fit to major

What selective colleges look for in applicants is fairly well known. Academic excellence in your school’s most rigorous classes is a start, as are competitive test scores. But many applicants overlook the magic that happens when what excites you in the classroom begins to show up in what you do outside of it. This is how you demonstrate that you have a curious mind, some intellectual spark. As Michigan says, “Show us how the combination of coursework and related activities inspired original thinking on your part.” These connections light up the eyes of AdComs at the most selective colleges.

 

I also want to point out something Princeton says that really highlights why your resume matters so much in this process, as they seek to “understand your potential to take advantage of the resources at Princeton and the kind of contribution you would make to the Princeton community.” What you do in high school foreshadows what you might do in college. When you look at your resume, is that picture clear, and does it include academics? College is school, after all…. 

Yale podcast/blog: https://admission.princeton.edu/blogs/testing-rigor-ai-and-what-are-we-really-looking-your-questions-answered-dean-richardson

Michigan’s application instructions: https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/selection-process

Princeton’s helpful tips: https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/before-you-apply/helpful-tips