What Colleges Really Look For (And How You Can Stand Out!)
Every year, millions of students around the world hit “submit” on their college applications, but how many of them actually know what admissions officers are really looking for?
(Hint: It’s not just about perfect test scores or being president of five clubs.)
In reality, college admissions is like a puzzle, where your academics, personal traits, life story, and school fit all come together. So, what matters most? And how do you, as an international student, make sure your application rises to the top?
Let’s break it down.
The Data Doesn’t Lie: What Colleges Say They Value Most
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), basically the expert on all things admissions, gathers real stats from colleges every year in its State of College Admissions report. This report helps us understand how U.S. colleges weigh different parts of your application.
Here’s what the Fall 2023 report found:
What This Means for You: Focus on the Big 3
1. Grades in College Prep Courses
Colleges want to see that you’ve done well in your core classes. Think English, math, science, history, and world languages.
Tip: Take 4 years of all five core subjects if you can. Honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes are even better.
2. Your Overall GPA
Yes, even PE and art count. A strong GPA shows you take all your classes seriously, not just the ones that match your major. If your grades started low but are now climbing, that upward trend shows resilience!
Tip: Applying to the UC system? Make sure your courses match the A-G requirements.
3. Course Rigor
Colleges want to see that you’re challenging yourself. Did you take the toughest classes available and do well in them?
Balance is key: Choose classes that push you, but don’t overload and burn out. “Challenge with competence” is the goal!
Beyond the Transcript: Where You Shine
4. Your Character Counts
Colleges want more than just good students. They want good people. Traits like kindness, grit, leadership, empathy, and curiosity show up in:
Your essays
Extracurriculars
Recommendation letters
The Additional Information section
Tip: Base your essays on your core values—the things that matter most to you.
5. Essays = Your Superpower
At many colleges, especially selective ones, your personal statement and supplemental essays can make or break your application.
What makes a great essay?
Shows your values in action
Shares a moment of growth or discovery
Sounds like you—not a robot or a brag sheet
Avoid: Trauma dumping, activity lists in disguise, or generic sports/volunteer stories.
6. Demonstrated Interest: Does It Matter?
For some colleges, yes! In fact, 43% say they track how interested students are.
Here’s how to show it:
Visit the campus (or take a virtual tour)
Attend info sessions or webinars
Follow schools on social media
Write strong, specific “Why Us” essays
Apply Early Action or Early Decision (but only if it’s a good fit for you)
Want to know if a school tracks interest? Check the Common Data Set, section C7.
7. Recommendations: Let Others Brag for You
Think of rec letters as your highlight reel, written by people who’ve actually seen you in action.
Teacher recs are gold. They describe how you learn, lead, collaborate, and grow.
Counselor recs give context—your background, family, school system, etc.
What makes a great letter?
Personal stories
Specific examples
Honest praise (not just generic adjectives)
Choose recommenders who really know you. Not just someone with a fancy title.
8. Extracurriculars: Depth Over Breadth
Having 10 random clubs on your resume? Meh. Having 3–4 activities you’ve committed to and grown in over time? Hot.
Colleges want to know:
What do you care about?
How do you show up for your community?
What will you bring to campus life?
Impact > titles. Initiative > participation. Growth > perfection.
What Matters Less (But Still Worth Understanding)
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)
Test-optional is still common, but not universal. As an international student, submitting strong scores can help, especially if colleges are unfamiliar with your high school.
Tip: Take a test once and see how you score. If it’s solid, submit. If not, no big deal!
Class Rank
Colleges know that rank systems vary wildly between schools. Most prefer to look at GPA and course rigor instead.
Interviews
Interviews are rare nowadays, but if you get invited, take it! It’s your chance to show personality and ask questions. Some colleges offer virtual interviews or even allow you to upload video responses.
AP/IB Exam Scores
These can help, but they don’t carry as much weight as your actual grades in those classes. Don’t stress if your school doesn’t offer them!
College admissions may seem overwhelming, but if you zoom out, here’s what really matters:
Academic excellence: Strong grades in challenging classes
Character and values: Who you are, not just what you’ve done
Clear college fit: Why you belong at a particular school
Strong endorsements: Letters from people who know your story
Essays that sound like you: Honest, thoughtful, and value-driven
Stay true to who you are. Reflect on what’s meaningful. And remember: college admissions isn’t just about where you’ve been. It’s about who you’re becoming.
You’ve got this.