Purpose of this guide
This guide helps students (ages 14–18) understand what colleges usually care about in applications and — more importantly — how to find out exactly what each college values. You’ll get a clear, practical roadmap with examples, step-by-step actions, and a year-by-year plan so you can prepare confidently and stand out for the right reasons.
Quick answer
Colleges most often look for: academic preparation and rigor, consistent grades (GPA), meaningful extracurriculars or achievements, strong personal essays, helpful recommendation letters, and evidence that you’ll be a good fit. How those pieces are weighed, and any extra factors (like test scores, demonstrated interest, or portfolios), varies by school. The rest of this guide shows how to research each college, strengthen every part of your application, and present yourself clearly.
What colleges usually value — explained simply and with examples
Below are the core pieces you’ll see on most admissions checklists. For each piece I explain why it matters and what you can do.
Grades + Rigor (GPA + course choices)
Why: Grades show your ability to learn and perform over time. Rigor (honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment) shows you challenged yourself.
Do this: Keep consistent study habits. If possible, increase the difficulty of courses slowly (don’t overload freshman year). Show upward trends if earlier grades were weak.
Course pattern that fits your goals
Why: Colleges look to see you took math, science, English, and other core classes needed for your intended major.
Do this: If you want engineering, take stronger math and science classes. If you love art, keep a strong art course sequence.
Essays / Personal Statements
Why: Essays show your voice, experiences, values, and thinking. They reveal things grades can’t.
Do this: Tell a specific story that shows growth, curiosity, or resilience. Use concrete details. Show who you are and why you’d fit the school.
Extracurriculars (depth > breadth)
Why: Colleges prefer sustained commitment and impact (captain of team, long-term volunteer leader) to one-off activities.
Do this: Try different things early (9th–10th), then focus deeply on what you enjoy. Track leadership, awards, and measurable impact.
Recommendations
Why: Teachers and counselors confirm your character and academic promise.
Do this: Choose recommenders who know you well, give them a “brag sheet,” and ask early (months in advance).
Demonstrated interest & fit
Why: Some colleges track whether you visited, attended info sessions, or emailed admissions; it helps them know you are likely to enroll. Fit means your goals align with the college’s strengths.
Do this: Attend virtual sessions, visit if possible, email thoughtful questions, and explain specific reasons for applying in your essays.
Test scores (SAT/ACT) — school-dependent
Why: Some colleges use scores when available; others are test-optional.
Do this: Check each college’s policy. If your scores are strong and would help your application, submit them. If not, focus on other areas.
Special talents or portfolios (arts, music, research, entrepreneurship)
Why: Portfolios or audition materials prove talent for creative or performance programs. Research projects show academic promise.
Do this: Keep high-quality samples, digital portfolios, or research abstracts ready.
Context & personal background
Why: Colleges review your application inside the context of your school, family situation, and opportunities. An upward grade trend, working a job, or caring for family members can be meaningful.
Do this: Use your essays and counselor letter to explain important context.
How to find out exactly what a particular college values (step-by-step)
Read the admissions page on the college website. Look for sections titled “What we look for,” “First-year applicants,” or “Admission requirements.”
Look for the college’s Class Profile or Common Data (many schools publish admitted-student profiles showing average GPA ranges, test score ranges, and majors). This shows the typical admitted student.
Attend virtual info sessions or open days and ask questions during Q&A. Admissions reps often state priorities there.
Talk to your high school counselor — they often know how a college treats applicants from your school.
Contact admissions with specific questions (short, respectful email). Example: “What would strengthen my application for the engineering program?”
Look at departmental pages (if applying to a major). Departments explain what they value: research, portfolio, coursework.
Search for admitted student blogs and official social media — they often show student backgrounds and activities.
Find the Common App or Coalition application prompts for essay style and what colleges ask you to reflect on.
Check scholarship pages — scholarships sometimes list the traits they prize (leadership, service, merit, need).
Year-by-year roadmap (practical checklist for each grade)
9th Grade — explore & build foundations
Focus on solid study routines; aim for consistent grades.
Try several clubs/activities for 1 semester each if possible.
Start a simple achievement log (awards, clubs, roles, hours volunteered).
Meet teachers and counselors; begin building relationships.
10th Grade — find interests & add responsibility
Continue academics; consider Honors/accelerated courses where you’re ready.
Choose 2–3 activities to pursue more seriously (commitment > casual).
Take the PSAT if available (practice for the future).
