What are Colleges
Looking for in Students?
Admissions
-- by Mike Pugh
A rigorous course schedule throughout high
school is important. Good grades are key. High SAT/ACT test scores
certainly don't hurt. But what else are colleges looking for in students?
Genuine Interest in the School
Colleges are looking for students who show
genuine and well-researched interest in their school. "A student who
has gone beyond name recognition and reputation and has decided that the
university's programs and environment are right for them is the
ideal," says Andrew Bryan, a certified educational consultant at The
Academic Institute, Inc.
Making concrete connections between what
you want out of your education and what the college or university has to
offer shows that you've done your homework. "Direct references to
courses, programs or other academic opportunities demonstrate a level of
interest that will immediately set a student apart in a crowd," says
Scott Anderson, Associate Director of Admissions at Cornell University.
Interest in Coursework
You need to demonstrate the same authentic
interest in your proposed course of study.
"While admission officers want to
hear about what kids want to study, the students are much more interested
in telling us what they want to be. Lawyers. Doctors. Veterinarians.
Investment bankers." Anderson says. "These professional goals
are fine, but the reality is that law, medicine, and the like are not
topics you can study as an undergraduate,"
Colleges would rather hear about the work
you'll do before you enter the work world - such as your interest
in geometry, philosophy, Peruvian literature or genetics.
Extracurricular Activities
While academics are key, colleges also
want students who will enhance their campus community in some special way.
They seek students who will be leaders, communicators and active members
of their college community. "We look for interesting volunteer work,
internships, athletic achievement and other good extracurricular
activities when we evaluate a student," says Kate Wells, Assistant
Director of Admissions for the State University of New York College at
Potsdam.
But don't start joining organizations by
the dozen for appearance's sake. "In-depth participation in one or
two extracurricular activities is preferred over superficial membership in
many," says Diane E. Epstein, a certified educational consultant.
That Extra "Something"
With all the qualified applications coming
in, colleges are frequently looking for the elusive extra
"something" that can set a student apart from the crowd. This
can be any number of things: job experience, involvement with a certain
group or even the extra enthusiasm or thought that a student puts into
their essay.
That extra "something" can also
be an obstacle overcome: financial hardship, English as a second language,
serious health problems. "Something special a kid has overcome will
make them appealing," says Sue Bigg, a Chicago-based educational
consultant.
Finding the Right Match
When admissions officers review your
application, they'll be looking to make a good match. You need to show
them that you've chosen them for the right reasons. At the same time, try
to show colleges your "real" self.
If you offer a glimpse of the individual
behind the grades and the test scores, you'll help the admissions officers
make your perfect college match.
