What Colleges Look For
Admission Criteria:
Colleges use some, if not all, of the information listed below when determining whether or not to accept an applicant. Individual colleges may differ in how they evaluate information.
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Class Rank
- Difficulty of courses
- Test scores
- Recommendations
- Activities/awards
- Personal essays
- Interviews
Grade Point Average
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is the average of a student’s grades, starting with the freshman year. High school courses taught in the 8th grade are computed in the student’s GPA. Colleges generally consider a student’s GPA in a college preparatory program to be the most important criteria for college admission.
Class Rank
Class rank indicates where a student stands academically in relation to the other members of his/her graduating class. Class rank is often presented with the student’s place in the class followed by the total number of students in the class (e.g., 44/151). The student who has the highest GPA is number one, the student with the second highest GPA is number two, etc. Rank can be important when applying for scholarships because many scholarships stipulate that a student must be in the top 10% (or 20%, etc.) of his/her class.
All GPAs and ranks are figured by the SC Uniform Grading Scale.
Transcript
A transcript is a document that details a student’s academic achievement in high school. A transcript contains the following information:
- Courses, grades, and credits for each grade level completed, beginning with grade 9.
- Current yearly and cumulative GPA and class rank
- SAT (or ACT scores)
- AP exam scores, if released by student
All college applications request that an official transcript be submitted with the application. An official transcript must have a signature and the school seal verifying its authenticity. An unofficial transcript is the same as an official transcript except there is no official signature or seal. A transcript is also usually required when a student applies for a scholarship. You may request an unofficial transcript for personal use by contacting the guidance office.
Admissions Essay
Some colleges require an applicant to write an essay as part of the application. This essay can clearly affect your chances of acceptance, especially at top-tier schools, where it almost goes without saying that students’ grades and test scores are outstanding and their accomplishments are extraordinary. As you prepare your essay, keep the following in mind:
-Be yourself: The essay gives the admissions officers a personalized sense of you—an image that mere numbers cannot convey.
-Don’t be gimmicky
-Don’t wait until the last minute: When you’re done, put your essay aside for a week and then go back to it with greater objectivity.
-Don’t let someone else write your essay: You’re selling yourself short—and you’re likely to get caught.
-Do revise
-Do proofread—twice
Interview dos and don’ts
The interview can be a prospective school’s only opportunity to evaluate you face to face. So be prepared. Here’s what you need to know:
-Dress appropriately: Clean and presentable is the way to go. Don’t let the way you look hurt your chances of getting in.
-Do your homework: Before the interview, check the college’s website; then ask informed questions.
-Read two recent books: Be ready to discuss them. Chances are that you’ll be asked what you’ve read lately.
-Be on time.
-Make eye contact.
-Be passionate: Figure out what you’re passionate about and find a way to talk about it.
-Be specific.
-Don’t get too personal.
-Shake hands before and after the interview.
-Write a thank-you note and mail it the next day.
Courses Recommended For College Admission
Four-year colleges recommend that students complete certain college preparatory courses while in high school. These include a minimum of:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies
- 4years of math, (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre Calculus)
- 3 years of science (with lab experience)
- 2-3 years of the same foreign language
- 1 year of fine or performing arts
Students without these courses may be required to take remedial and/or additional courses at college. Such suggested preparation will vary from college to college. The most competitive colleges expect that applicants will select the most challenging courses available.
