3 Key Things Colleges Look for In Applicants
Author: Rhonda Manns, A2Z College Planning What are college admissions officers looking for as they review your application? The admissions process varies and can be subjective to some degree, but here are 3 important things that could help you stand out and score acceptance letters from your favorite schools.
Strong Grades and an Upward Trend
Grades are one of the most important components that colleges will be looking at. You should have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that reflects your hard work. Also, admissions officers value grades that represent strong effort and show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework. Class rank will show where you rank in relation to your classmates—the higher the BETTER! A higher rank reflects that you have worked harder than others in your class.
Grades are one of the most important components that colleges will be looking at. You should have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that reflects your hard work. Also, admissions officers value grades that represent strong effort and show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework. Class rank will show where you rank in relation to your classmates—the higher the BETTER! A higher rank reflects that you have worked harder than others in your class.
A Challenging High School Curriculum
A transcript that reflects that a student takes on challenges can put them a step ahead. Academically successful students should include several honors and Advanced Placement classes. You should also try to take a variety of challenging classes in several academic areas; if you love science, you need to show some diversity in your class selection. Do not take only science classes, include some courses in other academic areas such as, math, foreign language, English, business, or computers. Also, every college provides information on the basic number of courses that you must take in each discipline in high school; try to exceed the minimum required by the college. If they require two years of foreign language, try to take at least three.
A transcript that reflects that a student takes on challenges can put them a step ahead. Academically successful students should include several honors and Advanced Placement classes. You should also try to take a variety of challenging classes in several academic areas; if you love science, you need to show some diversity in your class selection. Do not take only science classes, include some courses in other academic areas such as, math, foreign language, English, business, or computers. Also, every college provides information on the basic number of courses that you must take in each discipline in high school; try to exceed the minimum required by the college. If they require two years of foreign language, try to take at least three.
Extracurricular Activities
Something to keep in mind is that your activities should demonstrate your interests. Passionate involvement in a few activities — and a demonstration of leadership and initiative in those activities — can only help a student. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. You should participate as a leader or make a significant contribution to those activities in which you are involved. Try to have activities that show that you care about the world outside of the classroom because your participation will be an indication as to what type of contribution you will be able to make to the college community. A long list does not impress admissions committees, so it is better to have a few activities to which you dedicate a significant amount of time.
Something to keep in mind is that your activities should demonstrate your interests. Passionate involvement in a few activities — and a demonstration of leadership and initiative in those activities — can only help a student. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. You should participate as a leader or make a significant contribution to those activities in which you are involved. Try to have activities that show that you care about the world outside of the classroom because your participation will be an indication as to what type of contribution you will be able to make to the college community. A long list does not impress admissions committees, so it is better to have a few activities to which you dedicate a significant amount of time.
After reading over this list, decide which areas you need to work on to improve your candidate status. Make your admission in to one of your top-choice schools a reality!
