Top Ten Attributes That Colleges Look For
Here are some things to keep in mind while you plan for colleges and admissions. Knowing what colleges look for in their applicants will help you prepare the best application possible!
1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student, including Honors, AP or IB classes. The curriculum should demonstrate the student’s intellectual capabilities and aptitudes.
2. Grades in college preparatory courses that represent the student’s best efforts and if not all high, show an upward trend. Slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are better than all ‘As’ in less challenging courses.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, SATII, AP).
4. Passionate and in-depth pursuit of a few activities, demonstrating the student’s interests, dedication, leadership and initiative. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.
5. Personal essays or writing samples that provide insight into the student’s unique personal attributes, aspiration and values. The essays should be well-constructed, thoughtful and personal.
6. Letters of recommendation from academic teachers and guidance counselors that validate integrity, positive characters traits, special skills, classroom performance and relationship to peers.
7. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body. The talents are recognized by the specialists or community in the field.
8. Achievements that demonstrate the student making the best of the opportunities and resources available in his or her environment.
9. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
10. Demonstrated interest in attending the college by campus visits, inquiry to the admission officer, applying early, and, or, an interview.
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The information is compiled based on Jacqueline Education Group counselors’ experiences, and the college admission survey study released by the Independent Education Consultant Association (IECA), and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in 2010.
Jacqueline Jain is a member of IECA and NACAC providing educational consultation for students and families, while complying with the professional standards and Principles of Good Practices set forth by both organizations.
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