Students submitting college applications should present a balanced view of themselves to colleges. Colleges look for applicants with strong GPAs and strong performance in core subject classes (math, science and English), along with strong standardized test scores.
They look for students who have completed college-level or advanced placement (AP) classes, as well as four years of foreign languages study.
Academics
Colleges look for students with strong GPAs and standardized test scores (except at colleges that don’t require them). In addition, they appreciate long-term volunteer or internship experience, club participation, leadership positions within clubs or awards and honors received.
Experts advise students to challenge themselves with challenging classes whenever possible, experts say. Only taking easier courses could indicate to admissions officers that you lack the commitment and willpower for college level work.
If class rank is an important factor for you, aim to graduate at the top half of your high school graduating class. Colleges tend to look favorably upon students with scores in the 75th percentile on either their SAT or ACT tests, according to NACAC data. Furthermore, having a job – even one unrelated to your intended field of study–is evidence of your ability to hold down commitments and manage finances, two key skills required as a college student. Showcase it on your application! NACAC data also notes employers highly value work ethic and responsibility especially with customer interaction positions!
Extracurricular Activities
Colleges want to know more about your extracurricular activities as these provide important clues as to your interests outside the classroom and can also serve as an indicator for admissions officers to gauge whether or not you will contribute positively to campus community once there.
Community activities demonstrate your dedication to serving others, which is an admirable trait in any applicant. Academic pursuits like joining math or chess clubs or competing in competitions demonstrate your passions; artistic activities like music, theater or writing reveal more of who you are as an individual.
Keep quality in mind when selecting extracurriculars; rather than trying to be involved with many shallow activities, focus on founding one club that displays your knowledge in one area rather than being active in multiple shallow ones. However, don’t neglect family or work responsibilities: helping out at your parents’ business or caring for elderly grandparents are just as significant as being president of two sports clubs or winning a science competition.
Personal Statement
Personal statements on college applications give admissions committees an intimate glimpse of your personality, goals, and values. It is one of the most crucial parts of your application and could determine whether or not you get admitted.
Colleges want to know that you have interests outside of class that will benefit their campus and community, which is why having an impressive extracurricular record and writing excellent essays are so vitally important.
An effective personal essay will engage and excite its audience. It should be informative, enlightening, and set the correct tone. Make sure that you fully understand the prompt or question, then answer directly and directly; additionally it may help to start off with something interesting such as a quote or anecdote that piques their interest immediately.
Letters of Recommendation
An exceptional letter of recommendation can make the difference for students applying to universities, and admissions officers look for indications that show students’ commitment to learning, accountability in classes and how they might interact with faculty members.
Students looking for recommenders should prioritize instructors with whom they have an existing strong relationship, and those whose expertise fits with their intended major, according to DC College Counseling.
Letters of recommendation provide colleges with insight into a candidate’s character and qualities not captured by grades or standardized test scores, including integrity and work ethic. Therefore, colleges favor well-written and engaging recommendations; however a negative recommendation can be even more damaging. Therefore, applicants should ensure their recommenders write clearly, thoughtfully and candidly without being asked to waive their rights before viewing or signing it; doing so would only serve to hamper writing process and impede objectiveness.