Volunteer long-term in one place to show commitment.
Summer before 11th — explore deeper
Do a meaningful project: internship, research, community project, or learning program.
Build summer experiences tied to interests (not just sleepover camp).
Start brainstorming possible college majors/careers.
11th Grade — show depth & prepare applications
Take your most rigorous courses (AP, IB, dual enrollment) you can handle.
Take SAT/ACT practice and decide whether to sit for the real test.
Take leadership roles in activities.
Begin drafting college essays and prepare a resume/activity list.
Visit colleges (virtually or in person) and attend info sessions.
Summer before 12th — finalize materials
Finalize essays and have trusted adults read them.
Request teacher recommendations (provide brag sheet).
Prepare portfolio or audition tapes if needed.
Make a realistic college list (reach, match, safety).
12th Grade — apply & follow up
Submit Early Action/Early Decision or Regular Decision applications.
Double-check transcripts, recommendations, and test submissions.
Apply for financial aid (FAFSA, CSS Profile if needed) and scholarships.
Send updates to colleges if you have major achievements after applying.
How to strengthen each application piece (concrete tips)
GPA & Rigor: Use a weekly study plan, ask teachers for feedback, get tutoring early if you struggle.
Essays: Use the “show, don’t tell” rule. Describe one concrete moment and what you learned. Avoid clichés. Edit for clarity. Get feedback from teachers/counselors but keep your voice.
Activities: Quantify impact (e.g., “Led 12 volunteers; raised $2,000; increased club membership 40%”).
Recs: Give recommenders a one-page summary: your courses with them, projects you did, qualities to highlight, deadlines.
Interviews: Prepare two stories: one about a challenge and one about a proud moment. Practice 3–4 common questions.
Portfolios: Keep a clean, well-labeled online folder (PDF or website). Include descriptions for each item (what you did and why it matters).
Two short email templates (copy + adapt)
1) Asking a teacher for a recommendation
Subject: Recommendation request — [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Teacher],
I hope you are well. I am applying to colleges this fall and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. I enjoyed [class/project you did with them], and I feel you can speak to my [work ethic/creativity/leadership]. I can provide a one-page summary of my activities and a timeline if that helps. The deadline for the letter is [date]. Thank you for considering this.
Sincerely,
[Your name], [grade], [contact info]
2) Asking admissions a short question about fit
Subject: Quick question about [Program or Major] — [Your Name, City]
Hello Admissions Team,
My name is [Your name], and I’m a high school junior interested in the [major/program]. I’d like to know which experiences you find most valuable for applicants to that program (e.g., research, coursework, internships). Thank you for your time — I appreciate any advice.
Best,
[Your name] — [High school] — [City]
Simple checklist to keep in one place
Transcript / grade report snapshots
Activity resume (1 page) + short descriptions for Common App activities box
Teacher recomendation list + contact + relationship notes
Essay drafts + final copies (backup in cloud)
Test scores (if you’ll send them)
Portfolio links / audition files / research summaries
Financial aid checklist (FAFSA, CSS Profile if needed)
List of colleges with notes on what each values
How to present your “fit” in an application
Research specifics: Mention a professor, course, lab, or student club you want to join (don’t be generic).
Connect to your story: Explain how your past experiences make you a good fit (e.g., “After organizing x at my high school, I’m excited to join y at your college because…”).
Show, don’t claim: Don’t say “I’m a leader” — show an example of leadership and the result.
Common mistakes to avoid
Waiting until senior year to start essays or ask for recommendations.
Doing too many activities superficially instead of pursuing a few deeply.
Using vague essay language without concrete examples.
Forgetting to explain context (school profile, family responsibilities) if it affected your record.
What you will learn from this guide
After reading and using the steps in this guide, you will:
Know the main parts colleges evaluate and why they matter.
Be able to research any college to learn what it specifically values.
Have a year-by-year plan with concrete actions to strengthen your application.
Understand how to write stronger essays, get better recommendations, and present meaningful activities.
Have simple email templates and checklists you can use right away.
Want more personalized help? Use our AI Bot
For extra detail, personalized feedback, and templates: open our AI Bot from the home page and ask follow-up questions like:
“What activities match my interests in environmental science?”
“Can you review my essay draft and suggest edits?”
“Help me build a 4-year plan for applying to business programs.”
The AI Bot can give tailored suggestions, help you draft emails and essays, and create a checked checklist for each college you’re applying to.
