Top Ten List of What Colleges are Looking For

Every student experiences a different journey throughout high school, and every college has its own criteria and priorities for evaluating students in their admissions process. In general, here is our Top Ten list of what colleges are looking for.

— 1 —
High School Curriculum

A rigorous curriculum that has challenged you, which may include AP or IB classes. They also look for four years of core classes: English, Math, Science, Social Studies and three to four years of a world language.

— 2 —
Grades

Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework.

— 3 —
Activities

Deep involvement in meaningful activities that demonstrate leadership and initiative. Activities that align with your interests are valued over minimal involvement in a large number of activities.

— 4 —
Solid Scores

Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance. If you apply test optional, then extra weight may be put on the other categories.

— 5 —
Essay(s)

Well-written and insightful essays that provide insight into your unique personality, strengths and values. Your essays should be thoughtful, highly personal, and demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.

— 6 —
Personal Qualities & Character

Experiences that show things like kindness, tolerance, motivation, resilience, and a sense of humor. Character can be demonstrated through community service, unique interests, overcoming challenges and a concern for others, as well as interactions with admissions.

— 7 —
Recommendation

Letters of recommendation from core teachers that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits and an interest in learning. These also may come from a guidance counselor or someone like an activity advisor, coach or employer.

— 8 —
Interest in that College

Interest and enthusiasm for that college, demonstrated through visits, online events, interactions at college fairs and emails. Admissions looks for students who are likely to attend. It helps if they know who you are when they read your application.

— 9 —
Unique Qualities

Special talents, diversity, and experiences that will contribute to an interesting, well-rounded student body. They may also consider institutional priorities such as athletic recruitment, first-generation, alumni relations, and more.

— 10 —
Intellectual Curiosity

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, independent projects, outside-of-the-box extracurriculars, research, and more.