As your time to apply to a US college gets closer, you wonder, “What do colleges look for in students?” Knowing the answer can help you want to put together a stronger application and start now to improve your chances of being accepted into the school you want to attend. It’s about more than just good grades, so let’s look at the details.
1. Strong Standardized Test Scores
A college admissions department can look at your Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) scores to evaluate whether you are likely to be a good fit at their school. So, doing well on these tests can improve your chances of becoming a student at their campus.
Thankfully, you don’t have to prepare for standardized tests yourself. In California (CA), get top-rated help with college counseling and prep for SAT, ACT, AMC, and AIME exams. The work you put in now can get you into the college you want to go to by excelling on any of those tests. Counselors can also help you with job and scholarship applications, admissions essays, and more.
2. Personal Characteristics Colleges Look for
Colleges are looking for students with certain qualities, such as being a leader and the ability to meet their goals. Intelligence is, of course, important, as is being a creative thinker. Yes, it’s clear that they seek well-rounded students.
In addition, colleges often look for students who work well with others. So, demonstrating you can effectively participate on a team is helpful. As for how you can show personal characteristics well to the schools you are considering attending, college prep counselors help you include these attributes into your admissions essays well.
3. Community Service is Great to See
Colleges value volunteer experience in applicants. Why? It shows that the student values the community and can make a difference, which can lead to leadership and success after college graduation. It also shows teamwork and social understanding that goes beyond schoolwork.
It’s also a good idea to volunteer in high school to be able to add this experience to your resume, which may help you get a job in a field that interests you. With both related work and volunteer positions on your side, you have a better opportunity of impressing college admissions departments. As for how many hours to do, there is not a set amount; it is more about quality than quantity.
Summary: What Colleges Want to See in Applicants
While exactly what colleges look for can vary from one institution to another, the concepts here are generally what higher education institutions in the US seek. High scores on standardized tests, such as the SATs, and certain personal qualities, such as leadership and ability to work on a team, are some examples of what colleges like to see in student applicants. Also, volunteerism can help you look more favorable on the application form.
Demonstrating to colleges that you have what you want is going to make you more likely to get into your dream school. You can do it!