Former Harvard University admissions officer Devery Doran is in Sydney this month, helping Australian students navigate the competitive landscape of college admissions in the United States. Doran, now associated with the Princeton Review, has extensive experience reviewing college application essays, and she emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling in successful applications.
Doran recalls one essay that particularly resonated with her: a young woman described her awkward dancing at concerts, emphasizing her carefree attitude. “It just made you feel that this is a girl who is coming to her own … She’s going to bring other people up,” Doran said. This narrative illustrates the kind of introspection and authenticity that can set students apart in the admissions process.
During her visit, Doran addresses students aspiring to gain admission to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Brown, and Yale. The Princeton Review Australia, which launched in 2023, aims to assist students in preparing their applications effectively. With approximately 120 Australian students enrolled at Harvard last year, interest in U.S. colleges is growing.
Doran explains that the admissions process can feel overwhelming for many students, who often seek a clear formula for success. “So much of the process can still feel nebulous,” she states. Unlike Australian universities, which primarily focus on Year 12 results, U.S. colleges evaluate a student’s entire academic history from Year 9 onward. This includes course selection and extracurricular activities.
Each application undergoes a rigorous review process. During her tenure at Harvard, Doran reviewed applications from specific geographic areas, deliberating with fellow admissions counselors to determine which candidates would best fit the institution’s needs. “You’re ultimately doing what’s best for the university,” she noted, highlighting the competitive nature of admissions, where acceptance rates can be as low as 3 to 5 percent.
Understanding the Landscape of U.S. College Admissions
Last year, Harvard received 54,008 applications, admitting 1,970 students, of whom 18 percent were international. The landscape of admissions is particularly notable given recent controversies surrounding international student enrollment. In May 2023, the Trump administration temporarily revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, citing national security concerns. A legal challenge followed, resulting in a U.S. federal court issuing an injunction that allowed international students to continue enrolling.
In the UK, the University of Cambridge saw an increase in Australian applicants, with 147 applications last year, compared to 113 in 2015. Only 26 Australian students were accepted, showcasing the competitiveness of overseas education. Similarly, between 2020 and 2022, the University of Oxford admitted an average of 18 Australian undergraduates per year, compared to 20 a decade earlier.
Many students at Sydney’s James Ruse Agricultural High School have pursued applications to elite colleges abroad, with a few securing places at Harvard and Oxford. Samedh Chirravuri, a 16-year-old student, has been considering applying to a U.S. college for several years. His mother, Alison Barnard, an alumnus of both Presbyterian College and Syracuse University, supports his aspirations, noting the unique experience of studying on campus in the U.S.
Chirravuri appreciates the holistic approach of U.S. college admissions, stating, “It recognizes everything you do, instead of just you being a mark and a number.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire among students for a more comprehensive evaluation of their potential.
As Doran continues her efforts in Sydney, she aims to demystify the college admissions process and empower students to present their authentic selves. With her guidance, aspiring students are better equipped to navigate the complexities of applications to prestigious institutions, laying the groundwork for their future success.
