Academic Rigor:
* Course Selection: This is arguably the most important factor. They want to see students challenging themselves by taking the most rigorous courses available to them. This means AP, IB, honors, or college-level dual enrollment classes, especially in demanding subjects like math, science, and languages. Simply taking *a lot* of classes isn't as impressive as taking a smaller number of challenging ones and excelling in them. The number and type of courses taken should be appropriate for the student's individual circumstances and the offerings of their high school.
* Course Progression: Did the student consistently increase the rigor of their course load over time? A steady upward trajectory demonstrates ambition and a commitment to learning.
* Grade Trends: While a single bad grade isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, a consistently declining GPA or a pattern of poor performance in specific subjects will raise concerns. Selective colleges want to see upward trends or at least stability.
Academic Performance:
* GPA: While not the sole determinant, a strong GPA is almost always a prerequisite. The weight given to GPA varies by college and program.
* Grades in Core Subjects: Exceptional grades in math, science, English, and social studies are particularly important, especially for STEM-focused applications.
* Performance in Specific Courses: Depending on the program, colleges may prioritize grades in certain subjects. For example, an engineering applicant needs strong math and science grades.
Beyond Grades:
* Strength of School: Colleges understand that the quality of high schools varies significantly. They consider the context of the student's school and the overall academic environment. A high GPA at a less competitive school might be viewed differently than a similar GPA at a highly competitive one.
* Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT): While many colleges are test-optional or test-blind, strong test scores can still significantly benefit an application, especially for highly selective institutions that still require them or give significant weight to test performance.
* Course Load: A very heavy course load combined with excellent grades is a positive sign, but a very heavy course load with poor grades is a negative one. A balanced course load that aligns with the student's abilities is ideal.
Red Flags:
* Unexplained Gaps in Coursework: Missing courses, especially in core subjects, might raise questions. Colleges will want explanations for any significant absences or changes in course selection.
* Academic Dishonesty: Any instance of plagiarism or cheating is a serious offense that can disqualify an applicant.
* Significant Improvement After a Major Drop: While an improvement in GPA shows resilience, a drastic upswing might raise suspicion if not explained convincingly.
In short, selective colleges seek students who have consistently challenged themselves academically, demonstrated a strong work ethic, and achieved high levels of academic success within the context of their individual circumstances and high school's resources. They look beyond just numbers to assess a student's intellectual curiosity, commitment to learning, and potential to succeed in a rigorous college environment.