Factors in College Admissions
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It helps to know what colleges really care about when looking at applications, but that varies by institution. Below you will see some of the main areas colleges look at, but this may look different, depending on your circumstance. For example, SAT scores are of higher value when considering a homeschooled student. Review the table and find additional factors here.
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Importance of Various Factors in the Admission Decision: First-Time Freshmen
Source: NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2018-19
Tips for Applying to College
Completing college applications can take a lot of time; you want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Know the Guidelines
Before you start applying to schools, find out the application deadline and fees for each school you are considering. Read the information carefully to see if you are eligible for early admission decisions.
Plan Ahead
It takes time to get standardized test scores tabulated and mailed, and it takes time for school counselors and others providing references to gather information. Give school officials plenty of notice.
Follow the Instructions and Proofread
The application is often a college admission committee's first contact with you. Make a good impression with a neat application free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Work with Your High School
Go to your school counselor for help in getting all necessary transcripts (grade history), test scores and applications sent to prospective schools. If you decide to apply to schools that have not already received your test scores, you can ask the counselor to send your scores to that college.
Make the Most of Personal References
Ask people who know you well, and who will give the best impression of you to your prospective school. Prepare a neat and legible reference form and give your references plenty of time to respond.
Write an Outstanding Essay
Most college applications require an essay, so spend time developing a good one. While a great essay probably won't get you into college if you don't meet the other academic requirements, it could move you from a “maybe” to a "yes" or provide you scholarships.
Be Ready to Interview, Audition or Submit a Portfolio
Some colleges also require a personal interview or examples of work in special areas such as art or music.
Copy All Application Materials
Save a copy of everything you submit. You never know when you might need them again.
Meet Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made as applications are received. Make sure you meet all deadlines.
Proofread Everything
Have many sets of eyes proof all application materials before you submit them. Completing college applications can take a lot of time; you want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Know the Guidelines
Before you start applying to schools, find out the application deadline and fees for each school you are considering. Read the information carefully to see if you are eligible for early admission decisions.
Plan Ahead
It takes time to get standardized test scores tabulated and mailed, and it takes time for school counselors and others providing references to gather information. Give school officials plenty of notice.
Follow the Instructions and Proofread
The application is often a college admission committee's first contact with you. Make a good impression with a neat application free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Work with Your High School
Go to your school counselor for help in getting all necessary transcripts (grade history), test scores and applications sent to prospective schools. If you decide to apply to schools that have not already received your test scores, you can ask the counselor to send your scores to that college.
Make the Most of Personal References
Ask people who know you well, and who will give the best impression of you to your prospective school. Prepare a neat and legible reference form and give your references plenty of time to respond.
Write an Outstanding Essay
Most college applications require an essay, so spend time developing a good one. While a great essay probably won't get you into college if you don't meet the other academic requirements, it could move you from a “maybe” to a "yes" or provide you scholarships.
Be Ready to Interview, Audition or Submit a Portfolio
Some colleges also require a personal interview or examples of work in special areas such as art or music.
Copy All Application Materials
Save a copy of everything you submit. You never know when you might need them again.
Meet Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made as applications are received. Make sure you meet all deadlines.
Proofread Everything
Have many sets of eyes proof all application materials before you submit them. Completing college applications can take a lot of time; you want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Know the Guidelines
Before you start applying to schools, find out the application deadline and fees for each school you are considering. Read the information carefully to see if you are eligible for early admission decisions.
Plan Ahead
It takes time to get standardized test scores tabulated and mailed, and it takes time for school counselors and others providing references to gather information. Give school officials plenty of notice.
Follow the Instructions and Proofread
The application is often a college admission committee's first contact with you. Make a good impression with a neat application free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Work with Your High School
Go to your school counselor for help in getting all necessary transcripts (grade history), test scores and applications sent to prospective schools. If you decide to apply to schools that have not already received your test scores, you can ask the counselor to send your scores to that college.
Make the Most of Personal References
Ask people who know you well, and who will give the best impression of you to your prospective school. Prepare a neat and legible reference form and give your references plenty of time to respond.
Write an Outstanding Essay
Most college applications require an essay, so spend time developing a good one. While a great essay probably won't get you into college if you don't meet the other academic requirements, it could move you from a “maybe” to a "yes" or provide you scholarships.
Be Ready to Interview, Audition or Submit a Portfolio
Some colleges also require a personal interview or examples of work in special areas such as art or music.
Copy All Application Materials
Save a copy of everything you submit. You never know when you might need them again.
Meet Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made as applications are received. Make sure you meet all deadlines.
Proofread Everything
Have many sets of eyes proof all application materials before you submit them. Completing college applications can take a lot of time; you want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Know the Guidelines
Before you start applying to schools, find out the application deadline and fees for each school you are considering. Read the information carefully to see if you are eligible for early admission decisions.
Plan Ahead
It takes time to get standardized test scores tabulated and mailed, and it takes time for school counselors and others providing references to gather information. Give school officials plenty of notice.
Follow the Instructions and Proofread
The application is often a college admission committee's first contact with you. Make a good impression with a neat application free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Work with Your High School
Go to your school counselor for help in getting all necessary transcripts (grade history), test scores and applications sent to prospective schools. If you decide to apply to schools that have not already received your test scores, you can ask the counselor to send your scores to that college.
Make the Most of Personal References
Ask people who know you well, and who will give the best impression of you to your prospective school. Prepare a neat and legible reference form and give your references plenty of time to respond.
