Ten Qualifications that Colleges Look For:
1. A transcript that includes RIGOROUS course work. AP, Honors, or Community College courses all indicate to college reviewers that you are willing and able to tackle difficult college work.
2. Grades that show academic growth. Even if you don't start out with AP/Honors level course work, or even if your grades don't start out as a reflection of giving your best, as long as you show improvement and progression, colleges will feel confident that you will be successful.
3. Solid scores on Standardized Tests. SAT and/or ACT scores should reflect your high school performance. So, take them as many times as you like, especially if you are not satisfied with your scores. The more you take them, the more familiar they will be, and the higher your scores will be.
4. Passionate involvement in extracurricular activities. Passionate is the key word here. Don't sign up and join a lot of clubs, organizations, teams, etc just to "look good" on your apps. Colleges would much rather see you put your ALL into one thing than have you put hardly anything into everything. This shows to them that you ARE passionate about something that you believe in or are interested in, and that you are COMMITTED!
5. Participation in Community Service. Involvement in your community speaks VOLUMES to colleges. They want to see that you CARE! Part of the experience of college and one of their missions, is to help develop you and motivate you to make a difference in society.
6. A Good Work Ethic. Colleges look at your work history (whether you hold a part-time job or do volunteer work after school) to see if you're dependable, hard-working and a team player. All of these indicate that you are mature and responsible. Key factors in their decision making.
7. An honest, mature essay that demonstrates your aspirations. When writing your essays, always remember to be honest and to be YOURSELF. Describe your passions, beliefs, and aspirations, but also remember to approach it as if you were applying for a job that you really want. So, approach it with maturity and respect for the person(s) who will be reading it.
8. Unique Letters of Recommendation. Colleges want specific information about you that will reflect your character and that will "back up" what your claims on your application state. Therefore, be sure that when you ask a teacher, coach or employer for a recommendation, remind them to include anecdotes about classroom discussions, standout projects, etc that will do just that. But, PLEASE also remember to GIVE THEM ENOUGH TIME TO WRITE A GLOWING LETTER FOR YOU! Don't ask for a recommendation just two or three days before it's due, or worse, that same day. Always give at least one or two weeks notice.
9. Organization. Keep your deadlines! Enough said.
10. A Diverse Student. A "well-rounded" student is what EVERY college searches for. Show them that you are by indicating any unique talents you may have or awards that you have earned. Anything that makes you stand out amongst the other THOUSANDS of students who apply each year.