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Madison
Student
Jefferson City, Missouri
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Question
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What do collages look for on your application?
Currently, I am interested in understanding the key factors that colleges prioritize when evaluating applications. Specifically, I would like to gain insights into which academic courses, extracurricular activities, and club involvements are considered significant. I believe it is important to proactively plan for my future success, hence my inquiry. While I am already engaged in a number of clubs and enrolled in a high-level math class, I am eager to explore additional opportunities that will maximize my chances of admission to the college of my choice.
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david jakovac
Retired
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Eagle, Idaho
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david’s Answer
Spelling errors?
Lucas Ho
Intern
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New York, New York
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Lucas’s Answer
There's a lot of stuff they look for, but in my eyes, especially if you're going to college in the States, it's variety and passion. Have diversified interests, it doesn't matter what they are, but try not to pigeonhole yourself into anything too early. That's just a general piece of life advice. However, don't just float around a bunch of things. Put some real effort in, admissions officers appreciate the fact you tried hard, were persistent and dedicated/
Monica Waldau
Financial Services, Tech, Retail
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New York, New York
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Monica’s Answer
Okay, so much material I'll try to cover. High-level I'll keep it tight and short.
Important factors:
- Academics: challenging courses, electives that align with your career goals or school of interest, any interaction in your target university classes (i.e. some have drop in classes or open office hours).
- Extracurriculars: breadth of experience and also some depth to your experience. Don't just be a member of 10 clubs, actually get involved and take leadership roles
- Letters of Recommendation: give detailed notes that outline why the professors recommend you for that specific university. Ideally, if they can, tailor each app slightly. I know that's a massive ask of someone but it adds a nice touch to your application
- Personal Branding: think of your personal brand. Who are you? What is your story? Does your story in your essays match your resume? Does your career goal match what the university can provide? Make it consistent. For example, the D1 college athlete will offer something different to the university then a passionate engineer who is a volunteer in STEM nonprofits and hosts a podcast. Unique things to stand out is using social media, tik tok, podcasts, writing/publishing any type of work, getting apprenticeships or career experience to show dedication, etc.
Best of luck!
Important factors:
- Academics: challenging courses, electives that align with your career goals or school of interest, any interaction in your target university classes (i.e. some have drop in classes or open office hours).
- Extracurriculars: breadth of experience and also some depth to your experience. Don't just be a member of 10 clubs, actually get involved and take leadership roles
- Letters of Recommendation: give detailed notes that outline why the professors recommend you for that specific university. Ideally, if they can, tailor each app slightly. I know that's a massive ask of someone but it adds a nice touch to your application
- Personal Branding: think of your personal brand. Who are you? What is your story? Does your story in your essays match your resume? Does your career goal match what the university can provide? Make it consistent. For example, the D1 college athlete will offer something different to the university then a passionate engineer who is a volunteer in STEM nonprofits and hosts a podcast. Unique things to stand out is using social media, tik tok, podcasts, writing/publishing any type of work, getting apprenticeships or career experience to show dedication, etc.
Best of luck!
Ryan Zhou
Intern
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Madison,
I hope you are doing well.
This is a very valid question and I guess it can depend heavily on what kind of colleges are you applying towards, but I'll try to answer this systematically.
Academics:
Professors are generally looking for modules and classes you have taken that would bring transferrable skills towards the degree course. This doesn't necessarily you would have to take Economics classes to get into an Economics programme, but they would look for a set of classes that bring the skills required for an Economics degree. Now this applies less so to some subjects that others, for example, if you would like to pursue a maths degree, maths AP and other related APs would be highly beneficial.
Extra-curriculars:
Again try and choose extra-curriculars that build an image of a student who is driven and has values aligned to the school and course. Some research of the college and course may be required to get an idea of that. Examples may by your teams mathematical olympiad team for a maths degree, or joining a sports team for universities who are sport heavy.
Personal Statement:
This is a chance for you to give some life to your achievements that you have on paper. Try and avoid talking too much about things you already have on your application. Talk about areas of research in related topics that could be helpful and give extra colour to your application.
Hope this helps!
I hope you are doing well.
This is a very valid question and I guess it can depend heavily on what kind of colleges are you applying towards, but I'll try to answer this systematically.
Academics:
Professors are generally looking for modules and classes you have taken that would bring transferrable skills towards the degree course. This doesn't necessarily you would have to take Economics classes to get into an Economics programme, but they would look for a set of classes that bring the skills required for an Economics degree. Now this applies less so to some subjects that others, for example, if you would like to pursue a maths degree, maths AP and other related APs would be highly beneficial.
Extra-curriculars:
Again try and choose extra-curriculars that build an image of a student who is driven and has values aligned to the school and course. Some research of the college and course may be required to get an idea of that. Examples may by your teams mathematical olympiad team for a maths degree, or joining a sports team for universities who are sport heavy.
Personal Statement:
This is a chance for you to give some life to your achievements that you have on paper. Try and avoid talking too much about things you already have on your application. Talk about areas of research in related topics that could be helpful and give extra colour to your application.
Hope this helps!