Admission vs. Admittance

Attribute	Admission	Admittance
Definition	The process of being accepted or allowed entry into a place, organization, or institution.	The act of granting permission or access to someone or something.
Usage	Commonly used in the context of applying for educational institutions, events, or programs.	Commonly used in the context of granting access, permission, or entry to a place, event, or program.
Process	Involves submitting an application, meeting specific criteria, and being selected or approved.	Involves giving permission, granting access, or allowing entry based on certain conditions or requirements.
Focus	Primarily focuses on the individual seeking admission and their qualifications or suitability.	Primarily focuses on the authority or entity granting admittance and their criteria or conditions.
Examples	College admission, job admission, event admission.	Admittance to a concert, admittance to a restricted area, admittance to a program.

Introduction

Admission and admittance are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and attributes. While both words are related to gaining entry or access to something, they differ in their usage and connotations. In this article, we will explore the attributes of admission and admittance, highlighting their differences and providing examples to clarify their usage.

Definition and Usage

Admission refers to the act of being accepted or allowed entry into a place, institution, or event. It is commonly used in the context of educational institutions, such as colleges or universities, where students are granted admission based on their qualifications and application process. Admission can also refer to gaining entry to a specific event or venue, such as a concert or a museum.

On the other hand, admittance refers to the act of being allowed or granted access to a place or a group. It is often used in a broader sense, encompassing various situations where permission or access is granted. Admittance can refer to gaining entry to a building, organization, or even a social group.

Specificity and Scope

One key difference between admission and admittance lies in their specificity and scope. Admission tends to be more specific and limited to certain contexts, such as educational institutions or specific events. It implies a formal process of evaluation and selection, where individuals are assessed based on their qualifications, achievements, or merits.

On the other hand, admittance has a broader scope and can encompass a wider range of situations. It can refer to gaining access to a building, organization, or group without necessarily involving a formal evaluation process. Admittance can be granted based on various factors, including personal connections, recommendations, or simply the willingness of the person in charge to allow entry.

Formality and Requirements

Admission is often associated with a formal process that requires meeting specific requirements or criteria. For example, when applying for college admission, students are typically required to submit their academic records, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and personal essays. The admission process is structured and follows a set of guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency.

In contrast, admittance may not always involve a formal process or strict requirements. It can be more informal and flexible, depending on the situation. For instance, gaining admittance to a social club may require a recommendation from an existing member or simply expressing interest in joining. Admittance can be granted based on personal connections, informal interviews, or even a simple request.

Implications and Connotations

Admission and admittance also differ in their implications and connotations. Admission often carries a sense of achievement, accomplishment, or recognition. It implies that the individual has met certain standards or qualifications to gain entry. Being granted admission to a prestigious university, for example, is seen as a significant accomplishment and a validation of one's abilities.

On the other hand, admittance may not carry the same connotations of achievement or recognition. It can be seen as a more casual or lenient process, where entry is granted without necessarily meeting strict criteria. Admittance can be based on personal connections, favoritism, or even a simple desire to include someone in a particular group or activity.

Examples

To further illustrate the differences between admission and admittance, let's consider a few examples:

Example 1: College Admission

When applying for college admission, students are required to submit their academic records, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and personal essays. The admission committee evaluates these materials to determine whether the student meets the institution's criteria for acceptance. If the student is accepted, they are granted admission to the college and can enroll in their desired program of study.

Example 2: Admittance to a Concert

When attending a popular concert, gaining admittance to the venue requires purchasing a ticket. As long as the person has a valid ticket, they are granted admittance to the concert. Admittance, in this case, is not based on personal qualifications or achievements but rather on the possession of a ticket.

Example 3: Club Membership

Joining a social club often involves a process of admission. Prospective members may need to submit an application, provide references, and attend an interview. The club's admission committee evaluates the applications and decides whether to grant admission to the applicant. Once admitted, the individual becomes a member of the club and gains admittance to its activities and events.

Conclusion

In summary, admission and admittance are related terms that differ in their specificity, formality, and connotations. Admission is often associated with a formal evaluation process, limited to specific contexts such as educational institutions or events. It implies meeting certain requirements or qualifications. Admittance, on the other hand, has a broader scope and can be granted in a more informal manner, without strict criteria. It can be based on personal connections, recommendations, or simply the willingness of the person in charge to allow entry. Understanding the distinctions between admission and admittance can help us use these terms accurately and appropriately in various contexts.