Which high school graduates are most sought after in the United States?

Hello! As a rising senior, this question popped into my mind: What makes a high school graduate particularly desirable or most sought after to colleges, employers, or other programs in the United States? Does it come down to academics, extracurriculars, leadership skills, or something else?

The qualities that make a high school graduate sought after can vary depending on whether it's for college admissions, employment, or other programs.

For colleges, particularly selective ones, they look both at academic prowess and the applicants' individuality and potential for impact. Academically, they want to see a challenging curriculum, high grades, and strong test scores, if the school requires them. Additionally, colleges are interested in a student's 'spike,' or an area in which they have cultivated a particular depth of knowledge or experience. This could be anything from a specific academic area to an extracurricular passion. They prefer students who are leaders or who show significant involvement and genuine passion in a few core extracurriculars, rather than superficial involvement in many. Personal attributes such as resilience, creativity, and initiative are also highly valued.

When it comes to employment, employers often look for practical skills, relevant experience (such as internships or part-time jobs), and a strong work ethic. Relevant course load and technical skills could be beneficial as well. Both hard skills (like proficiency in a particular software or language fluency) and soft skills (like teamwork, problem-solving, or communication skills) are highly valued by employers.

For other programs, it can vary widely. Competitive programs and scholarships often look for candidates with strong leadership capabilities, distinctive experiences or achievements (related to the program's focus), and the potential to make a substantial contribution in the future.

While excelling academically is an important part of this, developing yourself beyond the classroom - by gaining practical skills, pursuing your interests, and showing leadership - can significantly increase your opportunities post-high school.