The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a national non-profit, professional association of consultants who work with families regarding multiple facets affecting educational decisions, including but not limited to, college admissions.
IECA conducts a survey of its member consultants every few years about what they believe to be the aspects of the application for admission that are considered most critical by the colleges and universities. The 2010 results have recently been released.
Several changes have been made since the list was last compiled; criteria moving higher in perceived importance, items appearing on the list for the first time, and others dropping in rank or even completely off of the list this year.
Interestingly, there are several matters that many college-bound students and their families focus much emphasis and energy on during their college search process that failed to make the list by even a close margin; namely legacy status, video “essays,” and in-person campus interviews.
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students
(based on 2010 survey of IECA consultants)
10. Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.
9. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
8. Demonstrated leadership in activities. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.
7. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
6. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values, and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
5. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests ( SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
IECA conducts a survey of its member consultants every few years about what they believe to be the aspects of the application for admission that are considered most critical by the colleges and universities. The 2010 results have recently been released.
Several changes have been made since the list was last compiled; criteria moving higher in perceived importance, items appearing on the list for the first time, and others dropping in rank or even completely off of the list this year.
Interestingly, there are several matters that many college-bound students and their families focus much emphasis and energy on during their college search process that failed to make the list by even a close margin; namely legacy status, video “essays,” and in-person campus interviews.
Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students
(based on 2010 survey of IECA consultants)
10. Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.
9. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
8. Demonstrated leadership in activities. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.
7. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
6. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values, and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
5. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests ( SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
IECA’s Executive Director, Mark Sklarow, insightfully notes that, “What we learn most in viewing these results is that students should shy away from efforts to change themselves into what they think colleges seek and learn to promote the best thing about themselves: whether that’s a willingness to challenge themselves in a difficult course, demonstrating passion for a particular subject, committing themselves to community service, or demonstrating leadership. Students should seek to make their application reflect the best of who they already are.”
