In the college application process, understanding the institutional priorities of your desired universities is key. These priorities illuminate a school's future focus and highlight what they value. As a student, if your focus areas align with these institutional priorities, it's a win-win situation - you not only demonstrate to the university that you are aligned with their mission, but you also find an institution that supports and enhances your interests.
Consider the University of California, Berkeley’s Institutional Priorities, which reflect its strategic vision for the future:
Transforming the Student Experience: This priority shows Berkeley's commitment to improving the overall student experience on campus. If you have a history of fostering positive change in your community or school, highlight these experiences in your application to align with this priority.
Culture of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Berkeley's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion underlines the importance they place on creating an environment where everyone belongs. Have you worked on diversity and inclusion initiatives? If so, this could significantly enhance your application.
Financial Stability: This internal priority underlines Berkeley's fiscal responsibility. For students interested in finance or economics, this might provide opportunities to participate in initiatives to create a sustainable fiscal culture on campus.
Health Justice & Holistic Well-Being: Health and wellness are high on Berkeley's priority list. If you've contributed to health initiatives or wish to pursue a health-related career, this focus aligns well with your goals.
Organizational Behavior & Development: Berkeley seeks to create a culture of trust, transparency, and innovation. Highlighting experiences in leadership roles or projects that demonstrate these qualities can resonate strongly with this priority.
By comprehending these institutional priorities, you can emphasize elements in your application that align with the university's core values and future initiatives. Doing so not only showcases your understanding of the institution but also helps you stand out as a candidate who can actively contribute to these priorities.
This understanding is beneficial in two ways:
For the student: When your focus areas align with the university's institutional priorities, it means you're more likely to find programs, resources and a culture that supports and nurtures your interests.
For the university: Colleges seek students who will actively contribute to their community and mission. When a student's interests align with a university's priorities, it shows the potential for meaningful contribution.
However, it's essential to remember that institutional priorities differ across universities. For every university you're considering, research their priorities and see how your interests and experiences can align. This understanding will lead to a more effective application and ultimately, a university experience that genuinely resonates with your personal and academic aspirations. Research may be challenging but it's an integral part of the exciting journey of finding the right college fit. Happy researching!
With offices across the country - and now with one in the East Bay - Advantage College Planning helps families with all aspects of college planning: choosing an appropriate major based on aptitude, personality, and interest, creating a list of good fit colleges and successfully completing college applications and essays.