Oregon colleges, and colleges across the nation are looking at test scores, an individual’s academic curriculum and an insight resume. But, college acceptance rates are also decreasing according to the New York Times due to specialized jobs and advancements in technology.

Oregon State University is looking at the newest version of the SAT and ACT exams including the written essay portions. Universities in Oregon also look at the quality, quantity and level of coursework throughout a student’s entire high school career; especially the classes completed beyond the minimum requirements, such as Advanced Placement or Honors courses. They will also observe the strength of the program within the high school attended.  All universities require four years of English, three years of math at the Algebra II level or higher, three years of social studies, three years of science and at least two different types and at least two years of language.  In each of these a student must receive a grade of a C- or above.

Colleges do not just look at test scores and academics now, but they also view how you contribute to the community as an individual, a person’s accomplishments, perspectives, experiences and talents.  The achievements of an individual within the context of social and personal circumstances and participation in extra curriculum activities are also examined.

Colleges should look at all of the things mentioned however they should be more lenient on who they accept.  Looking at volunteer services and other extra curricular activities should not be a requirement, as many students do not have time to or deal with different personal circumstances.  Many colleges except students to meet all of the requirements but most students do not have time to do activities, such as play sports and be involved with helping the local community.  It may sound selfish but it is true, students cannot be expected to meet every single college requirement.  In some schools few AP classes are offered they may not be very strong in context when compared with other schools.  This gives students in better schools a monopoly in college acceptance compared to students in less advanced schools.

Overall, colleges should not require volunteer services, or taking advanced rigorous classes.  Colleges are pushing students to volunteer and hold personal accomplishments for the sloe purpose of being accepted.  Colleges should rather take accomplishments and volunteer services into consideration.

These requirements are relatively new in terms of the 21^st century.  Throughout the late 20^th century a high school diploma would provide a person with a reasonable job. Now due to more specialized occupations, such as computer sciences and other Internet or technology related jobs more people are applying for colleges.  As a result of the increase in college applicants many universities are looking for better-rounded students, as they cannot accept all students according to cost.

There are not many solutions to make colleges increase their acceptance rates.  The best solution however would be to adjust the teaching to help students adapt to an increasing adapting environment by teaching them all the new advancements in technology