6 answers
Abraham
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
6
Questions
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What are the most important things for a college application?
Are grades the only things that matters.
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6 answers
Nick Gregoire
AI & Data Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
When you're getting ready to apply to colleges, remember that grades are important, but there are many ways to make your application shine. Joining clubs, sports teams, or volunteering can really help. Try to take on leadership roles to make your application stand out. These activities show that you're a well-rounded person, not just focused on schoolwork.
Also, think about asking teachers or mentors for recommendation letters. They can really boost your application. Spend time on your admissions essays too. They are your chance to show schools who you really are and what makes you unique!
Also, think about asking teachers or mentors for recommendation letters. They can really boost your application. Spend time on your admissions essays too. They are your chance to show schools who you really are and what makes you unique!
Laura Turkienicz
Consultant
75
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
The most important things for a college application are:
Academic Record: GPA and the rigor of your coursework (AP, honors, dual enrollment).
Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT results (if required/recommended).
Personal Statement/Essays: Strong, authentic essays that showcase your personality, goals, and fit for the school.
Academic Record: GPA and the rigor of your coursework (AP, honors, dual enrollment).
Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT results (if required/recommended).
Personal Statement/Essays: Strong, authentic essays that showcase your personality, goals, and fit for the school.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Abraham,
The answer to your question depends on where you want to study. Different countries have different admission processes and different criteria to evaluate applicants.
If you want to go to university in the US, your high-school GPA is important. If your university uses standardized tests as an admission criterium, you also need a high score on your SAT or ACT. Beyond that, your extracurricular activities, i.e. what you do outside of school, are very important. You'll also need to have letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your aptitude for the studies you want to do. You'll also write one or more essays to let the admission office know who you are as a person and what you bring to the campus community.
How important each component of your application is in the admission process depends on the school you apply to. If you apply to a very competitive school with an acceptance rate in the single digits, just about everyone has a perfect GPA and high test scores. You'd have to bring something more to get in. If you apply to a local community college, just about everyone gets in.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
The answer to your question depends on where you want to study. Different countries have different admission processes and different criteria to evaluate applicants.
If you want to go to university in the US, your high-school GPA is important. If your university uses standardized tests as an admission criterium, you also need a high score on your SAT or ACT. Beyond that, your extracurricular activities, i.e. what you do outside of school, are very important. You'll also need to have letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your aptitude for the studies you want to do. You'll also write one or more essays to let the admission office know who you are as a person and what you bring to the campus community.
How important each component of your application is in the admission process depends on the school you apply to. If you apply to a very competitive school with an acceptance rate in the single digits, just about everyone has a perfect GPA and high test scores. You'd have to bring something more to get in. If you apply to a local community college, just about everyone gets in.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
862
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Abraham,
No, school grades are not the only important item on a college application. In the US, there are often a lot of additional items that are used to assess your overall experience to date. There are often requirements for certain scores on standardized testing, such as the SAT or ACT. Taking courses in high school that are considered advanced placement can boost your standing with a school. There is sometimes a letter of recommendation component, where people in your life who are not family recommend you for college. It is most often letters from your teachers. Schools are also looking for how well rounded you are as a person. Outside of school work, what are you doing in your life? Do you volunteer? Are you a member of clubs or organizations beyond your regular school work? When I was applying for colleges, I actually had one school that interviewed me as a part of the application process. You may even have additional items that are needed such as portfolios for places like art schools.
You should contact schools that you are interested in to see what elements they are looking for in your application.
Good luck!
No, school grades are not the only important item on a college application. In the US, there are often a lot of additional items that are used to assess your overall experience to date. There are often requirements for certain scores on standardized testing, such as the SAT or ACT. Taking courses in high school that are considered advanced placement can boost your standing with a school. There is sometimes a letter of recommendation component, where people in your life who are not family recommend you for college. It is most often letters from your teachers. Schools are also looking for how well rounded you are as a person. Outside of school work, what are you doing in your life? Do you volunteer? Are you a member of clubs or organizations beyond your regular school work? When I was applying for colleges, I actually had one school that interviewed me as a part of the application process. You may even have additional items that are needed such as portfolios for places like art schools.
You should contact schools that you are interested in to see what elements they are looking for in your application.
Good luck!
Madison Shannon
Marketing
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Grades are definitely important, but they are not the only thing colleges look at.
Colleges want to understand who you are as a person, not just how you perform in the classroom. Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership experiences, part-time jobs, and other commitments can help demonstrate your interests, work ethic, and character.
I would encourage you to get involved in activities you genuinely enjoy and look for opportunities to take on leadership roles over time. Those experiences can help you develop valuable skills, make a positive impact, and help you stand out in the application process.
Most importantly, focus on being a well-rounded person. Strong grades can open doors, but qualities like leadership, initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to help others are also things colleges value and can carry you far beyond the admissions process.
Colleges want to understand who you are as a person, not just how you perform in the classroom. Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership experiences, part-time jobs, and other commitments can help demonstrate your interests, work ethic, and character.
I would encourage you to get involved in activities you genuinely enjoy and look for opportunities to take on leadership roles over time. Those experiences can help you develop valuable skills, make a positive impact, and help you stand out in the application process.
Most importantly, focus on being a well-rounded person. Strong grades can open doors, but qualities like leadership, initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to help others are also things colleges value and can carry you far beyond the admissions process.
Maggie Weglarz
Electrical Engineer
17
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
Hi Abraham -
No, grades are not the only things that matter in a college application. Many college applications look at test scores and grades as one part of the application. They are also going to evaluate your extracurricular involvement and your college essay. I would focus on your academics, but try to balance your school with extracurriculars that align with your interests.
Best of luck!
No, grades are not the only things that matter in a college application. Many college applications look at test scores and grades as one part of the application. They are also going to evaluate your extracurricular involvement and your college essay. I would focus on your academics, but try to balance your school with extracurriculars that align with your interests.
Best of luck!