What do colleges value most when reviewing applications?

Hi everyone, I'm currently in my junior year and I'm starting to think more about my college applications. That being said, I'm curious as to what colleges focus on the most when reviewing applications. I want to understand this better to help guide my efforts in the right direction. Any advice would be appreciated!

Colleges, especially very selective ones, are looking for a lot of different things when reviewing applications. However, a few elements in your application typically hold a bit more weight:

1. Academic record: Your grades and the rigor of your coursework are quite possibly the most important aspects of your application. This includes your GPA, trends in your grades, and the difficulty of your course schedules, including honors, AP, or IB classes.

2. Standardized test scores: For schools that aren't test-optional or test-blind, your ACT or SAT scores contribute significantly to your application. While less important as your academic record, a strong score can be very helpful.

3. Extracurriculars: Extracurricular activities can reflect your interests, motivations and leadership skills. Colleges view these through the lens of 4 tiers of extracurriculars. The higher the tier (with 1 being the highest), the more it will impress colleges. It's not about quantity, but the quality and depth of your involvement.

4. Essays: Your common app essay and the supplemental essays for individual colleges are a chance for admissions officers to get to know you better. It's important to be authentic and convey your values and experiences effectively.

5. Letters of recommendation: These can offer insights into your academic abilities and personal qualities from a third party's perspective. A strong recommendation can greatly further your application.

Remember that the process can be highly individual and may vary between schools and programs. Always do your research on individual colleges to understand what they prioritize in their admission process.