The college application process can feel overwhelming. You package up the last four years of your life, chase down teachers for letters of recommendation, sweat through the SAT, agonize over your essay, and then…
You wait and hope while a mysterious group of people decides your fate. With so much riding on their decision, and so much required by the application, it can be confusing and frustrating to try and understand what college admissions teams are looking for. Let FLS Tutors share what colleges are looking for in a student!
High School GPA and Class Rank
It might be unsurprising to hear that your high school transcript carries the most weight in college admissions, but there are certain details of how that might surprise (or relieve) you.
Colleges focus most on your sophomore and junior years, but do still look at your freshman and senior years as well. However, they’re not only looking for a 4.0! Colleges will also take into consideration the rigor of the courses that you select as well as any pattern of improvement. For instance, a student who coasts through the lowest level classes may not seem as attractive a student who has challenged themselves with a rigorous schedule of AP/IB or honors classes with a slightly slower GPA. Additionally, having struggled in your freshman year doesn’t necessarily rule you out. Colleges take into consideration any pattern of improvement. Ultimately, while your grades show the kind of student you were, a challenging curriculum or patterns of improvement shows the kind of person you are.
What You Do Outside of School
Work, volunteering, sports, music, clubs—there are so many ways for a student to be involved. The kinds of activities you choose can say a lot about your personality, your interests, and your leadership capability. However, we’re not saying sign up for everything that your school offers! Choose activities that you’re interested in and pursue them to the best of your abilities. Admissions counselors by far would rather see a genuine interest that grows and develops over time rather than the “well I signed up for every email list” approach.
Even a part-time job can do the trick. Make sure to include where you worked, what you did, and certainly whether or not you were promoted or received any other recognition. Long-term commitment shows the resilience and determination that schools value.
Letters of Recommendation
While your essay gives you a chance to show your own voice, your letters of recommendation are another important way to reflect your personality. Your teachers know you well (maybe better than you think!) and provide valuable information to the admissions counselors. Make sure to ask for your recommendation letters early from teachers (or others) who know you well and can speak to your ability to succeed in college. A scout leader, church minister, or work supervisor might be able to shed valuable light on your work ethic, leadership capability or initiative. Be sure to offer your letter writers a resume as well; although they do know you well, they might find an extra tidbit in there to make their letter even stronger.
Panic Mode
At this point, you may be worried. Maybe it’s senior year and you don’t have too much time. Maybe your grades aren’t the best, or you’re not sure who to ask for a letter of recommendation. We’re here to tell you that there still are ways that you can make a major impact on your college application in a short period of time.
These elements below are important parts of your application that can benefit from concentrated attention—and FLS Tutors can help you with all of them! Reach out to make a plan with us.
Test Scores
Although a growing number of schools are going test-blind or test-optional, the SAT/ACT exams provide an important piece of information that admissions counselors consider. Even for test-optional schools, a strong standardized score can make a good impression. What’s more, a few months of dedicated prep can make a significant change in those scores. While most scores will accept both the SAT and ACT, some schools may also require SAT Subject Tests. Check with your chosen schools to find out which ones are required for admission and start planning early, especially since subject tests are offered less frequently.
Need help with your SAT Prep? FLS Tutors is offering a comprehensive SAT Bootcamp.
College Essays
Although the Common App essay is only 650 words; it’s important not to underestimate the importance of this component. It’s one of the few moments where you get to speak directly to the admissions counselor and show the interesting, compelling student you really are. Spend some time on this component—brainstorm, outline, complete a rough draft and a final draft. An essay can also be used to explain something unusual in a college application.
Demonstrated Interest
About 20% of colleges say that they give “considerable importance” to demonstrated interest, or the ways that an applicant signals their interest in actually attending. Admissions departments have to carefully plan how many students to admit in order to fill (but not overfill) freshman dorms, classes, and clubs. Part of that process involves gauging which of those admitted students are actually going to attend. Have you found your dream college? Then show it! Open and read emails. Ask questions of admissions officers. Visit campus or attend open houses if you can. Finally, if you are financially able to make the commitment, consider applying Early Decision.
It’s Not You, It’s Them
Finally, no matter what you do, it’s highly unlikely that you will be accepted to every college to which you apply. Don’t take it to heart and don’t get discouraged. College admissions officials work very hard to build a varied and dynamic freshman class. They want students from a range of states, countries, and backgrounds. Sports teams need athletes; music programs need players and singers; departments need majors. So don’t take a rejection letter too personally—refocus on the colleges you are still waiting to hear from and we’re sure something great will come your way. While this article should give you a strong foundation for your college application process, feel free to contact us if you need more comprehensive college admissions guidance.
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