Colleges will look at transcripts, GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and letters of recommendation. They may also want to interview students. The most important criteria for admission to colleges are academic achievement and test scores. However, schools look at other factors too, such as extracurricular activities and the rigor of courses taken.
1. Get A Good GPA
A high GPA is one of the most important factors in college admissions. Many colleges place a higher weight on your high school GPA than on your SAT or ACT scores. A good GPA for college is generally around a 3.0 or above on an unweighted scale, although it can vary from school to school. For schools that are more selective, admissions officers will usually aim for a GPA closer to 4.0.
Ensure your GPA is as high as possible by taking challenging courses that will help you grow as a student. Avoid avoiding more difficult classes or enrolling in easy ones just to raise your GPA; admissions officers will see that as a sign of lack of drive and curiosity. Consider pursuing advanced-level or honors coursework to give your GPA an extra boost.
2. Take Challenging Courses
Many top schools look for students with a strong academic record. This means a high GPA and challenging courses. Students should consider taking AP or honors classes, and may even want to consider challenging themselves with college-level courses at their local community college. However, it’s important not to take so many tough classes that your grades suffer or that you become overwhelmed. It is also important to work with a guidance counselor and teachers to find the right balance.
In addition to grades, colleges also consider a student’s course selection and extracurricular activities. A strong academic record doesn’t mean just straight “A”s, but also a rigorous curriculum and impressive achievements in leadership, music, sports, or other areas of interest. The best way to determine which colleges are safeties and matches is to ask your guidance counselor for advice.
3. Get Involved In Extracurricular Activities
For many students, Get into college is all about grades, test scores and extracurricular activities. For years, many students have pushed themselves hard academically, taking every AP or IB course offered, maximizing their standardized test scores and getting involved in every club that their school has to offer. College admissions staff are looking for well-rounded applicants who have more to offer than just their academic accomplishments. That’s why it’s important to get involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.
It’s important to choose activities that are meaningful and authentic to you. For example, if you love to speak French, join the language club. If you’re a graphic design whiz, become the layout editor for your yearbook. And if you’re passionate about LGBT rights, consider joining the Gay-Straight Alliance.
4. Take The ACT Or SAT
Many schools are becoming test-optional, but it’s still a good idea to take the ACT or SAT. Solid scores can give you an edge over other applicants, and they’re needed for certain scholarships. Both tests are highly similar, and admissions committees treat them equally. However, you should decide which one you’ll take based on your strengths and the availability of test dates. For example, if you’re bad at math and need more time per question, the SAT may be a better fit for your skillset.
The SAT essay is more challenging than the ACT essay, and it’s worth preparing for. Familiarizing yourself with the grading rubric can help you craft a strong essay and earn top scores. Likewise, the ACT reading section is more about comprehending complex texts than understanding vocabulary words.
5. Apply To A Variety Of Schools
Many colleges have a general application that asks for information like your resume of activities, transcripts, recommendations, and parent or guardian info. Most also have specific or unique essays or questions you need to answer that help them get to know who you are as an applicant beyond your grades and test scores.
Assemble a list of schools that you’re excited about attending. This list should include reach schools (colleges you think you have a good chance of getting accepted to) as well as target and safety schools (schools that you’d be comfortable going to). Visit schools, read their viewbooks, and speak with current students. Also, consider taking a gap year, which can give you time to volunteer, work, or travel and can make your college applications stronger.
Conclusion
With the Supreme Court’s decision to do away with affirmative action and colleges putting a bigger emphasis on test scores, getting into college is harder than ever. But it is still possible to stand out from the crowd.
