Top Ten Things Colleges Look For

1.      A high school curriculum that challenges the student through senior year.  Students should demonstrate a willingness to challenge themselves with a rigorous program of study.  Academically successful students will take more than the minimally required academic courses including math through pre-calc or calculus, 4 or 5 years of the same foreign language, and 4 years of science—including chemistry and physics.  Honors and AP courses are especially noticed.

2.      Grades represent strong effort and an upward trend over the years.  Slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework.

3.      A well-written essay that provides insight into the student's unique personality, values and goals.  The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal.  It should demonstrate careful and well constructed writing.  Showing a perseverance in the face of  significant hardship can especially make an application stand out.

4.      Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstration leadership and initiative.  Depth, not breadth, of experiences is most important.

5.      Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT), consistent with H.S. performance.

6.      Special talents or experiences that contribute to a well-rounded student body, anything that makes a student unique, which adds to the diversity of the campus.

7.      When required, letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills and positive character traits.  Students should request recommendations from teachers, who respect their work in an academic discipline.

8.      Demonstrated enthusiasm, often exhibited in an interview, toward attending the college.  Colleges want to know if the student will choose to go there if offered.

9.      Out-of-school experiences, including work and community service, that illustrate responsibility, dedication and development of areas on interest.

10. Supplemental recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student.  Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, those from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they are well known, are rarely given much weight.

CHECK OUT THE NEW SCHOLARSHIP LIST EVERY MONDAY!!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SENIOR EVENTS AND COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION!

CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THE WA STATE GRADUATION TOOLKIT!