The college admissions process can be overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, high school seniors often wonder: what exactly are colleges looking for in applicants? From academic excellence to personal character, the admissions process evaluates far more than just your grades and GPA. 

First and foremost, colleges are looking for students who demonstrate strong academic performance. A solid academic record is the foundation of any competitive application. However, even if you get one B+ or C in one semester, it’s not the end of the world. Colleges won’t care if there is a little slip in the grades because as long as you’re keeping those grades up, you are showing that you can keep your scores up consistently and aren’t just letting them drop with no effort put in. In addition to this, it’s also about the level of coursework you challenge yourself with. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken the opportunity to enroll in advanced classes like AP, IB, or honors courses. These classes not only reflect your academic ability but also your willingness to push beyond your comfort zone. Now, while taking honors and AP courses is great, pursuing classes that align with your career goals is best. By showing an interest in courses that align with your future career, colleges know that you are focused and persevering in pursuing your career. 

In addition to grades, though many schools allow these tests to be optional to students, standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, can still play a role in the admissions process. Colleges are actually recommending that students take it as it could be a strong enhancer to your application. However, if you do get a bad test score from these tests, they are not the make-or-break factor like they once were. 

Colleges want to admit well-rounded students, and extracurricular activities are one of the best ways to showcase your interests, talents, and character. Admissions officers look for students who engage meaningfully with their communities and demonstrate leadership potential. Whether through sports, music, clubs, or volunteer work, extracurriculars are an opportunity to show that you are not just a student in the classroom but an active participant in the world around you.

In today’s competitive admissions landscape, many colleges place a higher regard for an  “demonstrated interest.” A “demonstrated interest” is colleges saying that they want to admit students who are genuinely interested in their school. Admissions teams are often able to track how much interaction a student has had with the institution, whether through campus visits, attending information sessions, or even engaging with the college on social media.

Demonstrating interest shows that you are thoughtful about your college choices and have done your research. A personalized application, one that reflects why a specific college is the right fit for you, can go a long way. Similarly, attending a college fair or visiting the campus (whether virtually or in person) helps you stand out as a committed and serious applicant.

Not only are colleges interested in your “demonstrated interest,” but they also care about the depth of your involvement. Holding a leadership position, such as team captain, club president, or volunteer coordinator, demonstrates initiative and responsibility. Sustained involvement in a few activities is more impressive than a long list of short-term commitments. An example of this is Morgan Spillane (10); she said, “I have been in Girl Scouts ever since I was a little girl. I loved it as a kid and it honestly has led me to grow as a person and will help greatly in my college applications.” From a college’s point of view, Morgan’s long dedication to Girl Scouts would come off as impressive and would show serious dedication which could get her considered more than the others who didn’t have that much commitment showing on their applications.

  Additionally, if you have unique talents or passions, such as playing an instrument, excelling in athletics, or creating community-based projects, these can set you apart from other applicants. Colleges have to review thousands of applications from students who have the same leadership positions and GPAs. By having students who bring diverse perspectives and skills, these activities will reflect a well-rounded individual who is ready to contribute to campus life in meaningful ways and will most likely get you into that college. 

The college admissions process is about much more than grades and test scores. Colleges are looking for well-rounded, motivated, and engaged students who will thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through academic performance, extracurricular involvement, each component of your application helps paint a picture of who you are and what you can bring to campus life. By being authentic, engaged, and thoughtful in your application, you can give yourself the best chance to stand out in a competitive field.

Above all, college admissions isn’t just about getting in—it’s about finding the right fit for both you and the institution. The process may be competitive, but it’s ultimately about finding students who will contribute to and benefit from the academic and social environment that colleges work hard to cultivate.