7 answers
Kenya
Student
Martinsburg, West Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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How to let colleges know that I am avaliable and eligible?
I am in grade nine wanting to know what colleges or universities look for in students.
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1098
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
In order to get information about colleges and their requirements you can go to the college website. The colleges and universities encourage future students to fill out a digital form that places you on their mailing and email lists.
This process is often called "Requesting Information" and is a primary way to receive brochures, viewbooks, and application updates.
Go to the college's official website and look for the Admissions or Future Students section. You can then look for a button or link labeled "Request Information," "Join Our Mailing List," or "Connect With Us". Then provide your contact information, including your name, email, and physical mailing address. Most of these online forms allow you to indicate specific academic majors, extracurriculars, or sports you are interested in, so you can receive specific materials.
Once submitted, you will typically receive an automated email confirmation followed by physical mailings or brochures within a few weeks.
This process is often called "Requesting Information" and is a primary way to receive brochures, viewbooks, and application updates.
Go to the college's official website and look for the Admissions or Future Students section. You can then look for a button or link labeled "Request Information," "Join Our Mailing List," or "Connect With Us". Then provide your contact information, including your name, email, and physical mailing address. Most of these online forms allow you to indicate specific academic majors, extracurriculars, or sports you are interested in, so you can receive specific materials.
Once submitted, you will typically receive an automated email confirmation followed by physical mailings or brochures within a few weeks.
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
97
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Kenya.
This is an excellent time in your education to ask this question. Let's look first at what colleges look for. It may vary a little per college, but generally colleges look for students who:
- demonstrate intellectual curiosity by taking at last some more difficult courses
- have at least mostly good grades
- can demonstrate leadership (often done in extra-curricular activities)
- are well-rounded (meaning they have interests outside of academics)
As you develop your list of colleges, read their admissions website to see what they, in particular, want.
As for how to get their attention, I would suggest the following:
- take the PSAT, which shares scores with colleges (it gives your practice with standardized tests and, with high scores, it also makes you eligible for merit scholarships)
- closer to when you will apply, sign up for emails from the colleges/universities and/or follow them on social media
- again closer to when you apply, visit the colleges/universities to attend information sessions and take tours (need to sign up in advance)
- attend if colleges/universities hold info sessions in your area
Wishing you good luck!
This is an excellent time in your education to ask this question. Let's look first at what colleges look for. It may vary a little per college, but generally colleges look for students who:
- demonstrate intellectual curiosity by taking at last some more difficult courses
- have at least mostly good grades
- can demonstrate leadership (often done in extra-curricular activities)
- are well-rounded (meaning they have interests outside of academics)
As you develop your list of colleges, read their admissions website to see what they, in particular, want.
As for how to get their attention, I would suggest the following:
- take the PSAT, which shares scores with colleges (it gives your practice with standardized tests and, with high scores, it also makes you eligible for merit scholarships)
- closer to when you will apply, sign up for emails from the colleges/universities and/or follow them on social media
- again closer to when you apply, visit the colleges/universities to attend information sessions and take tours (need to sign up in advance)
- attend if colleges/universities hold info sessions in your area
Wishing you good luck!
Devin Stoker
Project Manager
17
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hi Kenya,
Colleges and universities look for students who:
1. Have good grades, showing they can handle tough courses.
2. Have interests that match the school's courses and majors.
3. Are resilient, able to overcome challenges and learn from mistakes.
4. Bring unique experiences and perspectives to enrich everyone's learning.
5. Are involved in their community, helping others, not just themselves.
Check a school's mission statement and values to see what they prioritize. Third-party rankings from websites and magazines can also help you find schools with the programs you want.
Colleges and universities look for students who:
1. Have good grades, showing they can handle tough courses.
2. Have interests that match the school's courses and majors.
3. Are resilient, able to overcome challenges and learn from mistakes.
4. Bring unique experiences and perspectives to enrich everyone's learning.
5. Are involved in their community, helping others, not just themselves.
Check a school's mission statement and values to see what they prioritize. Third-party rankings from websites and magazines can also help you find schools with the programs you want.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Since you're in ninth grade, you don't need to worry about letting colleges know anything just yet. They aren't keeping track of individual students at this point. What matters later are your grades, the classes you take, and the activities you join in high school. So, for now, focus on doing well in school and exploring things you enjoy.
Colleges like to see that you're active outside of class, whether it's through sports, clubs, volunteering, or a part-time job. You don't need a long list of activities. It's better to be truly interested in a few things rather than trying to do everything just to impress.
When you get to your junior and senior years, you'll start applying to colleges. That's when they'll look at your transcript, activities, and sometimes essays about yourself and your interests. Right now, you're ahead of the game by thinking about this early. So, try new things, work hard in your classes, and discover what you like. Colleges want to see students who are motivated and involved.
Colleges like to see that you're active outside of class, whether it's through sports, clubs, volunteering, or a part-time job. You don't need a long list of activities. It's better to be truly interested in a few things rather than trying to do everything just to impress.
When you get to your junior and senior years, you'll start applying to colleges. That's when they'll look at your transcript, activities, and sometimes essays about yourself and your interests. Right now, you're ahead of the game by thinking about this early. So, try new things, work hard in your classes, and discover what you like. Colleges want to see students who are motivated and involved.
Folayemi Adebayo
Software Engineer
15
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Folayemi’s Answer
Hey Kenya,
Colleges generally look at a combination of your GPA, extracurricular involvement like clubs, sports, or volunteering, leadership roles, and standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. When it comes time to apply, they learn about you through your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay where you get to share your story and what makes you stand out.
The best thing you can do right now is focus on your grades, get involved in activities you genuinely care about, and start exploring what interests you. You do not need to have everything figured out at this stage — building good habits and staying curious now will go a long way when application season comes around. Is there a particular field or type of school you are already thinking about?
Colleges generally look at a combination of your GPA, extracurricular involvement like clubs, sports, or volunteering, leadership roles, and standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. When it comes time to apply, they learn about you through your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay where you get to share your story and what makes you stand out.
The best thing you can do right now is focus on your grades, get involved in activities you genuinely care about, and start exploring what interests you. You do not need to have everything figured out at this stage — building good habits and staying curious now will go a long way when application season comes around. Is there a particular field or type of school you are already thinking about?
semi hayat
Professional Resume Writer
60
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
semi’s Answer
It’s great that you’re thinking about college as early as 9th grade. At this stage, you don’t need to formally tell colleges that you are available or eligible. Colleges mainly evaluate students based on what they do throughout high school. Focus on doing well in your classes, staying involved in activities like clubs, sports, or volunteering, and exploring subjects or hobbies that interest you. As you move through high school, colleges will look at your grades, your involvement outside the classroom, and how you show growth and initiative. Later on, you can also attend college fairs, sign up for college mailing lists, or visit campuses to learn more about different schools.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2632
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. All universities have admission programs every year. Different university have strength in different subjects.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. Do research on the universities good at the relevant subjects
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the universities
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. Do research on the universities good at the relevant subjects
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the universities
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!