What Colleges Look For

In this competitive college admissions environment, countless students are presenting top grades and standardized test scores. How will you stand out from the crowd? What are college admissions officers looking for? Can average students realistically pursue college?

Building on your individual strengths and interests, you want to display a cohesive presentation of your unique life story. This narrative should reveal your authenticity, dedication, leadership experience and personality traits. Colleges want to enroll change-makers who are social and will work with others to contribute to the academic, extracurricular and social life on campus.

Developing these qualities through Academic Coaching requires effort and planning. Once refined, they can be communicated through the personal statement (the main college application essay), supplemental essays, teacher and counselor recommendations and, if available, interviews.

Taking on leadership responsibilities in your areas of interest is integral to showing that you are a change-maker. A counselor can guide you through your committed interests or help you discover new interests. From here, you can be a college-ready student prepared to contribute to your college and community.

This is an exciting time to be imaginative and take direction regarding who you would like to become and to achieve your goals!

• Communicate with your Teachers and School Counselor
• Explore your Interests and Extracurricular Activities
• Investigate Leadership Opportunities
• Manage Your Time Efficiently
• Refine Study Skills
• Develop High School Academic and Extracurricular Plans

• Focus on Specific Leadership Opportunities
• Develop a Standardized Testing Plan
• Refine Time Management and Organization
• Formulate an Initial Individualized College List
• Revisit and Revise High School Academic and Extracurricular Plans
  

• Hone Your Study Skills
• Identify and Develop Specific Leadership Positions
• Refine an Individualized College List
• Research Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Execute and Modify Your Standardized Testing Plan if needed
• Revisit and Revise High School Academic and Extracurricular Plans

• Finalize The College List
• Consider College Major and Career Choices
• Weigh Early Application Options
• Seek Advice on the College Essay and Supplemental Essays
• Identify Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Complete College Applications
• Prepare for Admissions Interviews