As we move further into college application season many students and parents wonder what colleges really look at in determining which students to accept.  Check out this top 10 list compiled by Certified Educational Planner- Judi Rabinovitz.

1. A challenging high school curriculum

Academically successful students should take at least five core courses every semester. Include AP, IB, and honors if they can get good grades in them. Most colleges recalculate GPA based only on core subjects (English, math, science, social science, foreign language, programming).

2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend

Slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging courses.

3. Solid scores on the SAT or ACT–consistent with high school grades

High scores do not compensate for low grades.

4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership, initiative, impact–and an angle

Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. Colleges seek “angled” students with a passion, not “well-rounded” students. Substantive commitment to a few activities is preferable to participation in several mini activities–and more rewarding! To complement applications, students should create a detailed résumé to showcase their activities.

5. Out-of-school experiences, including summer activities, work, and hobbies that reflect responsibility, dedication, and areas of interest

Meaningful use of your free time is essential! Students should include these commitments on their résumés.

6. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting, well-rounded student body

A student who goes the extra mile to develop a special talent in sports, research, writing, the arts, or anything else will gain an edge. Students should consider sending a college evidence of anything that makes them stand out (e.g., portfolio of their creative writing, research abstract, CD or DVD of their talent).

7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s personality, values, and goals

An application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. This is your students’ chance to tell their stories!

8. Anecdotal letters of recommendation from teachers and the student’s counselor that give evidence of his or her intellectual curiosity, special skills, and positive character traits.

An extra recommendation from a coach, supervisor, or someone who knows the student well can help only if it sheds new light on his or her talents. However, letters from family friends, even if they are well known individuals, are rarely given much weight.

9. Demonstrated enthusiasm for attending a university, as evidenced by a campus visit, interview, and ongoing contact with the admission office.

Early in the college-planning process, students should schedule campus visits, including an information session, tour, and interview if available. They should stay in touch with admission representatives and attend local presentations.

10. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, and extracurricular pursuits, summer activities, and more.

Source:   http://www.collegexpress.com/counselors-and-parents/college-counselors/articles/articles-college-counselors/10-most-important-factors-college-admissions/

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Many families wonder if it is possible to negotiate to receive additional financial assistance once they receive financial aid packages from colleges. This is a complex question that depends on numerous factors. One thing that can improve, but not necessarily guarantee, the possibility of receiving more assistance is the ability to demonstrate additional financial need with solid evidence. Another factor is if a family’s financial circumstances have changed significantly since they submitted the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Some examples of such changes include the addition of a family member, the loss of a job, a serious family illness leading to large medical bills, or the death of a parent. These situations certainly represent changes in a family’s financial need and should be communicated to the college office of financial aid.

Another possible source of negotiation is if one discovers that an error was committed when completing the FAFSA. Any such errors should be communicated to the office of financial aid. Some colleges do show greater flexibility than others in the awarding of additional financial aid. The high quality of student compared to the average admission profile at some, but not all, schools can give a family additional negotiating power.

Some college financial aid officers have expressed that they appreciate when a student, not his or her parents, advocates for more aid. This demonstrates that the student is taking responsibility for his or her financial future.

Most college financial aid officers are dedicated professionals that work diligently to make sure that students get all of the aid for which they qualify. It is important for students to always communicate with these professionals in a courteous and respectful way.

For a more detailed review of this subject check out Appealing to a College for More Financial Aid by Ron Lieber as it appeared in the My Money section of the New York Times on April 4, 2014.