What Colleges Look For: Key Factors in Admissions Decisions

Proper academic planning in high school lays the foundation for college success. With guidance, students can design an academic path that develops the critical and creative thinking skills colleges value most.

Many schools offer a range of options — College Prep (CP), Honors (H), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses — as well as different academic tracks. The goal is to build higher level thinking skills across the five core subjects — English, math, science, social studies and world language — by taking the strongest curriculum an individual can handle while maintaining balance among academics, extracurriculars, family and personal well being.

A comprehensive yet flexible long term academic plan, developed through in-depth academic coaching, helps students balance coursework with other life responsibilities. Strong performance in prerequisite classes is essential for qualifying for more advanced courses and tracks. Success in middle school math, science and world language often determines high school placement, since these subjects build sequentially.

Taking higher level courses not only strengthens college applications but can also boost placement results. Scoring well on AP or IB exams or earning high grades in Dual Enrollment classes may lead to college credit or advanced standing, allowing students to take higher level courses sooner and even graduate early.

Why it matters: Colleges look for students who pursue rigorous, balanced coursework that builds critical thinking and persistence — key indicators of readiness for college level study.

Selecting the right courses requires strategy and reflection. Each student should aim for challenge with balance, avoiding unnecessary stress.

I help students identify areas of interest and ability within the five core subjects and plan course levels that fit their strengths. Through academic coaching, I collaborate with school counselors and teachers so every student is both challenged and supported.

For majors that require portfolios — such as Architecture, Music or Art — I guide students in choosing relevant electives and developing creative work that will be evaluated during admissions.

Why it matters: Course selection shows initiative, direction and judgment. Colleges look for students who make thoughtful academic choices that reflect curiosity, ability and purpose.

Strong performance in college preparatory courses signals readiness for higher education. Many colleges include academic electives like psychology, economics or statistics when calculating college prep GPA. These classes deepen knowledge and strengthen analytical skills.

A transcript that combines rigorous core courses with purposeful electives demonstrates curiosity, consistency and discipline. I help students find the balance between challenge and success so their record highlights growth and confidence.

Why it matters: GPA in core courses shows mastery of material and the ability to sustain effort — qualities colleges associate with success in their classrooms.

A student’s overall GPA appears on transcripts and often determines class rank. It may be weighted or unweighted depending on district policy. Some states grant automatic admission or scholarships to top ranked students, while many colleges recalculate GPA to compare applicants fairly across schools.

The goal is to take the strongest curriculum manageable without overload. Colleges want more than high numbers; they seek students who stay engaged, challenge themselves and show character.

Why it matters: GPA remains one of the clearest indicators of effort, growth and potential — but context matters. Colleges look at both performance and the difficulty of the courses taken.

Many colleges still consider class rank when making admission and scholarship decisions. At selective public, magnet or private high schools, families often wonder whether rigor will be taken into account when a student’s rank appears lower in a more competitive environment.

Admissions officers assigned to each geographic region usually have detailed knowledge of the high school a student attends. They review the school profile, compare past applicants and use their own research to understand its rigor and grading practices.

A growing trend among high schools is to report GPA distributions instead of a single rank, giving colleges decile ranges or half point GPA increments. While some colleges have phased out the use of 

class rank, others continue to include it in their evaluations.

A well organized admissions plan helps families understand how rank may be viewed and build a balanced college list accordingly. Most colleges also consider performance within the context of available opportunities. Students are not penalized for missing courses that aren’t offered — for example, Multivariable Calculus or a specific AP class.

When scheduling and commitments allow, students can strengthen their academic record by taking Dual Enrollment courses at a local college. This approach not only supplements the high school transcript but also demonstrates initiative and readiness for advanced coursework.

Why it matters: Class rank helps colleges understand a student’s performance within the context of their school. Rigor, growth and initiative — not just position — show the full picture of achievement.

College entrance requirements continue to evolve. Some institutions have returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores, while others remain test optional or have adopted test blind policies. Even when test scores are not part of the admission review, they may still be requested for class placement, merit scholarships or honors consideration.

Because standardized exams can influence multiple outcomes, students benefit from a clear, personalized testing strategy. Through counseling and academic coaching, I help families plan testing timelines, understand changing policies and choose the best options for their student’s goals.

The SAT tends to emphasize reasoning and problem solving skills, while the ACT focuses more on content knowledge in math, science and English. Since each exam highlights different strengths, many students take both early, compare results and then prepare for the test that best reflects their abilities.

