3 Things Admissions Officers Look for in Applicants

Recently, we've had our Early Decision results, and many students who applied early have been accepted. It's been a joyful end of the year for these students and their families. However, even if you didn’t get into your dream school via Early Decision, remember that there are still plenty of opportunities. Stay calm and keep putting in your best effort—you will surely see great results!

That being said, many of you may still wonder: "How do admissions officers actually choose applicants?" It's frustrating when students with lower grades get in while your child, with a higher GPA, doesn’t. So today, I want to talk about the three main factors that college admissions officers look for when reviewing applications.

1. A Clear Focus and Passion

It’s a common belief among parents that only well-rounded students can get into top colleges. However, that’s not the whole picture. Colleges are looking to fill their student bodies with strong candidates in a variety of areas.

So, showing a clear focus on what you’re passionate about is essential. For instance, if you’re interested in engineering, you should take advanced math and science courses (like AP), and participate in science competitions. Randomly trying many activities just for the sake of diversity will not impress admissions officers.

2. Academic Performance (GPA and Course Rigor)

When it comes to college admissions, grades are still the most important factor. But it’s not just about GPA and test scores. Admissions officers want to see how well you’ve done in challenging courses. Taking difficult courses and excelling in them shows that you can handle the rigor of college-level work.

So, it’s vital to take AP, IB classes and show a progression of more challenging courses throughout high school.

3. Personal Qualities and Motivation

Colleges want to know who you are beyond the classroom. They care about your goals, what drives you, and how you approach challenges. This is where your Personal Statement or Supplemental Essays come in. They provide an opportunity to tell your story and show your character.

For example, if you’ve faced difficult challenges or undertaken an adventurous project, sharing this experience and explaining your motivation behind it can give admissions officers a much deeper understanding of you.