Write an Outstanding Essay
Most college applications require an essay, so spend time developing a good one. While a great essay probably won't get you into college if you don't meet the other academic requirements, it could move you from a “maybe” to a "yes" or provide you scholarships.
Be Ready to Interview, Audition or Submit a Portfolio
Some colleges also require a personal interview or examples of work in special areas such as art or music.
Copy All Application Materials
Save a copy of everything you submit. You never know when you might need them again.
Meet Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made as applications are received. Make sure you meet all deadlines.
Proofread Everything
Have many sets of eyes proof all application materials before you submit them. Completing college applications can take a lot of time; you want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Gather Your Credentials
Credentials are an important part of the college selection process. You’ll find yourself attaching the same information to every application, so keeping multiple copies of the following items will save time in the long run.
High School Transcripts
Across the board, college applications require a copy of high school transcripts. Most colleges require official copies that must come from the high school itself. Look for guidelines on how to proceed for each application. See if your high school uses Naviance or Parchment to send transcripts electronically.
Test Scores
Most colleges will want to see your ACT or SAT test scores. These can be sent by indicating the college when you take the exam, or you can have it sent afterward for a small fee. Your high school should have a copy on file, too. Test scores may even show up on your transcript.
Essay
A solid essay is a key component for the application process. While the essays may be tailored for each individual school to which you are applying, it is best to have one or two well written essays to be used as a foundation. Good essays are also necessary when applying for scholarships.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are sometimes required in the application process. Not every school will ask for one. Some schools will ask for multiple letters. It is best to get recommendations from people who will be willing and able to write a great reference, and who are familiar with you and your potential.
Resume
Some college applications require students to cite work or volunteer experience. Even if the student has limited work experience, a simple resume can be a time saving tool. Consider an addendum for your resume such as unique experiences related to major, i.e. musical groups, traveling teams, debate events. Use Career Cruising to easily create a resume using the information already entered.
Portfolio
A portfolio can be beneficial for the college application process, especially if you are considering a school or major within the visual or performing arts. Some programs require applicants to submit copies of their work, or to prepare an audition in music, theater or dance.
School Profile
Some high schools have prepared a school profile which contains information such as course offered/curriculum, average test scores and GPAs, class size, activities, etc. Admissions offices find this information helpful in evaluating the student’s application.
College Transcripts
If a student has college credit through dual enrollment, it is important those credits are listed in the application. Much like the case with high school transcripts, an official transcript sent from the college or university is required.
High School Transcripts
Across the board, college applications require a copy of high school transcripts. Most colleges require official copies that must come from the high school itself. Look for guidelines on how to proceed for each application. See if your high school uses Naviance or Parchment to send transcripts electronically.
Test Scores
Most colleges will want to see your ACT or SAT test scores. These can be sent by indicating the college when you take the exam, or you can have it sent afterward for a small fee. Your high school should have a copy on file, too. Test scores may even show up on your transcript.
Essay
A solid essay is a key component for the application process. While the essays may be tailored for each individual school to which you are applying, it is best to have one or two well written essays to be used as a foundation. Good essays are also necessary when applying for scholarships.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are sometimes required in the application process. Not every school will ask for one. Some schools will ask for multiple letters. It is best to get recommendations from people who will be willing and able to write a great reference, and who are familiar with you and your potential.
Resume
Some college applications require students to cite work or volunteer experience. Even if the student has limited work experience, a simple resume can be a time saving tool. Consider an addendum for your resume such as unique experiences related to major, i.e. musical groups, traveling teams, debate events. Use Career Cruising to easily create a resume using the information already entered.
Portfolio
A portfolio can be beneficial for the college application process, especially if you are considering a school or major within the visual or performing arts. Some programs require applicants to submit copies of their work, or to prepare an audition in music, theater or dance.
School Profile
Some high schools have prepared a school profile which contains information such as course offered/curriculum, average test scores and GPAs, class size, activities, etc. Admissions offices find this information helpful in evaluating the student’s application.
College Transcripts
If a student has college credit through dual enrollment, it is important those credits are listed in the application. Much like the case with high school transcripts, an official transcript sent from the college or university is required.
Common Application
Nearly 900 colleges use the Common Application to streamline the college application process, which means the process may also be streamlined for you. By applying through Common App, you can apply to several colleges at one time. Along with other college advice, Khan Academy has a walkthrough to help you through the process. There are several resources online that will specifically provide advice for writing your essay.
Essay Prompts for 2022-23
Essay Samples
In-depth essay tips
Essay Prompts for 2022-23
Essay Samples
In-depth essay tips
Essay Coaching
Speaking of essay writing, the Blue Water College Access Network offers essay coaching each summer, with special guests to customize information feedback for your needs. Watch the calendar for upcoming events.
Tips and Resources for Parents:
Support Your Child's Application Process
- Help your child with the college application process, from organization to developing strong essays.
- Understand the college application process, required documents, and dates for each.
- Help with essays and resumes.
- Learn about the different types of admissions such as early action, early decision, etc., and which ones work best for your child.
- Make sure high school transcripts are sent to the college.
- Make sure your child meets application deadlines.
- Help your child shop for necessary items to take to college.
- Continue supporting your child throughout their college experience. Visit the school website regularly to view upcoming events and the parent news.
- Encourage your child to get the free tutoring help colleges offer if they are struggling in any of their classes.
- Ten Ways for Parents to Get on Top of the College Admission Process