This guide helps students (ages 14–18) understand what colleges usually care about in applications and — more importantly — how to find out exactly what each college values. You’ll get a clear, practical roadmap with examples, step-by-step actions, and a year-by-year plan so you can prepare confidently and stand out for the right reasons.
Quick answer
Colleges most often look for: academic preparation and rigor, consistent grades (GPA), meaningful extracurriculars or achievements, strong personal essays, helpful recommendation letters, and evidence that you’ll be a good fit. How those pieces are weighed, and any extra factors (like test scores, demonstrated interest, or portfolios), varies by school. The rest of this guide shows how to research each college, strengthen every part of your application, and present yourself clearly.
What colleges usually value — explained simply and with examples
Below are the core pieces you’ll see on most admissions checklists. For each piece I explain why it matters and what you can do.
Grades + Rigor (GPA + course choices)
Why: Grades show your ability to learn and perform over time. Rigor (honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment) shows you challenged yourself.
Do this: Keep consistent study habits. If possible, increase the difficulty of courses slowly (don’t overload freshman year). Show upward trends if earlier grades were weak.
Course pattern that fits your goals
Why: Colleges look to see you took math, science, English, and other core classes needed for your intended major.
Do this: If you want engineering, take stronger math and science classes. If you love art, keep a strong art course sequence.
Essays / Personal Statements
Why: Essays show your voice, experiences, values, and thinking. They reveal things grades can’t.
Do this: Tell a specific story that shows growth, curiosity, or resilience. Use concrete details. Show who you are and why you’d fit the school.
Extracurriculars (depth > breadth)
Why: Colleges prefer sustained commitment and impact (captain of team, long-term volunteer leader) to one-off activities.
Do this: Try different things early (9th–10th), then focus deeply on what you enjoy. Track leadership, awards, and measurable impact.
Recommendations
Why: Teachers and counselors confirm your character and academic promise.
Do this: Choose recommenders who know you well, give them a “brag sheet,” and ask early (months in advance).
Demonstrated interest & fit
Why: Some colleges track whether you visited, attended info sessions, or emailed admissions; it helps them know you are likely to enroll. Fit means your goals align with the college’s strengths.
Do this: Attend virtual sessions, visit if possible, email thoughtful questions, and explain specific reasons for applying in your essays.
Test scores (SAT/ACT) — school-dependent
Why: Some colleges use scores when available; others are test-optional.
Do this: Check each college’s policy. If your scores are strong and would help your application, submit them. If not, focus on other areas.
Special talents or portfolios (arts, music, research, entrepreneurship)
Why: Portfolios or audition materials prove talent for creative or performance programs. Research projects show academic promise.
Do this: Keep high-quality samples, digital portfolios, or research abstracts ready.
Context & personal background
Why: Colleges review your application inside the context of your school, family situation, and opportunities. An upward grade trend, working a job, or caring for family members can be meaningful.
Do this: Use your essays and counselor letter to explain important context.
How to find out exactly what a particular college values (step-by-step)
Read the admissions page on the college website. Look for sections titled “What we look for,” “First-year applicants,” or “Admission requirements.”
Look for the college’s Class Profile or Common Data (many schools publish admitted-student profiles showing average GPA ranges, test score ranges, and majors). This shows the typical admitted student.
Attend virtual info sessions or open days and ask questions during Q&A. Admissions reps often state priorities there.
Talk to your high school counselor — they often know how a college treats applicants from your school.
Contact admissions with specific questions (short, respectful email). Example: “What would strengthen my application for the engineering program?”
Look at departmental pages (if applying to a major). Departments explain what they value: research, portfolio, coursework.
Search for admitted student blogs and official social media — they often show student backgrounds and activities.
Find the Common App or Coalition application prompts for essay style and what colleges ask you to reflect on.
Check scholarship pages — scholarships sometimes list the traits they prize (leadership, service, merit, need).
Year-by-year roadmap (practical checklist for each grade)
9th Grade — explore & build foundations
Focus on solid study routines; aim for consistent grades.
Try several clubs/activities for 1 semester each if possible.
Start a simple achievement log (awards, clubs, roles, hours volunteered).
Meet teachers and counselors; begin building relationships.
10th Grade — find interests & add responsibility
Continue academics; consider Honors/accelerated courses where you’re ready.
Choose 2–3 activities to pursue more seriously (commitment > casual).
Take the PSAT if available (practice for the future).
