What Do Colleges Usually Care About the Most In an Applicant?

Hey guys! I've started thinking about application season and I'm a bit confused. Can anyone help clarify - what do colleges usually care most about when looking at applications? GPA? Extracurriculars? Leadership roles?

While different colleges can have varying preferences, generally, the most important factor for most colleges is a student's academic record. This includes your GPA, the rigor of your coursework (how advanced your classes are), your class rank, and your standardized test scores if required by the institution. The importance of these factors can vary: some schools might put a heavy weight on GPA, while others may place more importance on your completion of challenging coursework, like AP or IB classes.

Beyond academics, colleges are also interested in your participation in extracurricular activities, especially those that demonstrate consistent involvement, dedication, and leadership. A college is interested in a student who can bring something unique to their campus community. If you're accomplished in a certain area and have shown a deep commitment to it, it will no doubt enhance your application. The 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars is a useful way to identify the value of each extracurricular activity: colleges tend to give more weight to activities that are rare and show national achievement or leadership (Tier 1 and 2), but involvement and leadership in school or community activities (Tier 3) can also be valuable.

Also, keep in mind that colleges are increasingly looking for students with a "spike" - an area in which the student has a deep passion and has achieved significant success, rather than a well-rounded student who is somewhat good at many things but doesn't stand out in any.

Lastly, colleges evaluate your application essays and letters of recommendation. They look for a well-crafted and compelling essay that gives them insight into who you are as a person beyond your grades and scores. Letters of recommendation from your teachers or counselors that speak to your character, work ethic, and potential can also be very influential.

In sum, while academics are often the most important component, colleges take into account many other factors too. Additionally, remember that colleges review applications holistically, meaning that they consider all these factors in relation to one another to get a full picture of who you are as a student and an individual.