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What do colleges look for on a college application?

I want to have a really good chance to get accepted to a college.#college-advice

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Austin’s Answer

Brandon, million dollar question with no good answer. Every college is looking for different things and colleges construct their classes on specific traits that they like to see in their incoming class. What every school wants to see in their incoming freshman class is really something that only college admission officers know.


Nonetheless, there are some overarching traits that look good which colleges like to see in people who are applying. Having good grades and test scores is very important. Good grades directly impact an admissions decision, so one of the best ways to increase the chance of being accepted into the school of your dreams is to try your best and be a high academic achiever.


In your college essays, admissions officers want to know you and see that you have a personality. Having a 4.0 GPA is nice, but being boring and having no personality and interests with a 4.0 GPA will not help you out. In your essay, convey that you are an individual with interests and a personality. Colleges gets thousands of applications every year and the ones that get accepted are the ones that are memorable and tell a story. Show the admissions officers who you are. We all have something interesting to say and a story that is unique to us, convey that message.


Being involved in extracurricular activities and clubs will also help. These show that you are a normal human being who is able to function outside of the school environment. Demonstrating leadership in a club, religious organization, sport, or activity is something that shows initiative/drive which colleges like to see in their freshman class. Get involved and show that you have interests and are willing to take on responsibility and leadership positions.


Don't sweat the college application process and just be yourself!!


Best,

Austin

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Rachel’s Answer

Primary 2 items would be GPA and SAT score. If you have and excellent GPA and SAT score, this will open the doors to most universities. Apart from that, leadership in different activities, sports, and volunteer work also help.
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Richard’s Answer

You need good grades and high standardized test scores at a minimum. Take an SAT prep course if necessary.

Many schools are looking for a student with passion. To this end, the students volunteer work and other extracurricular activities should fit a certain narrative. For example if the the passion is for science, the volunteering can be related to mentoring underprivileged children in science, and the extracurricular activities can be things like science bowl.
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