What Do Colleges Want to See in an Applicant?

What do colleges really want to see in an applicant? Which boxes should I check to get into my dream school? The answer is there are no boxes, and there is no magic formula. Whether you are heading to your local community college, a California university, or if you want to attend an out of state liberal arts college, the answer is going to look a little different for everyone.

Chris Peterson from MIT offers an interesting perspective that can be applied to all learners. In his article, Applying Sideways, he goes beyond grades and SAT scores to emphasize three very important reminders:

Do well in school – Find things that excite and interest you and go beyond to the next class, level, or learning opportunity. The flexibility of home study allows you to advance and specialize your academic pursuits in unique ways.

Be nice – Look at your local community or your independent study community and ask what you can do to help. Volunteer where you see a need to enrich your own life and the lives of others.

Pursue your passions – Independent study allows you more flexibility to spend time cultivating your unique interests and passions. We encourage you to pursue new avenues of interest as well as develop your current hobbies and passions.

This is what colleges want to see in an applicant; a love of learning, kindness, and passion. While these will look different for each learner, the options available to you are endless. We encourage you to be proactive in pursuing your own unique path to college!