What College Recruiters Look for in High School Students

What College Recruiters Look for in High School Students

In 2010, approximately 30 percent of Americans had a college degree. Currently, about 66 percent of all U.S. high school students plan to attend college immediately after graduation. Most teenagers understand an advanced degree is a necessity today. Getting into the top schools has become even more challenging, with many graduates seeking the same spots. Registered college recruiters want the best for their schools, so all hopeful graduates need to know how to make themselves stand out.

Keep Grades High

The best schools want the best students, and most define "best" as top GPA scores. However, using GPAs to measure student value may not seem fair to students who do well in most classes but lack the overall scores that keep them at the top. Luckily, if a student shows a consistent effort to do well and has other assets, a GPA that only ranks as average or slightly above can still offer many options for them.

Excel at Something

High school students that want to stand out need to do well in something that would appeal to the school they hope to attend. It is not only athletics, music, or high overall GPAs that draw attention. Students who show leadership skills, public speaking skills, or a talent for writing, history, or science, can gain attention. As students enter high school, they need to discover what they love and are talented in and maximize their proficiency in that subject or skill.

Study for Tests

SAT scores are not used by all schools or given as much weight as they were previously. Despite this, they are still important. Some colleges only review applicants who achieve a pre-determined minimum score on the SATs, and others will use them when selecting who to accept.

Spend Time Volunteering

Involvement in a community or cause can help students to show their compassion and character. The effort of volunteering can also enable students to gain valuable career-oriented skills. The types of projects the student participates in do not have to match the career they want, but something related to the desired field of study can be beneficial.

Get a Job

The experience gained through any employment and a reliable work ethic and will appeal to many college recruiters. Students that take on part-time jobs while in high school also learn the value of money and the importance of using it wisely. Recruiters know that teenagers that work to save money for school may appreciate their achievements more and work harder to make the most of the tuition they pay.

Join Some Clubs

Student-athletes, members of school clubs, band students, and others show they are a part of their school community and have school spirit. Many universities find this a desirable trait in their recruits because they want their students to have the same passion for their school. Additionally, many recruiters appreciate the effort spent by students to participate in outside activities while also maintaining their grades.

Have Excellent Referrals

Professionally written referrals and recommendations help students stand out to recruiters because they allow the decision-makers to learn more about the personality and achievements of the applicant. The letters should come from people other than friends and relatives. A teacher in the same field as the student plans to pursue can help, but recruiters may find references written by community and business leaders more impressive.

Write Essays Carefully

Essays allow recruiters to hear who the student is in their own words. College applicants should prepare the writing carefully and include their achievements, interests, and goals. All written work should use professional wording and avoid any grammatical errors. Admissions teams choose students who will reflect flatteringly on the school.

Stay Actively Interested

Applicants should respond to all communication from universities and recruiters as soon as possible. Attend college fairs, submit paperwork on time, and stay available to any contact from desirable schools. College recruiters may spend some time and effort encouraging the best and brightest to attend their schools, but they will move on if the student seems to have lost interest.

Universities have a wealth of prospective students. The applicants include graduate students, adults seeking new careers, and thousands of graduating seniors ready for the next stage in life. Students that want acceptance into the school of their choice need to understand what they can do to put the odds in their favor.

 

About the Author

Trey McCalver is the VP of Marketing for CollegeFairsUSA.com, a college fair service that matches the nation's top colleges and universities with highly qualified high school students. Learn more, and register for upcoming college fairs by visiting their website.