What are colleges really looking for when they evaluate students?
There are many criteria that schools use to measure students. It is true, of course, that colleges will first and foremost want to look at the rigor of a student’s high school courses and the grades that the student received. Colleges do understand that it is harder to get an A in an honors or AP class, and will consider that as they evaluate the transcript. While students do not need to take every AP class that is offered, admission officers do want to see that you took advantage of the opportunities available at your high school.
Test scores on the SAT and ACT are the great equalizer between high schools with markedly different grading schemes. Generally, highly selective schools will put greater weight on scores and may even require additional data, requiring subject tests to be submitted along with the SAT or ACT scores. Most schools do not require subject tests, so students should have some tentative idea of where they might want to apply so they do not waste needless time and energy taking tests they do not need for admission.
Colleges will also evaluate the extracurricular activities you have been involved in, which reflect how you have given back to either your school or your community. It is far better to show depth of involvement in a single activity that you have pursued over time, than merely being a member of multiple clubs at your school. Colleges also appreciate employment, exchange trips and community service, especially if you can explain how you have grown from that experience. In the same vein, college essays and letters of recommendations are also considered, especially for private schools, where there will be additional consideration as to who you are both as a person and a student, and how you will contribute based on those attributes to the college.
The most important piece of advice is to experience high school engaging in activities that you find enjoyable and meaningful. If you can convey that enthusiasm in your application, you will be in a far more advantageous position than the student who focused only on grades and scores.
