TOP TEN THINGS COLLEGES ARE LOOKING FOR
1. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT) and two or more SAT Subject Tests. Scores should be consistent with high school academic performance.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and upward growth and development. Grades should show a competitive upward pattern increasing in difficulty each year. However, a slightly lower GPA in academically rigorous courses (honors and advanced placement) is preferred to a higher GPA in basic studies.)
3. A high school curriculum that challenges the student. Academically successful students should have curriculums that include several honors and advanced placement courses.
4. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals.The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well constructed writing.
5. Passionate involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative Quality of involvement always supersedes quantity of activities.
6. Community Service showing evidence of being a contributor
Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.
7. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skills, and positive character traits. Students should request letters of recommendation from teachers that respect their work in an academic discipline.
8. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they are well known, are rarely given much weight.
9. Work or out of school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication and development of areas of interest. Work or other use of free time can demonstrate maturity.
10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants. This includes honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique. Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active contributing members of the student body.
Statistically most admissions department say that the admissions process is:
38.5% - Standardized Test Scores
38.5% - Weighted Academic Performance (GPA)
13% - Extracirricular Activities
7% - College Entrance Essays
3% - Other