Different colleges look for different qualities in potential students. But there are some characteristics that are appealing no matter where you apply, from Pace to Purdue, Harvard to Hofstra, Marist to Molloy, Vassar to…OK, you get the idea.
1. Students who raise their hands in class.
We really can’t emphasize enough how much of an advantage you will have if you just participate in class (at least, we can’t emphasize it enough without using all capital letters and bolder print). The teacher will appreciate that you are engaged. And you’ll be much more likely to get a positive letter of recommendation from that teacher when you apply to college. Colleges are looking for students who’ve shown they are ready and willing to take responsibility for their education.
2. Students who really love what they do outside of class.
Kids who have passion love what they do; they aren’t just going through the motions to please colleges. You can hear it in the poet’s voice when she talks about how writing makes her feel, you can sense it from the student who volunteers at the vet because she loves animals, or from the artist who loves to paint on the weekends.
3. Students who work regular part-time jobs.
There’s just something likeable about a kid who flips burgers or finds outfits for screaming children at Baby Gap. These—not a fancy sounding job at your dad's Manhattan law firm—are regular jobs. We’re not suggesting that you should drop your current activities and run out to get a job.. We’re mentioning it because too many students think you need to spend summers shearing sheep in
4. Students who do thoughtful college searches.
Colleges want to admit students who have really thought about what they want their college experience to be like. That’s why the most successful college applicants do a lot of college soul searching about what they hope and expect their college experiences will be like. So start asking yourself what part of college academics you are most excited about. In what kind of college environment do you think you would flourish socially and academically? What are you hoping to gain from your college experience (in addition to a degree)?
5. Students who are comfortable just being themselves.
Individuality is something every college wants to see from an applicant. They want students with different strengths, interests, beliefs, and backgrounds. So don’t try to be something you’re not just to impress colleges. If you’re terrible at sports but love math, don’t be ashamed of it—embrace it. Take additional math classes outside of school. Join the math club and become its fearless leader. Openly admit that you have a relationship with math that borders on romantic.
Croton-on-Hudson resident Alex Weiner has taught, written for and counseled students on college admission & test preparation both domestically & internationally. He owns and runs Collegewise, and had been interviewed to discuss the college admissions process and standardized test preparation by The New York Times. While other kids spend their middle and high school years playing basketball or practicing the clarinet, Alex sat in his room memorizing the World Book Encyclopedia and the Oxford American Dictionary. In spite of this he got into college. You can contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (914) 285-8495.
