From the desk of Brian Nelson, Dean of Academics:

Recently a colleague forwarded me an article about the top ten things that colleges are looking for in applicants. As I read it, it reminded me about the disconnect between what culture reinforces and what colleges want in a high school student. With College Emphasis Week, I feel that it is an appropriate time to highlight the things that colleges look for in a competitive applicant. In many ways, colleges use high school as an audition for entrance into higher education.  What students do during high school is important. But, what exactly do colleges want to see? To help answer this question, I have summarized and elaborated on the article below.

Top 10 Things Colleges Look for in Applicants:

1. A challenging high school curriculum. Colleges want to see that you have engaged in the academic community of your school.  You should take courses above the minimum to prove you have a desire to learn at the next level.
2. Grades that accurately reflect ability, effort, and growth.  Your transcript is an important chapter of your high school story.  Colleges do not expect perfection; however, they do expect to see evidence that you have stretched yourself, worked incredibly hard, and grown as an individual.
3. Test scores consistent with your school performance. While you should strive to earn the highest test scores you can, colleges will also look for consistency between your performances at school and on test day.  Use your scores as data to support your curriculum choices and grades earned.
4. Depth of involvement, not breadth.  There is a myth out there that colleges want a “well-rounded” student.  While this was true at one time, our culture has redefined this term to be synonymous with perfection.  In order to achieve perfection, students do everything, join everything, and run for every leadership position.  The result: they do not do anything well.  The scope of their involvement weakens their impact on the community.  Instead, you should discover the few things that you are passionate about and invest in these focused areas.  Initiate, lead, and make a difference.
5. Intentional use of free time.  Why do colleges care about what you do on the weekends and during school breaks?  It’s simple.  How you choose to spend your “unscripted” time is a window into you as a person.  Please do not misunderstand; you do not need to join more clubs.  However, you should use this time to do things that fulfill you or that grow you.  Explore a hobby or secure a part-time job.
6. Showcase your talents.  Colleges are looking for students to compliment the various programs on their campus.  If you are an accomplished cellist, let it be known.  If you are an exceptional softball player, tell your colleges.  Use your gifts to create opportunities.
7. Tell your story.  The essay is the one aspect of the process that you have complete control over.  It can be the spark that lands your application in the correct stack, so use it wisely.  Craft a thoughtful, well-written essay that captures who you are.
8. Submit strong recommendation letters.  Colleges want to know what your teachers and counselor think of you as a person and student.  Obviously, you do not have control over what is written about you, but there are ways to improve the strength of your letters.  Make an intentional effort to foster strong relationships with your teachers and administrators.  Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide anecdotal evidence to back up what they are saying about you.
9. Let the college know you love them.  Colleges rely on “demonstrated interest” to gauge whether you will enroll and attend if offered admission.  If you see the college as a potential fit, show your interest.  Visit the campus.  Meet with the admissions representative when he or she visits Brook Hill.  Stop by the college’s table at the college fair.  Engage the college along the way.
10. Show an interest in learning and growing.  You need to remember that above all colleges are learning institutions.  They are looking for students.  If you have great potential but show no interest in the pursuit of knowledge and skills, you will not be an attractive candidate to a college.  Make sure that you highlight your intellectual curiosity in your application.

Work hard during high school, discover your gifts and passions, take care of your health, and pray for God to reveal the path He has for you after Brook Hill.

The original article can be found at http://www.collegexpress.com/counselors-and-parents/college-counselors/articles/articles-college-counselors/10-most-important-factors-college-admissions/.