Colleges use your scores (SAT/ACT scores, GPA/transcript, class rank, and other test scores) as well as your extracurriculars, application essays, and letters of recommendation to judge your readiness to attend their school.
What things do colleges look for?
High School Curriculum & Performance
Overall, college admissions typically value students with a difficult course load and grades that represent strong efforts and upward trending scores. But in addition to curriculum and grades, colleges also look at students’ scores on the SAT or ACT.
What makes you stand out to colleges?
Stand-out applications showcase achievement, merit, and previous academic success. Taking honors classes or AP courses can give you a significant advantage. Most colleges generally prefer applicants with a B in an honors program over those with an A in standard courses because it shows initiative.
What values do colleges look for?
Characteristics colleges look for in students
- Leadership.
- Commitment.
- Work ethic.
- Public service.
- Openness.
- Ambition.
- Curiosity.
Do colleges care if you have a job?
Colleges value work experience because it shows you’ve learned responsibility as well as skills with time management and teamwork. Colleges won’t expect students with significant work obligations to have the same level of extracurricular involvement as students who don’t work.
How do you know if a college wants you?
Ask the College What it Wants
- Contact your college rep. Most colleges have admission staff who interact with potential applicants. …
- Reach out via social media. …
- Meet with your high school counselor. …
- Talk to current college students. …
- Look at the facts about who gets in. …
- Find out more about admitted students.
How can I get accepted into Harvard?
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.
What makes you attractive to colleges?
A high GPA (relative to what admitted students have) and a rigorous curriculum. Strong test scores (relative to what admitted students have) A specific, honest, and well-written personal statement. A unique extracurricular interest or passion (a “spike,” as we like to call it)
How do you stand out?
7 ways to stand out from the crowd
- Add a personal touch. …
- Do your research. …
- Start doing the job already. …
- Make use of your other skills and experience. …
- Show your creativity. …
- Show some grit and resilience. …
- Demonstrate a growth mindset.
How do you stand out academically?
5 Ways to Stand Out in the Classroom
- Attend class. This might seem obvious, but there are many students who only show up to take exams. …
- Be alert. Staying focused during class after a long day of work might not be the easiest thing to do. …
- Participate. …
- Go the extra mile. …
- Prepare before class.