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What are some things colleges look for in a student?
I'm about to become a freshman in highschool and I would like to get a head start on my college resume. What would be the best way to go about this?
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4 answers
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david’s Answer
Hi, Angie,
Excellent question and it is important for all students, so I collected some websites to read that will provide information for different sources for your review:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/college-prep/stand-out/character-counts-what-are-colleges-looking-for
https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for
https://thecollegepost.com/what-do-colleges-look-for/
https://www.collegedata.com/resources/getting-in/what-do-colleges-look-for-in-students
There is much overlap in the above, and that strengthens what they are telling you. Use this well and you will be off to a great start in preparing for college. All the best to you in your coming freshman year.
Excellent question and it is important for all students, so I collected some websites to read that will provide information for different sources for your review:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/college-prep/stand-out/character-counts-what-are-colleges-looking-for
https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for
https://thecollegepost.com/what-do-colleges-look-for/
https://www.collegedata.com/resources/getting-in/what-do-colleges-look-for-in-students
There is much overlap in the above, and that strengthens what they are telling you. Use this well and you will be off to a great start in preparing for college. All the best to you in your coming freshman year.
I appreciate your support, david
angie
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
Angie - Great questions and I am excited to see you asking them so early! David provided some great links to references that will definitely be useful.
I have a son who will be high school senior this year and I will share some of the things we have learned along the way.
--Grades - from freshmen year on grades really matter. Put in all of the effort you need to have a great GPA. It will get harder each year, so you don't want to be trying to climb out of a hole in the other years. Many teachers offer time before or after school for students who need extra help, some schools have student tutoring groups for certain subjects before or after school, and there are a lot of online tools either through your school or other sites. Take advantage of everything.
Service - In most, if not all states, community service is a big component of high school and it's something that colleges are looking at more and more. Your school district may require volunteer hours to graduate. If your state has Bright Futures (or something like that), volunteer hours is a critical requirement. Your ability to obtain money will be dependent on multiple components, but volunteer hours is a definite factor. Start early so your not stressed trying to get it done in your junior year so you can include on your college applications in early senior year.
Activities - Activities help show that you're well rounded which schools like. If you like sports, play on the high school team. If there are groups that you're interested in (things like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chess Club, Debate Club, Media Club, etc.).
Good luck!
I have a son who will be high school senior this year and I will share some of the things we have learned along the way.
--Grades - from freshmen year on grades really matter. Put in all of the effort you need to have a great GPA. It will get harder each year, so you don't want to be trying to climb out of a hole in the other years. Many teachers offer time before or after school for students who need extra help, some schools have student tutoring groups for certain subjects before or after school, and there are a lot of online tools either through your school or other sites. Take advantage of everything.
Service - In most, if not all states, community service is a big component of high school and it's something that colleges are looking at more and more. Your school district may require volunteer hours to graduate. If your state has Bright Futures (or something like that), volunteer hours is a critical requirement. Your ability to obtain money will be dependent on multiple components, but volunteer hours is a definite factor. Start early so your not stressed trying to get it done in your junior year so you can include on your college applications in early senior year.
Activities - Activities help show that you're well rounded which schools like. If you like sports, play on the high school team. If there are groups that you're interested in (things like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chess Club, Debate Club, Media Club, etc.).
Good luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
angie
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Angie,
If you truly want to stand out during your college application time, I would encourage you to find something that you're truly passionate about and use it to build an overarching narrative that you can build your application around. By showcasing what your passions are through the activities you choose to pursue, colleges will be able to garner a better understanding and idea of you which will help you stand out. It will make your application feel less impersonal and more like they are getting to know who Angie is as a person.
If you truly want to stand out during your college application time, I would encourage you to find something that you're truly passionate about and use it to build an overarching narrative that you can build your application around. By showcasing what your passions are through the activities you choose to pursue, colleges will be able to garner a better understanding and idea of you which will help you stand out. It will make your application feel less impersonal and more like they are getting to know who Angie is as a person.
Updated
Ria’s Answer
Passion, enthusiasm, creativity