The college admission process is not set in stone. Each college has certain academic benchmarks that students have to meet on a basic level, but they also have institutional goals that go beyond test scores and grade point averages. You need to put together a college application file that shows off your smarts but also demonstrates that you are well-rounded and a good match for that particular institution.
What Colleges Want
The colleges and universities you are applying to want student applicants who are driven to graduate successfully and who will go on to become proud alumni of the institution. In order to accomplish this mission, a lot of work goes into preparing for and enrolling a class of new students who will benefit as members of the college community and contribute positively to campus life— both in and out of the classroom.
Putting together your college application file is a lot like baking a cake: You need the right ingredients (grades, courses, test scores, recommendations), you have to pay attention to time (deadlines), and your goal is to pass the “taste test” (decision to admit or deny).
Here are the common application file ingredients:
• Academic record (grades, course selection, test scores, awards)
• Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Essay(s)
• Recommendations
• Subjective factors (special categories, demonstrated interest)
• College-specific application requirements