What are the key factors to focus on for college admissions?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to think about college applications. In your opinion, what are the most important things to consider or work on to increase my chances of getting into a good college?

There's a range of factors that college admissions teams consider, and while it's hard to categorize them based on importance, there are several key aspects that you should definitely pay attention to:

1. Academic Performance: This is typically one of the first things colleges look at. It includes not only your GPA, but also the rigor of the courses you've taken, improvements over time, and class rank if your school provides one.

2. Test Scores: For schools that are not test-blind, your SAT or ACT score can be a significant part of your application. Starting 2024, the SAT is fully digital and does not have an essay portion. Remember, some colleges like Dartmouth, Harvard, and Purdue require these, while others like Cornell are test-optional for this application cycle, meaning you can choose whether or not to send your scores.

3. Extracurricular Involvement: Colleges value depth over breadth. They'd rather see you deeply involved in a few activities (for example, hold leadership positions or make recognizable achievements) than be a member of many clubs with little to no impact. Activities are typically categorized into 4 tiers; the rarer and higher achievement/leadership the activity (like winning a national award or being a state-level athlete), the more impressive it is.

4. Essays: Your personal statement and any supplemental essays are your chance to show who you are beyond your grades and test scores. However, avoid cliche topics; instead, focus on unique experiences or perspectives.

5. Letters of Recommendation: A good letter from a teacher who knows you well can highlight your academic abilities and personal character.

Remember, each college has its own priorities and may weigh these factors differently. For instance, the UC system does not consider letters of recommendation for most applicants. So always research the specific requirements and preferences of each college on your list.