Ron
What is one the most important part of the application that major colleges focus on?
I just wanted to know what is the key thing that colleges want to know from the application. Ex: GPA, SAT/ACT, Extracurricular activities,etc.
#college-admissions #college-selection #college-advice
2 answers
Claire McGahan
Claire’s Answer
Hi Ron,
In my experience, those with strong, memorable essays and / or some experience in leadership positions (clubs, leading volunteer initiatives, etc.) really help you stand out to an admissions director and become much more dimensional than just an application on a piece of paper. While it can be important to have really good grades or high test scores, lots of times admissions directors or counselors want to see more of the real person in the application rather than just some numbers.
However, I seem to remember from when I was applying to college, different admissions programs weight parts of the application a little differently. Some are a lot more focused on pure academics or test scores, where others might value . As I said above I would think a well-rounded application and an essay, but sometimes it does depend on the college or university, so I would reach out to them as well.
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Tracey Jackson
Tracey’s Answer
Great Question. Colleges/Universities look at everything, but most of the weight goes to your High School G.P.A and the highest of the SAT/ACT test score. After that, extra curricular activities are considered. If a student does not quite meet the GPA/ Test Score requirement then the amount and level of extra curricular activities are considered. If a student has great grades and test scores but no extra curricular activities, the the school may look at a candidate who has great grades/test scores AND extra curricular activities.
It's all about balance but the grades/test score have a heavy weight.
Good luck!