Colleges also continue to value evidence of college level work. AP and IB exams demonstrate rigor and readiness. Strong scores may qualify students for advanced placement or college credit. Students enrolled in the IB curriculum can pursue the full IB Diploma — recognized worldwide as a rigorous academic credential that meets university admission standards in many countries.

In some international contexts, such as the UK, students who have not earned the IB Diploma may need to pass multiple AP exams to qualify for admission.

Why it matters: Standardized tests, when used strategically, help students expand their options for admission, merit aid and placement. A clear testing plan builds confidence and flexibility throughout the application process.

Colleges value authentic leadership — students who take initiative, solve problems and make an impact in their communities. Leadership can take many forms: starting something new, showing long term dedication or quietly improving the world around them.

An Example of Early Initiative and Community Impact

One high school student, devoted to her community, recognized a need for change and mobilized both her peers and local leaders to make it happen. For years, she wondered why two neighborhood parks — each serving similar communities — weren’t connected. Avid bikers had voiced frustration about this gap, yet no one had acted. As a top student in social studies and a skilled public speaker through debate, she saw an opportunity to take initiative.

She began by contacting her state senators and assembly representatives to ask about the project’s feasibility. After several correspondences, she was invited to the county seat to meet with a state representative. Encouraged to gather community support, she created a petition and collected signatures from local residents with help from classmates. Along the way, she faced challenges but persevered — refining her message to persuade both neighbors and decision makers. Ultimately, the state agreed to move forward with the project.

What mattered most was not only the outcome but also the effort, planning and creativity that brought it to life. Each project is unique, reflecting a student’s individual talents, interests and resourcefulness.

Through academic coaching, I help students develop these same real world skills — initiative, leadership, organization and perseverance. Together we set goals, follow-through on ideas and connect passions to meaningful action. This process prepares students not only for college admission but also for success in life.

Why it matters: Leadership shows curiosity, empathy and persistence. Colleges look for students who take ownership, solve problems and bring people together — qualities that translate into lifelong impact.

Crafting strong college essays and completing applications can feel overwhelming. Guided support helps students move from uncertainty to clarity — turning a blank screen into authentic, polished writing that highlights their strengths.

This process covers every major component of the application — the personal statement, supplemental essays and the Common Application (“the Common App”). With expert coaching, students learn to showcase their unique voice, experiences and goals while presenting a cohesive, professional profile.

How College Admissions Counseling Helps

Solution-Focused Brainstorming

Using targeted questions and prompts, I help students quickly identify meaningful stories and practical next steps.

Strengths-Based Reflection

Essays are built on genuine talents, accomplishments and values — not on what students think colleges want to hear.

Cultivating Written Voice

Many students can speak with ease but need guidance turning ideas into clear, vivid writing. Coaching helps translate spoken thoughts into strong, authentic prose.

Idea Development & Expansion

Encouraging students to explore different angles, add depth and make connections they might not 

have considered on their own.

Personal Statement Support

Developing a powerful narrative that shows individuality, growth and impact.

Supplemental Essay Guidance

Creating tailored responses that align with each school’s values and prompts.

Writing Resources

Recommending style and grammar tools so students strengthen mechanics and voice from the start.

Common App Expertise

Streamlining the process, organizing materials and ensuring a consistent message across every section.

Confidence & Strategy

Building skills in writing, reflection and storytelling so each essay feels natural, authentic and purposeful.

With this approach, students don’t just produce stronger essays — they gain confidence in their story, develop a written voice that resonates with readers and approach the entire application process with clarity and purpose.

Why it matters: Essays reveal who a student is beyond grades and numbers. They highlight reflection, authenticity and maturity — qualities that help colleges see genuine potential.

Most colleges request a counselor recommendation along with two teacher recommendations for each application. Teachers selected for this role should know the student well — not only their academic strengths but also their character, growth and contributions over time.

Providing ample notice allows recommenders to write thoughtful, detailed letters that present a complete picture of the student. A handwritten thank you note or personal email is an important way to show appreciation for the time and effort they invest.

As a certified school counselor and independent educational consultant, I offer an objective perspective on which teachers or mentors can best serve as advocates. Through a strengths based, solution focused approach, I help students:

• Identify teachers who can speak to both academic performance and personal qualities
   
• Organize timelines and materials so recommenders have everything they need well before deadlines
   
• Communicate achievements, goals and context so letters align with the student’s applications
   
• Follow-up respectfully and with gratitude, strengthening relationships that may support future references or opportunities
   

This process ensures that each recommendation letter reinforces the student’s story, highlights their accomplishments and strengthens their overall application.