How to Understand What Colleges Seek in a Student

Applying to college is often an extremely stressful time for both parent and student. It is often hard to understand why a college may accept one student and reject another. While good grades are important, most colleges are seeking a well-rounded student who will contribute something unique to the student body.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Colleges seek students whose grades reflect effort. Obviously, it is easier to get good grades in less challenging courses than in more difficult classes. Colleges are aware of this and allow for slightly lower grades in classes that are more demanding.

2. Students applying to most colleges need to take standardized tests. Most high school students take either the SAT or ACT. Colleges look for students whose scores on these tests are compatible with their grades.

3. The student's essay needs to be personal and reflect the student's personality, talents and goals. It should be carefully edited and the contain no spelling errors. Admission counselors are adept at knowing which essays were written by someone other than the student herself.

4. Depth of experience is more important than breadth of experience. A student who is passionately involved in fewer activities is more desirable than the student who participates in a little bit of a lot of different things.

5. Colleges seek students whose activities demonstrate leadership qualities. Initiative is another desirable quality.

6. In seeking to create a well rounded student body, colleges look for students with special talents or who have had unique experiences.

7. Colleges want students who want to go to that particular college. Demonstrated enthusiasm--such as attendance at school fairs, campus visits and alumni interviews--show that the student is seriously considering the particular college to which he is applying.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a college for every student. Most students are happy at the college they attend.
• Geographic location or athletic skills are two examples of additional criteria on which colleges might base their decisions.

[amindfulplace]

on 12/10/2007 This article has been particularly useful for me and my family as we negotiate the college process.