What high school students should be doing now to prepare their college applications…

The pressure of searching for the perfect college can be a daunting and stressful journey for any high school student; but it helps to know exactly what colleges are looking for in their future students. Orlando Family Magazine caught up with the admissions departments at four Florida universities to get their input on what they are looking for in qualified applicants.

First and foremost, every college is looking for students who exceed academic expectations. Whether it is scores on standardized testing or grades in college- level classes, today’s colleges and universities want students who are applying themselves academically.

Sean Gilmore, interim director, office of admissions at the University of South Florida (USF), says they look for what they refer to as “academic success predictors.” Dubbed as indicators that students will be successful during their first years at USF and beyond, the school is looking out for at least three AP, IB or AICE courses, one or more math courses at a higher level, three or more natural science classes with at least two containing labs, foreign language courses beyond two years, at least two college-level dual enrollment courses and a postsecondary GPA of at least 3.0 in those dual enrollment courses.

“At USF, we’re looking for motivated, talented applicants who are ready to be challenged intellectually and join a diverse family that will enrich them on many levels,” says Gilmore. “Our students hail from all 50 states as well as 146 countries around the world. That mix creates a culture of innovation and diversity where you don’t just fit in—you belong.”

It may sound as simple as, do the work and get good grades and you will be noticed, but Dr. Gordon Chavis, associate vice president for enrollment services at the University of Central Florida (UCF), says there are specific steps high school students should be taking every year.

“The first thing we tell them is to make certain that they know their college counselor,” says Chavis. “It is so important to begin to develop a plan and their college counselor will work with them to develop that plan.”

Chavis explains that ninth-graders should begin to think about what their interests are as they begin to look at colleges and universities. Then in 10th grade, they should begin to pretest by taking the PSAT to ensure that they have the best outcome for their SAT scores. During junior year, if they have the ability to do so, Chavis says students should start visiting colleges they are interested in.

“From ninth grade to 11th grade, they ought to be picking and choosing colleges and eliminating them because they don’t have the major they are looking for or it’s too far away from home, so that by the time they reach junior year, they have a group of schools that they would be very interested in attending,” Chavis explains. “Then in senior year, they [should] be finalizing their high school class work and getting ready to make the transition to college.”

While being on what is determined as ‘the right path’ to college increases your chances of being accepted, Hege Ferguson, director of admissions at Florida State University (FSU), says no single criterion guarantees admission to their school and they look at the full picture, including community service, volunteer work and leadership experience.

“Challenge yourself academically while engaging in healthy and meaningful extracurricular activities,” Ferguson tells high school students. “Visit college campuses when you can and/or sit in on college presentations at your school.”

Finding the right fit as a student may seem like the No. 1 priority in the college search, but Ferguson says the college is also searching for those students who fit within their institution.

“The college selection process is really about finding the best fit for both the college and the student,” he says. “Getting to know each other is very important in this process and while rankings can play a role, it should not drive the selection process. In the end, you want to be a part of a community where you feel welcomed, valued and challenged.”

Chandra A. Mitchell, interim director of freshman and international admissions at the University of Florida (UF), says their school is looking for students with a diversity of interests, leadership qualities and something they are passionate about or their desire to make a contribution to the world.

“UF hopes to build a community of learners, leaders and thinkers whose education will be enhanced by diverse experiences and who will be prepared to serve and participate in all segments of society,” Mitchell says. “We are committed to admitting students who are well prepared academically and who will enrich and broaden the educational experience of all students enrolled.”

Ultimately, the college officials have made it clear that their selection process is weighed heavily on determining prospective students’ success. They are going to accept those applicants who will prosper at their college or university and will not only contribute to their campuses, but to society.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s November 2017 issue.