I think we would all agree that the college admissions process is a series of evaluations to assemble a "best odds" enrolled student body. Certain measurements, such as GPA and test scores, are hard facts. Let's say that you have made your own predictive mental checklist:

• Grade point average
• Test scores
• AP courses
• Extracurricular activities

What is missing from the list above? Perhaps, one of the most winning elements: character. Remember, college admissions officers know that you are going to contribute to campus life in either a positive or negative way for the next four years. How are you going to stand out after the hard facts are considered?

You want to be the applicant who shows integrity and has a demonstrated track record of making things better for those around them. How do you show your character? It can be demonstrated through your actions:

• Why you do things
• How you choose to do things
• Who you do things with (Are you more of a "go-it-alone" or "everybody-join-in type"?)

Also, remember: Don't be a showoff that obviously spent a day at the soup kitchen for the purpose of their college application. Do things you're actually interested in or your enthusiasm won't come through when you write your essays. The more passionate you are about an activity, the easier it will be to communicate this on paper or in person (if you get interviewed).

Joyce Slayton Mitchell provides a helpful set of questions in her book, Winning the Heart of the College Admissions Dean, to help you explore your character:

• What adjectives do I use to describe myself?
• How would my best friend describe me?
• Which relationships are most important to me? Why?
• How free do I feel to make my own decisions?
• How free do I feel to stand alone from my friends with a decision and point of view different than theirs?
• How do I feel about going to a college where other students are quite different from me?
  
• How do I feel about going to a college very different from my high school?

My advice: Use these character questions above to color your essays and ask those teachers and/or counselors providing recommendations to comment on these areas.