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Topic: What Colleges Look For

What Colleges Look For

Ten Ways to Make Valuable Contributions
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By Kevin McMullin
November 3, 2021 | 3 minute read

Too many high school students view their success in group activities as measured only by accolades or official titles. But there are lots of ways you can make valuable contributions that...

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What Colleges Look For

Extracurriculars: Exploring and Exploiting
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By Arun Ponnusamy
October 6, 2021 | 4 minute read

One of the cringier questions that admissions officers are commonly asked at college fairs—virtual or in-person—is some version of, “How many hours of community service do I need to get...

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What Colleges Look For

How to Write an Email to a College Admissions Officer
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By Collegewise Staff
April 22, 2021 | 6 minute read

Today's college applicant is much more likely to email, not call, an admissions officer with a question or request. So it’s important to remember that the person on the receiving end of...

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What Colleges Look For

The Truth About Demonstrated Interest
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By Tom Barry
April 21, 2021 | 12 minute read

One of the often cited but little understood factors for students applying to college is a deliberately vague feature called “Demonstrated Interest.” We’ve written before about what...

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What Colleges Look For Advice for Parents Life Advice for Teens

Perspective in the Time of Decision
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By Casey Near and Arun Ponnusamy
April 7, 2021 | 4 minute read

We know there are seniors around the country (and world) who have admissions offers in hand but still find themselves looking backward and wondering, “What if…?” Parents and other adult...

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What Colleges Look For College Applications Life Advice for Teens

Will Colleges Look At My Social Media?
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By Arun Ponnusamy
March 26, 2021 | 4 minute read

For many of us during the pandemic, our social life needs were met by our social media feeds. Usage of these platforms skyrocketed as #quarantinelife led many people to seek meaningful and...

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