Date Approved
6-13-2007
Embargo Period
3-28-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Higher Education Administration
Department
Educational Services and Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Sisco, Burton R.
Subject(s)
College admission officers--New Jersey; Universities and colleges--Admission
Disciplines
Higher Education Administration
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of selected college admissions officers regarding the most important criteria of a high school senior's application for admission into 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. The researcher surveyed admissions officers at eight 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. A total of 21 admissions officers participated in the survey. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that measured the weight given selected criteria contained in the application for admission to their institution. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine the means, percentages and frequencies regarding the selected criteria.
The study provides insight into the relative weight and significance given selected criteria of the application for admission. The study revealed that public colleges and universities in New Jersey rely most heavily on standardized test scores, grade point average, class rank and honors/advanced placement courses. Less measurable criteria that may show more about the individual nature of the applicant such as community service, leadership roles, and recommendations are given far less significance.
Recommended Citation
Getler, Lori Ann, "Acceptance or denial: what matters most in college admissions" (2007). Theses and Dissertations. 778.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/778
