What Colleges Look for in Applicants— Student Guide (2025)

With college admissions becoming more competitive every year, it’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. Whether you’re a senior gearing up to apply or a junior starting to think ahead, knowing what colleges are looking for can help you navigate this process with confidence. Let’s break it down.

Understanding Student Authenticity

First up, let’s talk about authenticity. Colleges want to hear your real voice and your unique story. They have ways to spot generic or AI-generated content, so it’s essential to be genuine in your essays. This is your chance to showcase who you are, what you care about, and how your experiences have shaped you. Don’t shy away from sharing your true self through detailed anecdotes in your essays, letters of recommendation, and additional information — this is what makes your application stand out.

Identity-Focused Prompts

Recent changes in admissions policies have shifted the focus toward identity-based prompts. After the SCOTUS decision to ban affirmative action (aka race-conscious admissions), colleges are eager to understand how your background and experiences influence your perspective, because most of them still want to put together a diverse student community. When answering these prompts, share your unique experiences or background that have shaped who you are and/or what your hopes are for the future.

The Shift Back to Testing

Now, let’s discuss standardized testing. Some colleges are bringing back test requirements, which can feel stressful. If you find yourself in a situation where tests are required, don’t panic. Use this as an opportunity to prepare thoroughly. There will be options for retesting, so focus on doing your best when the time comes.

Academic Performance Matters

When it comes to academics, grades are still extremely important. Colleges want students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework. Make sure you’re taking the hardest classes available and doing the best you can in them. Getting straight A's in regular classes is great for less competitive public schools, but more competitive schools are still looking for students who challenge themselves. This shows that you’re ready for the demands of college-level work.

Quality Over Quantity in Extracurricular Activities

Good news for the students that are trying to juggle everything — colleges want you to focus on a couple extracurriculars instead of spreading yourself too thin. Colleges are looking for meaningful involvement rather than a long list of clubs and activities. Focus on a few key areas where you’ve made a real impact. Show leadership, take initiative, and demonstrate how you’ve contributed to your community or your interests.

Students volunteering for cleanup

Character Qualities That Count

Colleges value character traits like curiosity, initiative, self-advocacy, and collaboration because these qualities reflect a student’s potential for success in both academic and social environments. Admissions officers look for students who will contribute to a vibrant campus culture, engage deeply with their studies, and work well with others.

Curiosity indicates a love for learning and a willingness to explore new ideas, which can lead to innovative contributions in the classroom. Initiative shows that a student is proactive and driven, qualities that are essential for taking advantage of opportunities and overcoming challenges. Self-advocacy demonstrates a student’s ability to communicate their needs and seek help when necessary, which is crucial for navigating college life. Collaboration highlights a student’s ability to work effectively with diverse groups, fostering teamwork and community.

Aligning with University Values

Finally, it’s essential to understand what each university values. Take some time to research their mission and key priorities through their website and news articles. When you write your essays or prepare for interviews, highlight how your goals align with what the university stands for. This connection can help strengthen your application.

Wrapping Up

Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging, but understanding what colleges look for can ease some of that stress. By focusing on authenticity, academic rigor, meaningful extracurriculars, character traits, and alignment with university values, you’ll be well-equipped to create a compelling application.

What are your thoughts on this? I hope this helps you feel more prepared as you move forward!

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