Ten Things Colleges Look for in Students
- A challenging high school curriculum.
- Grades that represent strong effort and improve yearly.
- Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT or ACT).
- Active involvement in activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative, making a well-rounded student.
- Participation in service-learning activities that demonstrates a concern for other people.
- Work or out-of-school experiences that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
- A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s personality, values, and goals.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and positive character traits.
- Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had contact with the student.
- Anything special that makes the student different from the rest of the applicants.