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What Do Colleges Look for In Students? (Part 1)

Updated: Apr 9


It’s that time. The New Year has just started, and many students are preparing to graduate and transition from high school to college. For high school students, certain questions may arise. One may ask, “What do colleges look for in a student?”, “What should I provide on a college application?” or “Do I need this to get into college?” While these are very important questions, it is a common reality that some students feel overwhelmed by everything they need to do to get into college. Studies have shown that about 45 percent of high school students feel ready for college and careers.


A reason why students may feel this way is that they are not aware of what colleges even look for in a student. They are unaware of what colleges even require of a student, thus making the process overwhelming.


Even though the process may be difficult, there is still hope. Being thoroughly prepared in advance for every commitment, every deadline, and every decision that needs to be met will help to settle any nerves you may feel. Therefore, having more of an understanding of what colleges look for in high school students will enable you to be more focused and have an edge in the college application process.


Here are four insights into what colleges look for in students:



1. Extracurricular Activities


Having extracurriculars as a student is very vital as a college applicant. Aside from spectacular grades, colleges find what you do outside of school important, whether in sports, clubs, or community service. They are the perfect activity that will help you to obtain real-world skills, such as time management, problem-solving, communication, etc.; all skills that will help you to stand out on your application. Additionally, extracurriculars are essential because they help you develop your passions. Colleges value extracurriculars because it shows that you are committed. The mere idea of a student continuing to spend time in their extracurricular activities and completing their schoolwork speaks wonders and allows you to stand out from other applicants.




2. Grade Point Average (GPA)


When it comes time for colleges to receive applications, they will start reviewing your grade point average, also known as your G.P.A. Your GPA in high school serves as an indicator of all of your academic success in school. Colleges are increasingly using students’ grade point averages in high school to determine how successful they will be when they reach college.


 Realizing your GPA's importance to your college application is vital because it will keep you on your toes. For juniors and seniors, your last two years of high school are crucial to your overall high school career. It will be imperative not to fall behind as much as possible. Understandably, the concept of senioritis might hit; however, this is when goals and proactivity become most prominent. Breathe. Relax. You got this!




3. Character


Colleges look for character in students. They want to understand and know you without actually knowing you, ensuring that the type of student they admit to their college is the right type of student. This is why the personal essay is so critical. Personal essays show that you can write and give the reader a personal outlook on your life. Studies by the Pew Research Center show that there were 10.2 million college applications in the United States alone. Therefore, it is essential to realize that colleges are going through hundreds of applications daily. Your essay needs to stand out to them. Your essay should allow them to stop and say to themselves, “Wow, what an essay, what a person!” Your character will speak for itself through your essay.


Key Reminder: Don’t be discouraged if you are unsure what to write about. Talk to your peers, your family, and even your career counselor to find the best topic to write about. Oftentimes, the best ideas come from the relationships around you!




4. Recommendation Letters


Letters of recommendation are essential to have as a college applicant. They give the reviewer an outside opinion of who you are, especially in the classroom. Teachers can write about your academic strengths, skills, and work ethic, all of which characterize you as a student.


You can display yourself as an exemplary student through your personal essay. Still, sometimes it takes another person who has seen you in action to write about you as an act of confirmation.


Now, the decision of who to choose to write your recommendation is equally as important.

As a suggestion, choose someone directly connected to your major or career path.


For example, choosing your science teacher might be your best option if you want to be a science major. If you want to major in architecture, perhaps choosing your workshop teacher is a good idea. Additionally, let your recommenders know ahead of time, at least a month before the letter is due. Oftentimes, students choose teachers who are more popular than others. Because of this, these teachers have a heavy workload of letters to write. Therefore, if your letter is at the bottom of the list, it might not be as genuine and may seem rushed.






Share this article so more people can learn about what colleges look for in students. Look out for Part Two!





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Contributors:




Delia is a dedicated member of the Solomon Tutoring Writing Team. She is pursuing a degree in business administration and enjoys reading, singing, dancing, and being around her friends and family.





Tunisia Solomon, founder and CEO of Solomon Tutoring, enjoys sharing educational tips to help students reach academic excellence. She believes that anyone can achieve their dreams with access to the correct information, a growth mindset, belief in oneself, and "smart" work.

 
 
 

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