Do colleges really read all applications or is there an automatic filter. I think I have poor academics, but for some reason I want to apply to some very selective colleges (Check my most recent thread besides this one to see my stats). Do majority of colleges have like an automatic filter in which if you don’t meet a certain point, they deny you?
Link to my stats: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/2166733-chance-me-big-dreams-horrible-stats.html#latest
They will read your application
It depends on the college. It may not be technical either. Generally, the first phase is tossing out the applications that don’t meet the minimum GPA/SAT thresh hold. That could be done just as easily with software as it can with a human. With hyper-selective colleges, there are going to be far more qualified applicants than they have slots available. It’s more a lottery than a competition. Just apply and see what happens.
Depends on the school. If you believe what the highly selective schools say (and I have no reason to not believe it), they will read every application and consider it in the best light possible.
Having said that, being below the typical metrics, without something outstanding elsewhere, would make it a quick read.