| |APRIL 20259INSIDERCostCost is an important factor in deciding which college to attend. Even if an applicant has already received an award, it can be beneficial to inquire about additional scholarships or financial aid. Applicants should compare the net cost of attendance after factoring in all awards and living expenses. Sometimes, even smaller awards can make a substantial difference if the base tuition is already lower than other schools, which leads to a significantly reduced overall cost.What Colleges Look for in an Applicant:While I cannot speak for all colleges, the following are commonly-sought qualities:Self-Driven Candidates Colleges value applicants who demonstrate motivation and initiative. These traits are often evident in students' essays and resumes, where they articulate their goals and showcase a variety of activities that support their ambitions.Knowledge and Understanding of the Field and College Applicants with a clear vision of their chosen field and the college they are applying to tend to stand out. This is usually reflected in a well-crafted essay that explains their interest in the field and aligns their strengths with that of the college.Strong Academic Record A high GPA indicates that a candidate is dedicated to their studies and excels in an academic environment. Colleges prioritize such candidates because their success is a positive reflection of the institution.Community Engagement Colleges are communities composed of students, faculty, and staff. They seek students who will contribute positively to this community, enhancing the collective experience for everyone involved. Examples of such contributions include participating in or supporting college athletics, serving on student committees, joining student clubs, and representing the college at external events.Mutual grounds:FitColleges seek students who are a good fit for their institution, just as students look for colleges that match their learning styles and goals. This mutual fit is pivotal for a successful and satisfying college experience. If the fit is not right, students may become unhappy and contemplate transferring, affecting the student retention rates and resulting in empty vacancies.Outcome:No one should be expected to make a decision that defines the rest of their life at the age of eighteen. Choosing a college should be about finding the best fit for a student's interests and desired environment. Even if they enroll in their first-choice school, their interests and priorities may evolve over the next four to five years, necessitating different types of support.Ending up at a second, third, or even tenth-choice school does not signify failure. It might simply mean that the student will explore other opportunities, such as deciding on graduate studies earlier and mapping a course to that goal, seeking internships in their desired field, or working part-time jobs in various areas to discover their passion.Many successful people did not get into their top choice school initially. As with many aspects of life, there are multiple paths to a rewarding and enjoyable higher education. Colleges seek students who are a good fit for their institution, just as students look for colleges that match their learning styles and goals
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