WHAT COLLEGES ARE LOOKING FOR IN THE 2010-2011'S APPLICANT POOL

As colleges and universities across America have become more competitive since the turn of the century, student’s academic performance in high school continues to top the list, which includes taking a rigorous academic curriculum that challenges the student. Demonstrating a willingness to challenge oneself is becoming more important than the grades obtained. While grades need to show an upward trend, mediocre grades in the freshman year can be overcome by demonstrating that better grades came with maturity, and allowing colleges to see the student that they will get today.

Strong SAT or ACT scores are still important, but are not enough today to gain admission into a competitive school. That said, poor scores will still be difficult to overcome.

Colleges want to see students who are passionate and involvement in a few activities, obtain meaningful letters of recommendation, and still a well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s personality, values and goals. The importance now with schools is the ever important essay that really gives a school a chance to meet the student, especially if there is not an interview.

In recent years, colleges have been seeking students who will contribute in a meaningful way to campus life, and so this year for the first time, schools what to see “demonstrated leadership in activities” and demonstrated intellectual curiosity .

Finally, schools want to see a “demonstrated enthusiasm to attend,” and “special talents and abilities” something that schools just implemented a few years ago. This means that schools want to see a sincere “want” to attend and will offer admission only to those who seem serious about enrolling.

“Financial resources” and “out of school experiences” fell off the top ten list.
What is not as important to schools now is “financial resources and out of school experiences” “creative applications with videos or unique components”, and “legacy status”.