--- title: New Survey Finds What Colleges are Really Looking for in Applicants description: IECA released its ranking of What Colleges Look for in High School Students, based on an annual survey of nearly 2,000 independent educational consultants. While grades and standardized test scores are near the top of these rankings, a number of surprises are challenging the assumptions about college admissions. image: https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/hubfs/Chem%20Lab%20pic.jpg --- [![Estrela Consulting](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EstrelaConsulting_October2017/Images/(PNG%20Image%2c%201023%C2%A0%C3%97%C2%A0340%20pixels).png?width=1023&height=340&name=(PNG%20Image%2c%201023%C2%A0%C3%97%C2%A0340%20pixels).png "Estrela Consulting")](https://www.estrelaconsulting.com/) Estrela Consulting Blog New Survey Finds What Colleges are Really Looking for in Applicants ![Banner Image](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/hubfs/Images/stars.jpg) [Estrela Consulting](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/author/estrela-consulting) May 29, 2018 ![rigorous curriculum](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chem%20Lab%20pic.jpg?width=724&name=Chem%20Lab%20pic.jpg) The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) released this month its ranking of [*What Colleges Look for in High School Students*](https://www.iecaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IECA_What-Colleges-Look-For.pdf), based on an annual survey of nearly 2,000 independent educational consultants. While grades and standardized test scores are near the top of these annual rankings, a number of significant changes and surprises are challenging the assumptions about college admissions. Number 1 on the list: A challenging curriculum. New to the list: The family’s ability to pay tuition. The much-discussed social media presence of students? Not so much. The new rankings from [IECA](https://www.iecaonline.com/) are a reminder to students that not all aspects of the application are treated equally. Many students and parents are surprised to hear that the leading criteria universities want to see isn’t grades (#2) or standardized test scores (#3), but rather evidence that a student took as rigorous a high school curriculum as they could. “We often remind our students that they should be taking the most challenging classes, as appropriate, that are offered in their schools,” says Kristina Dooley, a Certified Educational Planner and Founder of Estrela Consulting. “While grades and scores are important, demonstrating that you are willing to be challenged and not just take less rigorous classes to get an easy A shows colleges you are motivated and have a true interest in learning.” Item #4 in the ranking—[the essay](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/blog/pros-on-prose-the-truth-about-the-college-admission-essay)—is also the most misunderstood, according to IECA. The essay must show insight into a student’s unique character or life-shaping experiences. An essay that worked in an English class, unless specifically written for a college application, is unlikely to be one that is appropriate to use. “The essay is one of the few opportunities the student has to become multi-dimensional in this process,” says Dooley. “Colleges are looking not just for good students but also for great additions to the school community. The essay is a chance for the student to show their personality.” Debuting for the first time on the IECA survey rankings, at #7, is the family’s ability to pay. While some schools are “need blind” in their admissions decisions, most are not. Increasingly, according to IECA, colleges take into consideration who can contribute to the school’s bottom line. Applying to college has become more complex than ever before and the rampant myths that exist about what really matters in the application review process leads to a significant amount of anxiety amongst students. Many students believe having a full-docket of extracurriculars, community service and leadership roles can overshadow a less-than stellar academic record. While involvement is important, it doesn’t serve as a stand-in for demonstrated success in the classroom. “Students should remember that starting a new club or joining a new team shouldn’t be done to simply pad an application,” says Dooley. “Colleges are interested in those who are able to successfully balance both academic and extracurricular activities and be able to add something to the incoming freshman class. Being class president or captain of the volleyball team doesn’t mask mediocre grades and low test scores.” --- [![Schedule Your Free Discovery Call!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3007878/7d0a93ae-f076-4514-a3c6-97bf43eb4225.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3007878/7d0a93ae-f076-4514-a3c6-97bf43eb4225) Tagged: [college admission](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-admission), [college applications](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-applications), [college planning](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-planning), [essays](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/essays), [IECA](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ieca), [college search](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-search) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Older Post [College Signing Day 2018 Has Arrived!](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/college-signing-day-2018-has-arrived) Newer Post [Q&A With a Former Admission Director: What Are Colleges Really Looking For? ](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/qa-with-a-former-admission-director-what-are-they-really-looking-for) ### Subscribe to Our Blog     ### Recent Posts [![Schedule Your Free Discovery Call!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3007878/7d0a93ae-f076-4514-a3c6-97bf43eb4225.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3007878/7d0a93ae-f076-4514-a3c6-97bf43eb4225)     ### Posts by Tag - [college admission (80)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-admission) - [college applications (56)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-applications) - [college search (33)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-search) - [Scholarships (30)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/scholarships) - [college planning (25)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-planning) - [college decision (22)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-decision) - [essays (21)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/essays) - [financial aid (21)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/financial-aid) - [common app (20)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/common-app) - [Team News (19)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/team-news) - [Alyson Campbell (17)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/alyson-campbell) - [testing (16)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/testing) - [COVID-19 (15)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/covid-19) - [Coronavirus (13)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/coronavirus) - [unique majors (13)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/unique-majors) - [college list (12)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-list) - [majors (12)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/majors) - [ncaa (12)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ncaa) - [Jamie Kirby (11)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/jamie-kirby) - [campus visits (11)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/campus-visits) - [extracurricular activities (11)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/extracurricular-activities) - [standardized test (11)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/standardized-test) - [ACT (10)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/act) - [Kristina Dooley (10)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/kristina-dooley) - [college signing day (10)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-signing-day) - [FAFSA (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/fafsa) - [SAT (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sat) - [athletics (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/athletics) - [campus tours (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/campus-tours) - [early action (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/early-action) - [early decision (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/early-decision) - [essay writing (9)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/essay-writing) - [IECA (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ieca) - [National Candidates Reply Date (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/national-candidates-reply-date) - [careers (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/careers) - [college rejection (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-rejection) - [essay development (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/essay-development) - [major