Lucy C.
Each year tens of thousands of students apply to colleges all across the United States. It is a stressful time as students compete for spots in top universities. Students are all different and have different strengths and weaknesses, and they are being judged many times sight unseen on some numbers and essays...What is it that these universities are looking for in a student?
One of the main thing colleges look at is GPA. GPA stands for grade point average. It is the number representing the average value of a student's final grades earned in courses over time. The grade point average is based off the average of all final grades. The scale for GPA is A is 4.0, B is 3.0, C is 2.0, D is 1.0 and F is 0. Some schools have a weighted grading system where students get numerical advantages if they take higher level courses. Whether the GPA is weighted or not and how it is weighted varies depending on the school. The way grade point average is determined varies significantly throughout public schools and can also be very different compared to private schools. In high school, student's GPA is often used to determine their class rank, whether they are in honor or star roll, or certain academic awards they receive. These things are key when trying to get college. Grade point average is a key factor when applying to college. It is often one of the first things colleges look at. According to the National College Admission Counselors, grade point average in college prep courses is the most important factor weighing into the admissions decision. The GPA of students in high school was decided as the fourth most important factor when applying to colleges. Another thing colleges look for in GPA is an upward trend. This shows the college that the student is improving, and that they put effort into making good grades. Colleges are looking for students who get good grades in high level classes that will properly prepare them to be a successful college student. When universities see that a student is taking high level courses, has a high GPA, and has an upward trend in their grades, they will highly consider accepting that student into the college.
Another thing that colleges look at are standardized test scores. These are exams students take so that colleges can see how much the student knows compared to other students. It is the best way for a college to see how prepared they are for college in relation to other students.. Key entrance tests are the ACT/ SAT. One of these assessments is typically taken in the fall of one’s junior year. This entrance test can be taken multiple times if the student is not satisfied with their grade. On the ACT the highest score is a 36, and the test only counts questions that the student got right. The SAT is currently changing its format to eliminate a guessing penalty. The ACT is one of the most important tests a student will take because it will help a student determine their future. There is an interest inventory and student profile section that helps the student determine their interest which helps the student decide their career choices to colleges. A student’s ACT/SAT score can help them get a college scholarship or get noticed by a college, so the tests helps one prepare for life after high school. Test scores can reinforce a student’s academic achievement.