The college admissions process is notoriously competitive. The last several decades might even indicate that getting into college has become harder, overall. College acceptance rates hover at a national average of 68%, though the rate at some of the nation’s top institutions is a shocking 3%.

Let’s put that into perspective, though. Of course, acceptance rates drop when more students are applying, and colleges have largely seen nonstop growth since the mid-twentieth century. There are roughly two million more students enrolled in college today than in 2004 and just over seven million more enrolled today than in 1984. In only four decades, that’s nothing to sneeze at!

And while colleges tend to emphasize the importance of an applicant’s academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essay, there are more covert factors taken into account that are not discussed publicly. Read through these less obvious yet significant aspects that could play a role in your admissions decision.