focus (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/major-focus) - [parent tips (8)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/parent-tips) - [march madness (7)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/march-madness) - [alumni (6)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/alumni) - [basketball (6)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/basketball) - [summer break (6)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/summer-break) - [test prep (6)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/test-prep) - [Amy Rice (5)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/amy-rice) - [chatgpt (5)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/chatgpt) - [college sports (5)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-sports) - [college tours (5)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-tours) - [CSS Profile (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/css-profile) - [First Year Student (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/first-year-student) - [STEM (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/stem) - [college visit (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-visit) - [college visits (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-visits) - [demonstrated interest (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/demonstrated-interest) - [ivy league (4)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ivy-league) - [Community College (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/community-college) - [Kim Hodges (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/kim-hodges) - [Résumé (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/résumé) - [admission interview (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/admission-interview) - [colleges that change lives (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/colleges-that-change-lives) - [ctcl (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ctcl) - [podcast (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/podcast) - [rankings (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/rankings) - [religion (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/religion) - [resume (3)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/resume) - [AI (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ai) - [AP (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ap) - [Canada (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/canada) - [Canadian Universities (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/canadian-universities) - [Christina Korsvik (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/christina-korsvik) - [Class of 2020 (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2020) - [Eliot Sloan (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/eliot-sloan) - [Freshman Year (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/freshman-year) - [Hudson (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/hudson) - [IB (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ib) - [Jasmine's Take (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/jasmines-take) - [Laura Cobb (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/laura-cobb) - [New York Times (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/new-york-times) - [Personal Insight Questions (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/personal-insight-questions) - [ROI (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/roi) - [Rejection (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/rejection) - [Revolution Prep (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/revolution-prep) - [UC (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/uc) - [University of California (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/university-of-california) - [Varsity Blues (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/varsity-blues) - [Women's College (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/womens-college) - [application plan (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/application-plan) - [athletic recruitment (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/athletic-recruitment) - [campus ministry (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/campus-ministry) - [class of 2021 (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2021) - [class of 2022 (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2022) - [class of 2023 (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2023) - [class of 2025 (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2025) - [college loans (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-loans) - [college traditions (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-traditions) - [community service (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/community-service) - [disabilities (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/disabilities) - [engineering (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/engineering) - [faith-based colleges (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/faith-based-colleges) - [first gen (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/first-gen) - [first generation (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/first-generation) - [fun facts (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/fun-facts) - [gap year (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/gap-year) - [gapyear (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/gapyear) - [girl scouts (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/girl-scouts) - [health services (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/health-services) - [honors colleges (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/honors-colleges) - [honors programs (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/honors-programs) - [international studies (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/international-studies) - [internship (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/internship) - [learning differences (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/learning-differences) - [legacy (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/legacy) - [marine biology (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/marine-biology) - [mental health (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/mental-health) - [performing and visual arts (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/performing-and-visual-arts) - [professional development (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/professional-development) - [psat (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/psat) - [regular decision (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/regular-decision) - [single-gender (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/single-gender) - [test optional (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/test-optional) - [transfer (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/transfer) - [volunteer (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/volunteer) - [volunteerism (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/volunteerism) - [waiting list (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/waiting-list) - [waitlist (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/waitlist) - [writing (2)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/writing) - [Alpha Phi (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/alpha-phi) - [CCP (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ccp) - [Chamber of Commerce (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/chamber-of-commerce) - [Christopher Tremblay (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/christopher-tremblay) - [Cincinnati (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/cincinnati) - [FSA ID (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/fsa-id) - [Greek Life (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/greek-life) - [HBCU (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/hbcu) - [Hiram College (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/hiram-college) - [Historically Black College (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/historically-black-college) - [Hudson Life (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/hudson-life) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/insider) - [Kent State University (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/kent-state-university) - [Khan Academy (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/khan-academy) - [LGBTQ (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/lgbtq) - [Lani Asato (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/lani-asato) - [Lara Poulios (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/lara-poulios) - [Military (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/military) - [NMSQT (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/nmsqt) - [Northeastern (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/northeastern) - [PA School (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/pa-school) - [PGA (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/pga) - [STI (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sti) - [Swarthmore (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/swarthmore) - [Ted Lasso (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ted-lasso) - [The College of New Jersey (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/the-college-of-new-jersey) - [UC Irvine (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/uc-irvine) - [UCAS (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ucas) - [UK (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/uk) - [activism (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/activism) - [aeronautical engineering (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/aeronautical-engineering) - [aeronautics (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/aeronautics) - [amber gilsdorf (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/amber-gilsdorf) - [architecture (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/architecture) - [athletic training (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/athletic-training) - [aviation (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/aviation) - [award letter (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/award-letter) - [biology (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/biology) - [campus safety (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/campus-safety) - [campus security (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/campus-security) - [cappex (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/cappex) - [chat gpt (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/chat-gpt) - [class of 2024 (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2024) - [class of 2026 (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/class-of-2026) - [clery act (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/clery-act) - [co-op (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/co-op) - [college fair (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-fair) - [college funding (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-funding) - [college knowledge badge (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-knowledge-badge) - [college scoops (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/college-scoops) - [course scheduling (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/course-scheduling) - [culinary arts (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/culinary-arts) - [culinary school (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/culinary-school) - [deferral (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/deferral) - [deferred admission (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/deferred-admission) - [dining hall (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/dining-hall) - [discrimination (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/discrimination) - [divinity (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/divinity) - [down syndrome (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/down-syndrome) - [dual enrollment (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/dual-enrollment) - [education (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/education) - [election (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/election) - [elite 8 (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/elite-8) - [environmental science (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/environmental-science) - [equality (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/equality) - [equestrian (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/equestrian) - [ethics (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ethics) - [faith-based college (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/faith-based-college) - [fastweb (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/fastweb) - [final four (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/final-four) - [food allergies (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/food-allergies) - [football (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/football) - [forensic science (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/forensic-science) - [friendship (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/friendship) - [game design (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/game-design) - [giving back (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/giving-back) - [golf (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/golf) - [golf management (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/golf-management) - [health professions (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/health-professions) - [healthcare profession (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/healthcare-profession) - [high school courses (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/high-school-courses) - [holiday gifts (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/holiday-gifts) - [homeschool (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/homeschool) - [homeschooled students (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/homeschooled-students) - [interview (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/interview) - [interview tips (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/interview-tips) - [junior year (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/junior-year) - [juniors (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/juniors) - [kosher (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/kosher) - [legacy admission (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/legacy-admission) - [linkedin (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/linkedin) - [mascots (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/mascots) - [medical careers (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/medical-careers) - [medical school (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/medical-school) - [mental health awareness day (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/mental-health-awareness-day) - [ministry (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/ministry) - [nursing (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/nursing) - [occupational therapy (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/occupational-therapy) - [performing arts (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/performing-arts) - [physical therapy (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/physical-therapy) - [physician assistant (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/physician-assistant) - [racism (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/racism) - [religious life (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/religious-life) - [research (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/research) - [scheduling (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/scheduling) - [selective colleges (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/selective-colleges) - [seniors (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/seniors) - [service work (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/service-work) - [skiing (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/skiing) - [social justice (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/social-justice) - [sophomores (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sophomores) - [sorority (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sorority) - [student loans (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/student-loans) - [subject tests (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/subject-tests) - [super bowl (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/super-bowl) - [sustainability (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sustainability) - [sweet 16 (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/sweet-16) - [test blind (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/test-blind) - [traditions (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/traditions) - [tuition insurance (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/tuition-insurance) - [unigo (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/unigo) - [vegan (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/vegan) - [veterans (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/veterans) - [virtual college visit (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/virtual-college-visit) - [visual and performing arts (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/visual-and-performing-arts) - [voting (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/voting) - [zoology (1)](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/tag/zoology) [see all](https://blog.estrelaconsulting.com/new-survey-finds-what-colleges-are-really-looking-for-in-applicants#) ### Subscribe to our newsletter 118 W. Streetsboro St., Suite 225, Hudson, Ohio 44236, United States 330-475-7054[Info@EstrelaConsulting.com](mailto:Info@EstrelaConsulting.com) © 2026 Estrela Consulting, LLC [Privacy Policy](https://www.estrelaconsulting.com/privacy-policy)