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Article #147: What Colleges Look For In Admitting Students

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Colleges look at many different factors look. Remember that colleges are not
in deciding which students to admit. To looking for the well-rounded student;
complicate matters these factors, and the they are looking for a well-rounded first
weight given to each, differs from school year class.
to school. However, in general terms, Character traits
colleges are looking for students who What traits do you possess that reflects
have the academic ability to succeed at on your leadership, fellowship,
their school. They begin that process by inspiration, discipline or determination?
looking at the courses taken in high Interview
school, the grades received, the The interview can give put a face to your
student's standing relative to their application and might highlight a special
classmates, and their test scores. Once talent or problem in your record.
they have determined that a particular Recommendations
student could succeed academically, many What sort of person and student do your
schools will look at a variety of other teachers and counselor think you are?
factors. Some of the other factors are Summer experiences
discussed below. What have you done in the summer and how
In general terms, larger state schools has that influenced your life
tend to rely more on grades and test perspective? Don't worry if you haven't
scores. The smaller the school and the had any great experience during the
more selective the school, the more summer. Most schools are impressed by
factors are generally considered in someone working during the summer to save
deciding whether to admit a particular money for school. It reflects a certain
student. To determine what factors for level of maturity to be able to hold a
admission are looked at by any particular job.
school you should ask an admission Other Considerations
counselor from that school. The list of factors a particular college
Academic Achievement Reviewed is looking for in a student in a
Your transcript particular year varies widely. Listed
The colleges will look at the level of below are some other factors that may be
difficulty of the courses you took and considered:
the grades received in those courses. Gender
They will also be looking to see if you Many schools try to achieve as close to a
challenged yourself by taking advantage 50-50 balance between men and women as
of the AP and accelerated courses that possible. Depending on the school, this
are available. may give one sex or the other an
Class rank advantage if the school needs more men or
The colleges will review your GPA and more women.
where you rank in your class Family background, race or ethnicity
Standardized Test Scores Students who are the first in their
SAT I, SAT II and ACT. How well did you family to go to college are often given
do on the standardized tests compared to additional consideration. This is also
the average candidate to that school. true if you are of an ethnic background
Teacher and counselor recommendations that school seeks for diversity.
Most schools have forms that they ask Residence
your teachers and counselor to complete. Schools are often looking for
These forms provide specific information geographical diversity in their students.
about strengths, accomplishments, areas Special talents
of improvement and recommendations If you are particularly talented in some
Achievements/Awards/Scholarships area (art, music, writing, athletics,
What academic awards have you received. etc.) you may be given more
Academic interest (major) consideration.
Some schools have a reputation in a Area of interest
particular area of study. At such If you have a particular interest that is
schools, it may be easier to gain very unusual and to which you have
admission if you are planning on studying devoted a great deal of time, you may get
a major for which they are not known. additional consideration.
Personal Achievement Reviewed Legacy status
The list of factors a particular college Many schools give preference if one of
is looking for in a student in a your parents or siblings has previously
particular year varies widely. Listed attended the college to which you are
below are some other factors that may be applying.
considered: Financial need
Extracurricular activities Some schools make admission decisions
The college will be looking at the amount based on whether you are seeking
of time you spent in your activities and financial aid or not.
whether you held a leadership role. The Disciplinary issues
more time involved and the greater the If you have been disciplined by your
involvement (i.e. captain of a team), the school, the colleges will look closely at
more impressive your activities will what occurred.






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