Most colleges and universities have certain guidelines that they look at when deciding who the best candidate for their school or program might be. The following list are general criteria that many schools use in their selection process. For more specific details on what a particular school is looking for, contact that particular college or university.

1) Most colleges and universities expect a basic college-prep curriculum when entering their institution: 

English: 4 credits
Math: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
Foreign Language: 2 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Fine Arts: 1 credit

* Some of the more selective universities (i.e. Harvard, Yale, Notre Dame) may even require 4 credits of Math and 4 credits of Science. Check with each university for specific guidelines.

2) SAT/ACT test scores: Most schools require that you take one or the other. More selective institutions many require both. For guidelines on acceptable scores, check with the school.

3) GPA: colleges WILL look at your cumulative grade point average (GPA) and your class rank. For information on your GPA and your rank, see your counselor.

4) Course Load: Colleges and universities will take a look at the types of courses that you have taken over the four years at Elder, as well as the difficulty level of those courses. 

5) AP courses & College Credit: Colleges and universities will also look to see if you have taken any Advanced Placement class,  AP test score(s), and look for any college credit received while in high school.

6) Letters of Recommendation: Many colleges and universities want to know why you should be admitted into their school or program, and a good way to gage that information is from the people who know you best. Always ask people who you know will give you the best recommendation possible, and to be polite, give that person at least a week to complete the recommendation. Remember they are doing you a favor and helping you ~ give them the respect they deserve.

7) Essays: Colleges and universities often ask for essays on a particular topic or quite possibly want a personal statement from you. Take your time writing this ~ for perfection. Ask your English teacher, or another good proof-reader to go over your essay and give you any suggestions or comments. This essay will tell the school who you are, and if you turn in a wrinkled-up, misspelled, no sense paper, they will think that of you. Give them your best!

8) Student Activities and Organizations: Colleges and universities want to see that your have been involved in your high school career. Get involved with as many things as humanly possible, and do each of them well. Clubs, organizations, sports, community service, jobs, after-school activities, etc.

9) Awards & Honors: If you have worked hard enough to be rewarded with an award or honor, tell your potential college about it. They want to know how your high school community has recognized you, and what types of accomplishments you have had.

10) Be yourself! Don't fake it. Colleges and universities are choosing you based on the information that you provide to them, and without correct information you may decrease your chances of attending a particular school