Making High School Count.
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Top Ten Things Colleges Look for in a High School Student

1. A high school curriculum that challenges the student.  Academically successful students should include several Honors and Advanced Placement classes.
 
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.  Grades should show an upward trend over the years.  However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework.
 
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
 
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
 
5. Community service showing evidence of being a
"contributor." Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.
 
6. Work or out-of-school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
A job or other meaningful use of free time can demonstrate maturity.
 
7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student's unique personality, values, and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
 
8. Letters of recommendation (if required) from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and positive character traits. Students should request recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline.
 
9. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they're well known, are rarely given much weight.
 
10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants! Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique.  Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active contributing members of the student body.​

Extracurricular Activities -
Life Outside the Classroom

Sure, life in school is pretty interesting. You've got algebraic equations, Bunsen burners, verb conjugations... but chances are, you've got commitments outside of school, too.  Maybe you have a part time job, play in a band, are on a sports team, or do volunteer work.
 
Colleges Care
The good news is that colleges pay attention to your life both inside and outside the classroom. Yes, your academics probably come first, but your activities reveal a great deal about you, such as:
  • How you've made a meaningful contribution to    something
  • What your non-academic interests are
  • Whether you can maintain a long-term commitment
  • Whether you can manage your time and priorities
  • What diversity you'd bring to the student body

Maintaining a Balance

  • Keep in mind, colleges are not interested in seeing you “do it all.”
  • “We're looking for a commitment to and a passion for an activity outside of the academic setting—we're looking for depth rather than breadth,” explains Nanci Tessier, a college admissions director.
  • Colleges don't have a checklist of requirements when it comes to extracurricular—they want to see your individuality - and your consistent commitment.

Ask

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Teachers are there to help you.
  • If you don’t ask questions, they don’t know you need the help.