Knowing what colleges are looking for can make the admissions process less stressful for students and help them prepare a strong application. Admissions teams consider a mix of academics, activities, and personal qualities to decide who gets in. Novella Prep specializes in helping students understand these factors and build standout applications.
What Do Colleges Factor into Admission Decisions?
By understanding what factors go into college admission decisions, students are better able to focus their efforts and use their time effectively. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main factors colleges usually consider when evaluating a student’s application.
Academic Achievement
Your academic record is one of the biggest factors in college admissions. Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself and performed well in school. They look at:
- GPA: A solid GPA shows you’ve worked hard and mastered your courses.
- Courses: Taking AP, IB, or honors classes shows you can handle tougher material.
- Test Scores: While some schools are test-optional, many schools aren’t, and strong SAT or ACT scores can boost your application.
Extracurricular Activities
What you do outside of class also matters. Colleges like to see students who are active, involved, and show leadership. Here’s what they pay attention to:
- Consistency: Colleges want to see your level of dedication; do you try a lot of activities, but only briefly? Or do you stick with a few and truly immerse yourself in them?
- Leadership: Do you take on roles that require leadership and responsibility, such as running clubs or being a team captain?
- Balance: Doing well in academics while still doing extracurricular activities or working part-time is also a great way to show colleges that you know how to strike a proper balance.
Personal Essays
Your essay is your chance to show colleges who you really are. A good essay should be honest and tell a story that highlights your experiences, values, or goals. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just make sure it feels true to you.
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters give colleges a view of you through someone else’s eyes. Teachers, counselors, or mentors can share insights about your character, academic abilities, and growth. Pick people who know you well and can give specific examples of your strengths.
Other Factors Colleges Consider
Colleges consider more than academics and activities, including your interest in the school, demonstrated by campus visits or outreach, and any special talents in areas like sports or the arts. They also value diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, including where you’re from or challenges you’ve overcome.
What is Demonstrated Interest?
Demonstrated interest shows a college that you’re genuinely excited about attending. It’s the effort you make to learn about the school, like visiting the campus, attending events, or connecting with admissions staff. Admissions sometimes use demonstrated interest to gauge how likely you are to enroll if accepted. This is especially important for colleges focused on their “yield rate”—the percentage of accepted students who will actually attend the school.
Nassau County College Planning With Novella Prep
At Novella Prep, we provide personalized college planning for students in Nassau County, including Great Neck, North Hempstead, and Old Brookville. We can help you understand what colleges are looking for, what the application timeline is, how to prepare academically, and how best to leverage your unique talents and experiences for your application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you reach your academic goals.