They consider all of the following:
1. Grades and standing in class. They need to be high
2. The quality of your school. It is better if it is high
3. Your SAT scores. They need to be high
4. Recommendations -- they need to be positive. It is best if they are from someone who knows you well. A congressman who hardly knows you isn't as good as a teacher who does.
5. Extracurricular activities -- they want to see depth.
6. Your essay -- you need to make yourself stand out, but don't resort to cute tricks (they backfire).
Thre are other factors -- but you may not be able to control for them. Good schools want a diverse student population. If you are black or Latino that may increase your chances. If you are East Asian it might work the other way. But diversity isn't just about race -- a place like Harvard is more likely to accept someone from the middle of wyoming who has the same qualifications as someone from Westchester County, NY. Why? Because lots of qualified candidates apply from Westchester, and there are probably two qualified students in the whole state of Wyoming.
Good luck.
2006-07-28 05:56:13
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answer #1
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answered by Ranto 7
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Hmm..good question and after serving on a college scholarship and application committee -- i realized that basically it all comes down to expressing yourself.
They consider your GPA, academic and extracurricular involvement, and of course your classes and SAT/ACT scores.
However, since most students at top colleges have stellar grades and impressive resumes, they usually base their decisions on your ESSAY!! This is the part where they are basically asking you to prove to the university why they want you - and how your acceptance will benefit the university - they want to see a unique person who will bring something new, something creative to the university.....
Soo.....you might be ranked first in your class, be involved in over 25 clubs/programs, get a 1600 on your SAT and still not get accepted because your ESSAY didn't reflect who you are.
TRUST ME!! i've seen it happen and it's sad to think that people write what university wants to hear.
GOOD LUCK! hope this helps.
2006-07-28 13:57:59
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answer #2
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answered by Smiley 1
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How well-rounded are you? Do you have initiative, drive, purpose, or other leadership qualities?
Yes,academics (SAT/ACT scores, grades, grades point averages) are important but what specific classes did you take to receive this well of knowledge--accelerated courses or regular? What about sports or extra-curricular activities including community service/volunteer work. Special projects initiated or participated in? They want a "picture" of you.
2006-07-28 12:45:50
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answer #3
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answered by AILENE 4
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A high GPA, involvement in lots of school and extracurricular activities, a well-thought-out personal statement, and make sure the whole thing is filled out correctly! Good luck.
2006-07-28 12:40:13
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Like everyone else on here said. Highest GPA you can muster, School activities, clubs, social work around town always looks good, obviously some way to fully fund your education, honors classes and honors clubs, and awards you have or getting, scholarships, and anything else relevant. Well good luck and I hope you get it.
2006-07-28 12:43:56
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answer #5
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answered by texanmedic 2
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Answer every question truthfully
They want to see your transcripts
they also want to see all the activities you were involved with - like sports, community service, club activities and hobbies., They want to see you have something to offer them and the community, aside from paying tuition. They want to see that you are well rounded, mature and goal oriented.
2006-07-28 12:40:07
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answer #6
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answered by KB 6
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They want the truth. If you got B's in a subject, don't say you got A's. Just fill them out as honestly as you can and there won't be any problems unless your acedemic grades aren't what that individual school requires.
2006-07-28 12:41:45
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answer #7
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answered by wizardslizards 4
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They want you to want them more than any other school, for you to do anything and everything in your power to get in, be persistant and strong, and never give up. This is something you really want, go for it!
2006-07-28 15:32:40
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Your community service acts and rewards/accomplishments.
2006-07-28 15:43:43
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answer #9
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answered by ♥Sapphira♥ 3
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background and social standing, good GPA,
social activities (volunteering), clean record.
2006-07-28 17:18:42
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answer #10
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answered by helixburger 6
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