CHOURYEL000
WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
A LOOK AT WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Most colleges are very clear when expressing their admission requirements. The following are generally considered in the admission decision:
Cumulative GPA and rigor of high school courses
Test scores from the SAT and/or ACT
Letters of recommendation from counselor and teachers
Participation in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, music, community service)
Application essay or personal statement
Grades & Courses in High School
Your high school transcript will be one of the most important factors in whether or not you will be offered admission to a college or university. Strong grades in all of your courses throughout high school show that you are willing to work hard and have an interest in a variety of subjects.
Colleges also consider the diversity and difficulty of the courses you have taken. Success in more rigorous courses (IB or AP) suggests you will do well in college and strengthens your transcript. Most colleges prefer that students take four years of Math and Science.
A poor grade or two in a high school class does not necessarily mean you will not be admitted to a college. However, it may be something you are asked to explain in an interview or on your application.
Many colleges request to see your grades during senior year, so it is important to continue to challenge yourself, work hard, and earn strong grades even while you’re a senior.
Demonstrated Interest
Colleges look to accept students who want to attend their school. Many schools look for what is called “demonstrated interest.” This is when you show that you are interested in the college by attending open houses and informational sessions, calling or emailing, applying early or interacting with the college representatives when they are at the high school meeting with students. Not every school takes demonstrated interest into account, but many do. And it is never too early to start showing interest in a school!
Letters of Recommendation
Colleges differ when it comes to letters of recommendation. Most require a recommendation from your high school counselor and/or a teacher. Some also ask for references from an adult you know well, such as a friend of the family, an employer, or a member of the clergy. It is important that these people know you well enough to provide valuable insights about you. They will be asked about your intellectual strengths, your personality, and what you do outside of school.
We suggest that you have one or two teacher recommendations, in addition to your school counselor. These letters should be written by a teacher who knows you well. When thinking about which teacher(s) to ask, consider your major or career interests. For example, if you are going into a health related program, it would be a good idea to ask a science teacher. It is important to ask a teacher who knows you more than just a student who took their class. Consider asking a teacher you stayed after with, connected with, or can speak to your positive personal qualities.
All students should fill out a Letter of Recommendation Request Form and personally give it to the teacher they are asking. These forms are available in the High School Counseling Office, on SchooLinks, and on the Guidance Office website for you to download. Once the teacher agrees, you will need to add their name to SchooLinks. Your counselor can show you how to do this.
Extracurricular Activities
Most colleges look for a variety of students with diverse interests. Colleges notice students involved in theater, musical groups, clubs, student publications, athletics, or student government.
Colleges also look for students who belong to academic groups, such as honor societies, language clubs, and science clubs. Part-time work, interesting summer adventures, or unusual experiences may also be important to some colleges. Leadership is said activities is also highly regarded.
College Essay
Many colleges require an essay as part of the application. This can be an intimidating task. However, try to view it as your chance to express yourself. Admissions representatives are not looking for a particular “correct answer” on the essay. They want to find out more about what you are like as an individual. Your English teacher is a good resource for help with this part of the application. Many English teachers at Hilton HS embed this unit in their class senior year – but please realize that it might not be until AFTER your specific deadline, so talk to your teacher in the beginning of the year to see when you’ll be doing that unit.
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)
Many colleges use standardized testing along with other factors to help make admission decisions. A standardized test score allows colleges to compare students from across the nation and from various schools. Frequently, apprenticeship programs, certificate programs, and non-college degree programs also request information. The three main standardized tests used by most colleges are: the ACT, the SAT, and the SAT Subject Tests. More information on each of the standardized tests can be found on the following pages.
Naviance, college websites, and admission materials often list the average test scores of students at a particular college or university. Keep in mind that this is an average, not a minimum. The scores of students admitted to the school extend below and above that average. Some colleges list a range that shows the scores of the middle 50 percent of students’ scores. Some students perform better on the ACT, so it is a good idea to take both.
College admission counselors are fully aware, too, that some students do not “test well.” Slow reading speed, unfamiliarity with the test format, or simple fear may cause a student to perform poorly on standardized tests. For these reasons, virtually all colleges also consider other factors when they select students. They look at grades, recommendations, essays, interview (if applicable), and a student’s special talents and achievements.
It is very important to study for the SAT and ACT. The best way to prepare is familiarize yourself with the tests and to complete practice tests and problems.
You can receive official SAT practice through Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/sat).