ACADEMIC FACTORS:

• Grade point average.


• Difficulty of classes-are you challenging yourself?


• Standardized tests (SAT, ACT, SAT II, AP).


• Letters of recommendation from counselor, teachers, administrators or others.


• Marked improvement in scholastic achievement from year to year.

• Indication of a special ability: art, music, athletics, and leadership.


• The college essay.


• Depth of Commitment to Extra-Curricular Activities. Greater involvement and achievement in a few significant activities are more impressive than superficial involvement in many.


• Service to the school and community.


• Neatness and accuracy of the application.


• The personal interview (if required)


• Student employment.


• Showing a strong desire to attend particular school (visiting, speaking to college reps, e-mails, open house, etc..)

• Following the lead of your friends.


• Taking any suggestion that comes to you without studying it.


• Letting someone else decide for you.


• Waiting to the last minute and missing deadlines.

• Applying to colleges you are not interested in just to please someone else or impress them with where you were accepted.