| If you are a parent of a college-bound student, | | | | schools offer extra "GPA points" for good grades. |
| you've probably wondered, "What do colleges look | | | | Plus, colleges love to see those higher level courses |
| for?". And, it's good that you've asked yourself that. | | | | on a transcript. They can hurt you if you can't get an |
| It means you are wiling to take an active role in your | | | | "A" or a "B", so be careful not to bite off more than |
| child's post-secondary education. To be honest, that's | | | | you can chew! It'll pay off in the end! |
| more of a step in the right direction than most | | | | 2. Enroll in the Proper Courses - Be sure that you are |
| parents are willing to take. so, give yourself a hand! | | | | taking a solid college preparatory curriculum while in |
| The unfortunate truth is that most students will not | | | | high school. This is the first thing admission offices will |
| get accepted to their first choice college or university. | | | | look for. Then, they'll look to see if you challenged |
| Whether it's not taking the right courses, not being | | | | yourself with the curriculum you chose. If you did, it'll |
| involved in enough extracurricular activities, or they | | | | help you. |
| simply haven't done their college research and aren't | | | | As stated before, if you want to stand out try |
| prepared for the college admission process. | | | | taking an upper-level class. Advance Placement and |
| In today's world of post-secondary education, | | | | or honors classes are offered at most schools across |
| college-bound students face the toughest and most | | | | the country. Find out what they're all about, and if |
| competitive admissions in recent history. More | | | | you think you can commit to the workload, go for it! |
| students are choosing college and as a result, | | | | You'll be happy that you did, but only if you can pull |
| university admission standards are being raised. So, | | | | of the "A" or "B" grade. If not, there is a good |
| what do colleges look for in a prospective student? | | | | chance you will hurt your admission status. |
| Or better yet, how can you up your chances of | | | | 3. Involvement - So, what do colleges look for with |
| getting accepted? Let's explore a few factors: | | | | regard to activities. While it is true that involvement in |
| 1. Get Your Grades - Now, grades come first and | | | | extracurricular activities will improve your chances for |
| foremost when a college is deciding to offer | | | | admission, there are activities that look better than |
| acceptance. Nothing will get you denied quicker than | | | | others. More academic things like National Honor |
| a transcript full of "C's"! Taking care of your overall | | | | Society and Pi Sigma Pi will always be more |
| grade point average (or GPA) from day one is of the | | | | impressive than, say, Art club. |
| most importance. Trying to dig your GPA out of a | | | | Another tip is to try and find activities that show |
| "hole" after freshman year is not fun, and certainly | | | | leadership qualities. Colleges want students that are |
| not easy! | | | | community leaders, so show them that you have the |
| Another aspect that is important with regard to GPA | | | | drive to be a leader and you will be rewarded for it! |
| is specific grades in certain subjects. As an example, | | | | Also, organized sports and volunteer work are great |
| let's say you are planning on majoring in engineering in | | | | displays of leadership and are always a plus when |
| college. When you go to apply, the admission | | | | listed on a transcript. So get going! |
| representative will be looking for a strong background | | | | There are a lot more little things you can do to help |
| in math and science. If you have marginal grades in | | | | get admitted to your school of choice! But, we hope |
| those subjects, you'll end up in the "deny" pile of | | | | that these few helped shed the light on that burning |
| applicants. | | | | question, "What do colleges look for?". Thanks for |
| Also, take a few AP (Advanced Placement) or | | | | taking the time to read this article and we hope you'll |
| honor's courses. They may be tougher and require | | | | visit us at eCollegePrep soon! |
| more time to achieve a good grade, but some | | | | |