What Colleges Want in 2024

Summary

This video outlines the key factors colleges consider during admissions, including grades, course rigor, character attributes, essays, demonstrated interest, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores. It provides valuable insights into how students can stand out in their applications, emphasizing the importance of challenging oneself academically, showing initiative, and showcasing genuine interest in the college. With practical tips and resources, the video aims to demystify the admissions process, helping students navigate their applications with confidence and clarity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grades and rigor are the top factors colleges look at. They care about not just your grades but also the difficulty of the classes you choose, such as AP or honors courses.
• 😀 Colleges appreciate students who challenge themselves, so if your school lacks advanced courses, consider self-study or enrolling in community college courses.
• 😀 Positive character attributes like intellectual curiosity and collaboration are highly valued by colleges, though what specific traits each school looks for can vary.
• 😀 Essays (personal statement and supplements) help demonstrate your fit for the school, your character, and whether you're likely to accept an offer if admitted.
• 😀 Demonstrated interest is important for some colleges. It shows how much you like the school and whether you're likely to enroll if accepted. Check the school's 'common data set' to see how much weight this factor holds.
• 😀 Teacher and counselor recommendation letters are important; the teacher letter highlights your performance in class, while the counselor letter provides a broader view of your role in the school community.
• 😀 Extracurricular activities matter, but it's not about having many; it's about how you leverage available opportunities and demonstrate leadership, impact, and initiative.
• 😀 Impact is key in extracurricular activities—show what you've done and the real-world results (e.g., how much money you raised or how many people you helped).
• 😀 Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are becoming less important for many schools, with many adopting test-optional policies. Research each school's testing requirements before stressing over scores.
• 😀 Don't stress about standardized testing. Focus on whether you even want to take the test, and if so, whether your scores will actually enhance your application.
• 😀 Make the most of the opportunities available to you, whether in academics, extracurriculars, or personal projects. Colleges want to see initiative, leadership, and evidence of growth.

Q & A

What are the seven factors that colleges consider most important in admissions?

The seven most important factors are grades and rigor, positive character attributes, essays and writing samples, demonstrated interest, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and standardized tests.

What is meant by 'rigor' in the context of college admissions?

'Rigor' refers to how challenging the courses you've taken are. Colleges want to know if you've pushed yourself academically by choosing advanced courses, such as honors or AP classes, when available.

How do colleges view students from schools with fewer advanced course offerings?

Colleges understand that not all schools offer advanced courses, and they take this into account. They want to see if you've made the most of the opportunities available, such as taking honors or AP classes, or even creating your own opportunities, like self-studying or attending community college courses.

What are 'positive character attributes' that colleges look for in applicants?

Colleges are interested in qualities such as intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and leadership. These attributes show that you're likely to contribute positively to campus life.

How can students demonstrate positive character attributes in their applications?

Students can demonstrate these attributes through their essays, recommendations, and other application materials. Some colleges even list the specific qualities they value, so researching each college's culture can help you tailor your application.

Why are essays and writing samples important in college admissions?

Essays provide insight into an applicant's personality, motivations, and potential fit for a particular college. They allow students to demonstrate their character, intellectual curiosity, and interest in the institution.

What is 'demonstrated interest' in college admissions, and why does it matter?

Demonstrated interest refers to how much a student shows they care about a specific college. This can include actions like attending information sessions, joining email lists, or expressing enthusiasm in essays. Some colleges use it as a factor in determining whether a student is likely to accept an offer if admitted.

Do all colleges care about demonstrated interest?

No, not all colleges emphasize demonstrated interest. For example, large schools like UCLA don't track it, while smaller colleges like Bates do. You can check if a college considers it by reviewing their 'common data set' online.

What role do recommendation letters play in the admissions process?

Recommendation letters from teachers and counselors provide insight into your academic performance, character, and potential to contribute to a college community. Teacher letters focus on classroom performance, while counselor letters offer a broader perspective on your overall role in your school community.

How can students make the most of their extracurricular activities in their application?

Students should show that they have taken initiative in their extracurricular activities, whether by creating new projects, taking leadership roles, or making a measurable impact. It's important to highlight any leadership positions and the results of your involvement, using concrete numbers when possible.

How has the role of standardized tests in college admissions changed post-pandemic?

Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies since the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, some colleges still require them, so it's important to check each school's policy and decide whether submitting scores will benefit your application.

What advice is given to students who are unsure about taking or submitting standardized tests?

Students are advised to focus on preparing for the test only if they want to take it. After preparing, they should assess whether their scores will enhance their application. It's important to talk to a counselor for guidance and not to stress about it.