By Siddarth Suresh

College admissions did not always look the way they do today. In the past, the process was largely centered on academic performance, especially GPA. When the SAT was introduced in 1926 by the College Board, standardized testing became another major factor. For many years, a strong GPA and SAT score were considered the clearest indicators of college readiness.

Over time, however, the system became more complicated. GPA’s became more and more inflated (with average math GPA’s climbing 0.30 points from 2010 to 2022 according to ACT) and as more students began applying to selective schools, colleges faced the challenge of distinguishing among thousands of highly qualified applicants. With a growing U.S. student population and more competitive applicant pools, admissions offices began shifting toward a more “holistic” approach and started considering extracurricular activities, leadership roles, essays, recommendations, and personal character alongside academics.

At an uber-competitive school like IA, students feel the effects of this shift every day.

Many believe that maintaining top grades is still the foundation of any strong application. Kavya Rajan (11) explains, “Of course, a 4.0 and a baseline SAT is just how certain colleges operate.” Her comment reflects a common understanding: at selective institutions, high academic performance is often the minimum expectation. Past enrollment data from universities’ Common Data Sets consistently show that admitted students tend to have exceptionally strong GPAs and test scores.

However, perspectives can evolve. Reflecting on her journey, Kavya adds, “I’ve really learned to partake in what I actually enjoy.” Her shift illustrates the central paradox of modern admissions: colleges claim to value authenticity and passion, yet the competitive environment often pushes students to carefully construct their identities.

Ms. Taha echoes this concern. “It saddens me to see students conforming to an expectation to try to compete for colleges, and I really hope students pursue their own passions,” she says. Her statement emphasizes an important reminder that high school should be a time for exploration and self-discovery, not just résumé building.

The evolution of college admissions was meant to make the process more comprehensive and fair. Instead of judging students solely by numbers, holistic review aims to see them as complete individuals. Yet for many students, this has created a new kind of pressure: the expectation to excel in every area at once.

The paradox of college admissions is clear. Students are told to stand out, but also to meet increasingly high academic standards. They are encouraged to follow their passions, yet feel compelled to calculate every move. As IA students navigate this system, one question remains: in the race to be impressive, how can students remain authentic?

Perhaps the real challenge is not simply getting into college, but figuring out who you are along the way.