Youth Incorporated Magazine

Do we still believe that solely focusing on grades will get us into top schools and universities? Yes, while good academic performance and high grades have traditionally been the primary requirements, there is a growing acknowledgement that these metrics may not fully represent a student’s potential or chances of getting into top schools and colleges. As a result, many top institutions are expanding their admissions criteria to include a broader range of factors that reflect a student’s character, values, and personal accomplishments. In this article, we’ll explore some of the additional requirements to get into top colleges besides grades which are becoming increasingly significant in the admission process.

Here Are The 8 Additional Requirements To Get Into Top Colleges Besides Grades:

1. Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities has always been looked at and valued by admissions officers as an indication of a student’s interests, passions, and leadership abilities. Top schools look for applicants who have made meaningful contributions to their school or community through involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or artistic pursuits. These experiences not only showcase a student’s talents and interests but also provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and leadership development outside the classroom. Playing an instrument, studying a foreign language, enrolling in a course, and engaging in professional pursuits like theatre, fashion, dance, photography, and graphic design are a few examples of these extracurricular activities.

2. Letter Of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from teachers, counsellors, coaches, employers, or mentors can provide valuable insights into a student’s character, work ethic, academic potential, and personal qualities. The panel interviewing you pays close attention to the content and tone of these letters, looking for evidence of a student’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, initiative and integrity. Strong letters of recommendation can help differentiate an applicant from their peers and provide additional context to their academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

3. Standardized Test Scores: Many universities worldwide, including prominent institutions in India like Flame University, Ashoka University, and Vijayabhoomi University, etc require standardized test scores such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing) as part of their admissions process. These scores hold significant weight in admissions decisions. For example, Indian universities typically look for SAT scores above 1060 or 1200. Conversely, international institutions like Howard University expect higher SAT scores, ranging between 730-780 in Reading and Writing and 760-800 in Math. At elite universities such as Yale, the average SAT score is around 1540 out of a maximum of 1600. Similarly, the ACT scores, which range from 1 to 36, also play a crucial role and can influence the awarding of merit-based scholarships to students.

4. Internship Opportunities: It is important to understand that taking up an internship can help you gain practical and hands-on experience in the field that you have applied for. Internship opportunities play a crucial role in the admission process of top universities for several reasons. Firstly, internships offer students practical experience in their chosen field, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and gain valuable skills. Secondly, internships provide students with networking opportunities, allowing them to establish connections with professionals in their industry and potentially secure strong letters of recommendation. Universities often value applicants who have demonstrated a proactive approach to learning and commitment to their chosen field through internships, as they showcase creativity, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond academic requirements.

5. Essays And Personal Statements:  While applying to colleges or top universities, applicants are asked to submit personal essays or statements where they can showcase their personality, experiences, values, and aspirations. These essays allow admissions officers to get an understanding of the applicant beyond their academic record. While writing these personal statements make sure that you portray your authentic self and be honest while doing so. Reflect on your journey, highlighting experiences that shaped you. Be specific and concrete, using examples to illustrate your points and connect with each institution by showcasing why you’re a good fit. You can create a journal with all your achievements or create a website that highlights all of your work with photographs. You may also include any media coverage or press mentions you have received for your outstanding work or achievements.

6. Develop Leadership Skills: It is important to develop leadership skills and to develop these skills, one must start with self-awareness, and understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. Some important leadership skills involve problem-solving, decision-making abilities, time management, creativity and emotional intelligence. Therefore, leadership is not just a title or position; rather, it’s a mindset and a set of skills that can be developed and improved with time. For this reason, you must lead by example, exhibiting integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. This will improve your chances of admission while also positioning yourself for success in your academic and professional endeavours.

7. Align With The University Values: Top schools often seek students who align with their institutional values, mission, and culture. They look for individuals who will not only thrive academically but also contribute positively to the campus community. This allows students to stand amongst other applicants and helps them stay in the mind of the officer who interviewed them. While doing so, be sure to review the admission policies regularly and stay updated on the most recent developments, academic changes, or triumphs at the university to which you have applied. 

8. Impact Through Creative Initiatives: Many top schools and universities value applicants who have exhibited creativity and made a positive impact in their school or community. Whether through starting a club, organizing a community service project, launching a business venture, or conducting independent research, students who have taken the initiative to pursue their passions and make a difference stand out in the admissions process. Thus, admissions officers look for applications that show leadership, innovation, and impact in other areas of life, highlighting their ability to bring about change and contribute to the greater good in their chosen field.

In conclusion, while schools or universities evaluate applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities, top schools also recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in their student body. They actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to foster a rich and dynamic learning environment. Furthermore, top schools often value applicants who demonstrate a genuine passion for learning, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. By considering a wide range of factors beyond just grades, these institutions aim to cultivate a community of scholars who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the campus community and beyond.