Colleges are looking for well-rounded students with good grades, extracurricular activities, and strong personal qualities such as leadership, community involvement, and communication skills.
So let us examine the request more closely
When it comes to college admissions, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for what type of students colleges are looking for. However, most colleges are seeking well-rounded students who have maintained good grades, participated in extracurricular activities, and possess strong personal qualities such as leadership, community involvement, and communication skills.
According to a report by CollegeBoard, “Colleges want students who are intellectually curious, involved in their community, and who have demonstrated leadership potential.” Admissions officers are also interested in students who have a passion for something, whether it be a particular subject, hobby or sport. This type of deep engagement and dedication often translates into success within an academic environment.
In addition to a student’s academic and personal achievements, colleges are also looking for diversity in their student populations. This includes students from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with unique talents, interests and perspectives. In fact, a study by the American Council on Education found that “diversity is a key factor in creating a vibrant learning community” and that diverse student bodies often lead to a more enriching educational experience.
Jane Fried, the former Dean of Admissions at Wesleyan University, highlights some of the key qualities admissions officers are looking for in an applicant:
“We’re looking for intellectual curiosity, creativity, passion all over the map. We’re looking for people who will become leaders in their communities, in their profession, in their world. So we’re looking for self-awareness, self-possession, global intelligence, and they’re not all level-10 in all those areas, believe me.”
To illustrate the various factors that college admissions officers take into account when selecting students, the following table breaks down some of the key elements and how they are weighted:
| Category | Weighting (Example) |
|---|---|
| Academic Record | 45% |
| Standardized Tests Scores | 25% |
| Extracurricular Activities | 20% |
| Personal Characteristics/ Qualities | 10% |
In summary, colleges are looking for students who exhibit academic excellence, engaged in extracurricular activities, and have strong personal qualities. Admissions officers are also interested in creating a diverse and dynamic student body. So, students should focus on pursuing their interests and passions, getting involved in their communities, and showcasing their unique qualities in their college applications.
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Colleges are looking for students who will succeed academically, be involved, and use their talents to help others. When college admissions specialists review your application, they are asking themselves, "What qualities best describe this applicant?" It’s your job to give them the clues they need to make a favorable decision.
Most four-year colleges are looking at three buckets of characteristics, says Anna Ivey, founder of Ivey Consulting, a college and graduate school consulting firm: academics, extracurricular activities and personal qualities.
While all colleges are different, of course, with some valuing certain qualities or skills more or less than other schools, all colleges generally look for smart, studious, ambitious, and passionate students.
Overall, college admissions typically value students with a difficult course load and grades that represent strong efforts and upward trending scores. But in addition to curriculum and grades, colleges also look at students’ scores on the SAT or ACT.
Characteristics of a Prospective Student That Colleges Look for
- 1. The ability to perform exceptionally well in school.
- 2. The ability to do well in courses that prepare students for college.
Furthermore, people ask
What class do colleges look at the most?
The response is: Math, science, social sciences, foreign language, and English are the pillars of a high school’s core curriculum. In the eyes of admissions officers, core courses are what make or break a transcript. These are the high school classes colleges look for on applications.
What looks impressive to colleges?
Response will be: What Looks Good on College Applications?
- Books Related to Your Chosen Subject.
- Applying Early.
- Volunteer Work.
- Course-Related Work Experience.
- Good Grades.
- Standardized Test Scores.
- Extracurricular Activities.
- Recommendation Letters.
How do you stand out on a college application?
Response: How to Stand Out in Your College Application: 15 Expert Tips
- Choose Your High School Classes Appropriately.
- Earn Good Grades.
- Use Your Personal Statement to Tell Your Story.
- Participate in Extracurricular Activities.
- Volunteer.
- Keep Accurate Records.
- Manage Your Social Media Presence.
- Learn as Much About Your School as You Can.
What things do colleges look at?
Response: What Colleges Look At When Accepting Applicants
- High School GPA and Class Rank.
- AP and Honors Classes.
- Challenging Extracurricular Activities.
- Volunteer and Work Experience.
- Test Scores.
- Quality Recommendation Letters.
- A Well-Written Essay.
- Talents and Passions.
What do colleges look for in a high school student?
Response will be: Colleges want well-rounded students who challenge themselves academically. See which high school classes you want on your transcripts for college admissions. Colleges look beyond your GPA to assess what classes you take in high school. Some classes — like foundational subjects — count more than others.
What classes do colleges look at?
College admission officers look at more than your high school GPA. They also want to know what classes you took in high school. So what classes do colleges want to see? Colleges look at applicants’ core classes: English, math, science, and social studies. Many colleges even calculate a separate GPA for these foundational classes.
What do colleges look for in a college application?
Answer to this: Most four-year colleges are looking at three buckets of characteristics, says Anna Ivey, founder of Ivey Consulting, a college and graduate school consulting firm: academics, extracurricular activities and personal qualities. "Your record for your college application starts the first day of ninth grade," Ivey says.
What do colleges look for in essays?
The response is: That’s the answer to what do colleges look for in essays, according to Earl Johnson of the University of Tulsa. University applicants who demonstrate the following qualities of a good college student have more to contribute to a school: Overall, colleges want a mix of students to create a rich campus community.
What do colleges look for in a high school student?
As an answer to this: Colleges want well-rounded students who challenge themselves academically. See which high school classes you want on your transcripts for college admissions. Colleges look beyond your GPA to assess what classes you take in high school. Some classes — like foundational subjects — count more than others.
What classes do colleges look at?
College admission officers look at more than your high school GPA. They also want to know what classes you took in high school. So what classes do colleges want to see? Colleges look at applicants’ core classes: English, math, science, and social studies. Many colleges even calculate a separate GPA for these foundational classes.
What do colleges look for in a college application?
As a response to this: Most four-year colleges are looking at three buckets of characteristics, says Anna Ivey, founder of Ivey Consulting, a college and graduate school consulting firm: academics, extracurricular activities and personal qualities. "Your record for your college application starts the first day of ninth grade," Ivey says.
What do colleges look for in essays?
That’s the answer to what do colleges look for in essays, according to Earl Johnson of the University of Tulsa. University applicants who demonstrate the following qualities of a good college student have more to contribute to a school: Overall, colleges want a mix of students to create a rich campus community.