What colleges look for
From a 2023 NACAC survey where they collected a sample of 185 college admission specialists, these priorities are put in the highest ranking of 'Considerable Importance'.
High school grades in College prep classes
Essay or writing sample
Student's interest in attending
Total high school grades (All courses)
Strength of high school curriculum
77%
74%
16%
64%
19%
Extra- curricular activities
Admission test scores (ACT, SAT)
Counselor reccomendation
Teacher reccomendation
12%
7%
5%
11%
16%
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Created on September 29, 2025
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Transcript
What colleges look for
From a 2023 NACAC survey where they collected a sample of 185 college admission specialists, these priorities are put in the highest ranking of 'Considerable Importance'.
High school grades in College prep classes
Essay or writing sample
Student's interest in attending
Total high school grades (All courses)
Strength of high school curriculum
77%
74%
16%
64%
19%
Extra- curricular activities
Admission test scores (ACT, SAT)
Counselor reccomendation
Teacher reccomendation
12%
7%
5%
11%