Do you ever wonder what prospective students are indeed screened for by colleges? When determining whether to admit a student, college admissions officials focus on the following five crucial components of an application:
List of 5 things college examiners look for student-2024
1. Consistent grades and scores:
Your academic transcript is one of the most crucial components of your college application. Colleges will consider your actual grades and whether you enrolled in difficult courses and challenged yourself. Select challenging coursework, but maintain your scores within a range.
2. Competitive SAT or ACT scores:
US colleges specifically ask students to submit their ACT/SAT test scores. While many colleges have made tests optional, many universities and institutions continue to give significant weight to standardized tests.
3. Impeccable essays:
The admissions essay is a critical element of your application because it allows you to share a personal aspect of yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere. A college application essay typically has 500 words or less. Make sure your essay reflects your individuality. This is your chance to let your personality come through.
4. Letters of recommendation:
Colleges also consider teacher and school counselor recommendations to get a second opinion on your personality and academic achievements. Institutions would prefer that you request your instructors in your main academic subject areas write the recommendations. You should speak with a science instructor if you plan to major in a STEM degree.
5. Honest interview:
Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to interview if one is given. Some colleges will evaluate you through one-on-one interviews. This is less common than it formerly was, which is why your essay has grown in significance to let admissions examiners know who you really are.
How can Rostrum Education help?
The path to applying to colleges is long and tedious. Students are recommended to start researching and fulfilling requirements during high school. At Rostrum, we focus on our students during their high school years while keeping a check on their academics and recommending internships, summer programs, and other opportunities that could be available. Our team of counsellors help students with the entire process of college applications! Contact us for more information!