* The college: Prestigious universities like Harvard or Stanford are far more selective than smaller liberal arts colleges or community colleges.
* Your intended major: Some programs, like engineering or medicine, are more competitive and require higher academic achievements.
* Your academic record: Your GPA (Grade Point Average), the rigor of your high school coursework (AP, IB, honors classes), and your standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, if required) are all key factors.
* Extracurricular activities: Colleges look for well-rounded applicants who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and involvement in activities outside of academics.
* Letters of recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers and counselors can significantly impact your application.
* Essays and personal statements: These provide a crucial opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals.
* Demographics and background: Colleges consider a wide range of factors, and some may give preference to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Instead of thinking about "points," focus on building a strong and well-rounded application that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your potential to succeed in college. Research specific colleges you're interested in and review their admissions requirements and criteria on their websites.