect thousands applications every year and it is your job as the applicant to communicate the type of person you are as effectively as possible so that you stand out and make their decision easier.

Your Motivations

Admissions officers want to understand what motivates you. Why do you want to get a graduate degree, and will it really help you achieve your career goals? What drives you to get out of bed in the morning, and what would you spend your time doing for free on the weekends and late into the evenings? What passion do you bring to the master’s program? If Sharon seems more passionate and motivated than Terry, that will be a point in Sharon’s favor.

Your Character

Admissions officers need to understand how you make decisions, and that you have high ethical standards. If Sharon writes about how she faced an ethical dilemma and made a difficult choice that cost her in the short-term but clearly explains that maintaining her integrity is most important to her, she will have painted a very attractive picture in the minds of the admissions officers. Admissions people need to see that you have a long-view of ethics, and that you will consistently make good decisions which will benefit their University brand, and the companies you work with down the road.

How Do You Work in Teams?

Master’s programs involve lots of group work and projects. You want to be mindful to structure your application to emphasize that you work well individually, but also in group settings. If Sharon somehow gives the impression that she prefers to work independently and Terry talks about a time where he led a group to success by listening to everyone’s input and helping the group make an informed decision - that will be a point in Terry’s favor. It is really important to emphasize your respect for the group process, and ideally communicate to admissions officers that you are a leader who works well with and brings out the best in your teammates.

Conclusion

Admissions officers need to understand your uniqueness and core values so that when they make a decision, they will have a compelling reason to choose you, instead of Terry or Sharon or thousands of other qualified applicants. In order to help the admissions officers get to know you, focus on communicating your passions, motivations, character, and attitude towards teamwork.

If you’d like to read more freely available content with strategies to optimize your graduate school application, please refer to other articles in this admissions blog. If you’d like more personalized attention and coaching through the application process, arguably one of the most important applications of your life, please feel free to reach out to me personally at david@transcendadmissions.com.