Here's a quick overview of various factors admission counselors use to determine admission. However, we suggest you explore Deep Dive Into College Admissions article for more information.

What makes a student profile particularly attractive to a college admissions reader? Here are some of the most important academic factors for college admissions:

• Grades in college prep classes & overall GPA. Colleges look at your transcript and your GPA to determine your ability to perform well in college and take on the college workload. Even if you struggled early in your high school years, colleges look favorably on those who can improve their academic record over time.

• Strength of curriculum. Colleges look for students who challenged themselves of more rigorous classes and performed well--and these classes can range from AP/Honors courses in high school or community colleges outside of high school.

• Test Scores. Your SAT/ACT can be another point of excellence, as long as the college requires or accepts them. With more colleges going test optional, blind, or flexible, sometimes AP tests scores may be another factor of consideration as well.

Schools typically look at academic factors first, using a range of preferred GPAs and Test Scores for their applicant pool. This range (sometimes titled the eligibility index) is often used as the basis for the "first cut." To find out more about how to figure out the GPA range for each specific campus, scroll down to our "All About GPA" segment and take a look at College Essay Guy's graphic below.

Here are some secondary but still important factors (non-Academic factors) for college admissions:

• Extracurricular Commitment. Colleges pay special attention to your career/academic "track record." What matters most is how long and how deeply you have been following one or two interests--be it sports, music, or career related.

• Letters of Recommendation. Private colleges require letters of recommendation to gain insight on your academic abilities, character, and personality.

• Essay or Writing Sample. Many competitive colleges will require students to write an essay or personal statement--and some privates have an addition 7-15 supplemental essay questions. A well-written essay can tip a decision in your favor and a poorly written one can do the opposite.

• Demonstrated Interest. Students who take time to attend a college visit, talk with an admission officer, or attend an interview. Even applying early decision may increase your chances since you have shown clear commitment to that specific school.

• Personal Qualities. Finally, colleges are constantly assessing to see if incoming Freshmen carry values and personality traits necessary to succeed and shine in college. They look for qualities such as curiosity, empathy, drive, resilience, and more.

Pulled from "What Do Colleges Look For?"