Volunteer long-term in one place to show commitment.
Summer before 11th — explore deeper
Do a meaningful project: internship, research, community project, or learning program.
Build summer experiences tied to interests (not just sleepover camp).
Start brainstorming possible college majors/careers.
11th Grade — show depth & prepare applications
Take your most rigorous courses (AP, IB, dual enrollment) you can handle.
Take SAT/ACT practice and decide whether to sit for the real test.
Take leadership roles in activities.
Begin drafting college essays and prepare a resume/activity list.
Visit colleges (virtually or in person) and attend info sessions.
Summer before 12th — finalize materials
Finalize essays and have trusted adults read them.
Request teacher recommendations (provide brag sheet).
Prepare portfolio or audition tapes if needed.
Make a realistic college list (reach, match, safety).
12th Grade — apply & follow up
Submit Early Action/Early Decision or Regular Decision applications.
Double-check transcripts, recommendations, and test submissions.
Apply for financial aid (FAFSA, CSS Profile if needed) and scholarships.
Send updates to colleges if you have major achievements after applying.
How to strengthen each application piece (concrete tips)
GPA & Rigor: Use a weekly study plan, ask teachers for feedback, get tutoring early if you struggle.
Essays: Use the “show, don’t tell” rule. Describe one concrete moment and what you learned. Avoid clichés. Edit for clarity. Get feedback from teachers/counselors but keep your voice.
Activities: Quantify impact (e.g., “Led 12 volunteers; raised $2,000; increased club membership 40%”).
Recs: Give recommenders a one-page summary: your courses with them, projects you did, qualities to highlight, deadlines.
Interviews: Prepare two stories: one about a challenge and one about a proud moment. Practice 3–4 common questions.
Portfolios: Keep a clean, well-labeled online folder (PDF or website). Include descriptions for each item (what you did and why it matters).
Two short email templates (copy + adapt)
1) Asking a teacher for a recommendation
Subject: Recommendation request — [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Teacher],
I hope you are well. I am applying to colleges this fall and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. I enjoyed [class/project you did with them], and I feel you can speak to my [work ethic/creativity/leadership]. I can provide a one-page summary of my activities and a timeline if that helps. The deadline for the letter is [date]. Thank you for considering this.
Sincerely,
[Your name], [grade], [contact info]
2) Asking admissions a short question about fit
Subject: Quick question about [Program or Major] — [Your Name, City]
Hello Admissions Team,
My name is [Your name], and I’m a high school junior interested in the [major/program]. I’d like to know which experiences you find most valuable for applicants to that program (e.g., research, coursework, internships). Thank you for your time — I appreciate any advice.
Best,
[Your name] — [High school] — [City]
Simple checklist to keep in one place
Transcript / grade report snapshots
Activity resume (1 page) + short descriptions for Common App activities box
Teacher recomendation list + contact + relationship notes
Essay drafts + final copies (backup in cloud)
Test scores (if you’ll send them)
Portfolio links / audition files / research summaries
Financial aid checklist (FAFSA, CSS Profile if needed)
List of colleges with notes on what each values
How to present your “fit” in an application
Research specifics: Mention a professor, course, lab, or student club you want to join (don’t be generic).
Connect to your story: Explain how your past experiences make you a good fit (e.g., “After organizing x at my high school, I’m excited to join y at your college because…”).
Show, don’t claim: Don’t say “I’m a leader” — show an example of leadership and the result.
Common mistakes to avoid
Waiting until senior year to start essays or ask for recommendations.
Doing too many activities superficially instead of pursuing a few deeply.
Using vague essay language without concrete examples.
Forgetting to explain context (school profile, family responsibilities) if it affected your record.
What you will learn from this guide
After reading and using the steps in this guide, you will:
Know the main parts colleges evaluate and why they matter.
Be able to research any college to learn what it specifically values.
Have a year-by-year plan with concrete actions to strengthen your application.
Understand how to write stronger essays, get better recommendations, and present meaningful activities.
Have simple email templates and checklists you can use right away.
Want more personalized help? Use our AI Bot
For extra detail, personalized feedback, and templates: open our AI Bot from the home page and ask follow-up questions like:
“What activities match my interests in environmental science?”
“Can you review my essay draft and suggest edits?”
“Help me build a 4-year plan for applying to business programs.”
The AI Bot can give tailored suggestions, help you draft emails and essays, and create a checked checklist for each college you’re applying to.