What Personal Qualities Do Colleges Look for in Applicants?
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What personal qualities are colleges actually looking for? There’s not really a checklist, but they’re looking for how you think and why and how you do what you do. Admissions officers are looking for reasons to say yes. They’re looking for data points, traits, and qualities.
Again, there’s no checklist. Any compelling set of demonstrated traits and qualities will move the needle. Sharing the best parts of who you are is the key.
Short answer: How you think, and why and how you do what you do.
Longer answer: Admissions officers are looking for reasons to say yes. They are looking for data points — traits and qualities — that reflect who you are. There isn’t a checklist. Any compelling set of demonstrated traits and qualities will move the needle.
Fun fact: Sharing the best parts of who you are is the key.
Reference: the Common App essay prompts.
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