Why Colleges Don't Seem to Care

So I've been hearing a lot of people say that 'colleges don't care' and I'm sort of confused by that. What does that phrase mean? What don't they care about, exactly?

In the context of college applications, when you hear "colleges don't care," it usually refers to the fact that admissions officers at colleges have less weight on certain aspects of an applicant's profile than students might expect. The primary focus for colleges is to admitting students who will be a great fit for their academic and community environment, the best contributors to their campus, and who will likely thrive and succeed there.

Often, this phrase is used in regard to aspects like standardized test scores or advanced classes. For example, simply having high scores or numerous AP classes without strong grades to match, or a lack of involvement in extracurricular activities, may not boost your profile as much as you might think. Colleges are interested in your holistic profile - your grades, activities, essays, and recommendations - far more than just one or two elements.

It's also used in regard to certain extracurricular activities like being a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) or attending a non-selective, expensive summer program. While they can be beneficial for personal growth or exploring your interests, they do not significantly enhance your college application, because they do not show selectivity or outstanding personal achievement.

This phrase could also refer to some aspects outside your control like whether you had the chance to visit the campus before applying (known as demonstrated interest). Many highly selective colleges do not factor demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions.

In essence, when people say "colleges don't care," they are usually emphasizing that colleges are more inclined to look for depth and commitment rather than superficial accomplishments.