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Every college is different

And so are
you

Here are college-specific tips, advice, and guidance for applying to the nation’s top colleges, and how you can showcase your differences to stand out.

College-Specific Application Tips

  • Brown University is a highly selective and prestigious institution that considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants. Here are some of the key qualities that Brown looks for in successful applicants:

    Academic Excellence: Brown values academic excellence and looks for students who have a strong academic record. This includes challenging coursework, high grades, and high standardized test scores.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Brown values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Independent Thinking: Brown values students who are independent thinkers and have the ability to think critically and creatively. This includes a willingness to challenge assumptions and approach problems from new perspectives.

    Diversity and Inclusion: Brown values diversity and inclusion and looks for students who have a commitment to these values. This includes a demonstrated interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion.

    Extracurricular Activities: Brown values students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: Brown values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as integrity, resilience, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Overall, Brown is looking for students who are academically strong, intellectually curious, independent thinkers, committed to diversity and inclusion, involved in extracurricular activities, and possess personal qualities that align with the university's mission and values. If you are interested in applying to Brown, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase these qualities in your application materials.

  • Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, is a highly selective institution that values students who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for learning, and a commitment to scientific research. Here are some key factors that Caltech looks for in a successful applicant:

    Academic Excellence: Caltech is known for its rigorous curriculum, and the university values students who have excelled academically in challenging coursework. This includes high grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

    Passion for Science and Research: Caltech is a research-focused institution, and it values students who are passionate about science, engineering, and technology. The university looks for applicants who have pursued independent research projects or other scientific pursuits, and who have demonstrated a strong interest in scientific discovery.

    Innovation and Creativity: Caltech values innovation and creativity, and the university looks for applicants who have a track record of original thinking and problem-solving. This includes applicants who have pursued independent projects or who have developed innovative solutions to complex problems.

    Personal Qualities: Caltech values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to scientific discovery.

    Diversity: Caltech seeks to create a diverse and inclusive community of students, and it values applicants who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This includes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity.

    Essays: The essay is an important part of the application process at Caltech. The admissions committee looks for applicants who can write well and express themselves clearly and effectively. The essay is also an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality, passions, and unique perspective.

    Letters of Recommendation: Caltech looks for strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know the applicant well and can speak to their academic abilities, character, and achievements.

    Overall, if you are interested in applying to Caltech, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase your academic excellence, passion for science and research, creativity, and personal qualities. Additionally, it's important to write a compelling essay and secure strong letters of recommendation that can help you stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.

  • Item descriptionDartmouth College is a highly selective and prestigious institution that looks for a range of qualities in its applicants. Here are some of the key factors that Dartmouth considers when evaluating applicants:

    Academic Excellence: Dartmouth looks for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in challenging coursework. This includes high grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Dartmouth values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Extracurricular Activities: Dartmouth looks for students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: Dartmouth values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the college's mission and values. This includes qualities such as integrity, leadership, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Fit: Dartmouth looks for students who are a good fit for the college's academic programs and campus culture. This includes a demonstrated interest in the liberal arts, a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary study, and an appreciation for Dartmouth's unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure.

    Overall, Dartmouth is looking for students who have achieved academic excellence, are intellectually curious, are involved in extracurricular activities, possess personal qualities that align with the college's mission and values, and are a good fit for the college's academic programs and campus culture. If you are interested in applying to Dartmouth, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase these qualities in your application materials.

  • Duke University is a highly selective institution, and like other top universities, it seeks applicants who demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Here are some of the key factors that Duke considers when evaluating applicants:

    Academic Achievement: Duke looks for applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence in challenging coursework. This includes high grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Duke values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Extracurricular Activities: Duke looks for students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: Duke values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as leadership, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Diversity: Duke seeks to create a diverse and inclusive community of students, and it values applicants who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This includes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity.

    Fit: Duke also seeks applicants who are a good fit for the university and its academic programs. This includes factors such as a demonstrated interest in the university, alignment with the university's values and mission, and a desire to contribute to the university community.

    Overall, if you are interested in applying to Duke, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase your academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, involvement in extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and diversity. Additionally, it's important to demonstrate your fit with the university and its academic programs. This can be done through your application materials, such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.Item description

  • Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world, and it has a highly competitive admissions process. Here are some of the key factors that Harvard considers when evaluating applicants:

    Academic Excellence: Harvard looks for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in challenging coursework. This includes high grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Harvard values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Extracurricular Activities: Harvard looks for students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: Harvard values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as integrity, leadership, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Diversity: Harvard seeks to create a diverse and inclusive community of students, and it values applicants who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This includes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity.

    Overall, Harvard is looking for students who have achieved academic excellence, are intellectually curious, are involved in extracurricular activities, possess personal qualities that align with the university's mission and values, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive community. If you are interested in applying to Harvard, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase these qualities in your application materials.Item description

  • Johns Hopkins University is a highly selective institution that considers a range of factors when evaluating applicants. Here are some of the qualities that Johns Hopkins looks for in a successful applicant:

    Academic excellence: Johns Hopkins values students who have demonstrated a strong record of academic achievement in their high school coursework. This includes taking challenging classes, achieving high grades, and performing well on standardized tests.

    Research experience: Johns Hopkins is a research-intensive university and values students who have demonstrated a strong interest and aptitude for research. This may be demonstrated through research projects, internships, or other extracurricular activities related to the student's intended major.

    Leadership and community involvement: Johns Hopkins seeks students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and have demonstrated leadership skills. This may include participation in clubs or organizations, volunteer work, or activism.

    Diversity: Johns Hopkins is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and looks for applicants who come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This includes students from underrepresented groups, as well as those who have overcome significant challenges or barriers.

    Fit with the university: Finally, Johns Hopkins wants to admit students who will thrive at the university and contribute to its intellectual and social community. This includes students who are a good fit academically, socially, and culturally, and who have a clear sense of their goals and how Johns Hopkins can help them achieve those goals. Additionally, Johns Hopkins has a strong focus on community engagement and looks for students who are interested in contributing to the local community and beyond.Item description

  • MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world. To be successful in the admissions process at MIT, it's important to understand what the university is looking for in a successful applicant. Here are some of the key factors that MIT considers when evaluating applications:

    Strong Academic Record: MIT is known for its rigorous academic programs, and the university looks for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. This includes strong grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

    Passion for Science and Technology: MIT is a science and technology-focused institution, and the university is looking for students who are passionate about these fields. This includes demonstrated interest and achievements in areas like math, science, engineering, and computer science.

    Creativity and Innovation: MIT values students who are creative and innovative thinkers. This includes a demonstrated ability to think outside the box, solve complex problems, and develop new ideas and approaches.

    Leadership and Initiative: MIT values students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a strong sense of initiative. This includes involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, research projects, or other pursuits that demonstrate a willingness to take on challenges and make a positive impact.

    Strong Communication Skills: MIT values students who can communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. This includes strong writing skills, as well as the ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas in oral presentations and interviews.

    Fit with MIT's Culture and Values: MIT is looking for students who will thrive in the university's unique culture and community. This includes a commitment to collaboration, a willingness to take risks and embrace challenges, and a passion for using technology and science to make the world a better place.

    Overall, the admissions process at MIT is highly competitive, and the university is looking for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, a passion for science and technology, creativity and innovation, leadership skills, strong communication skills, and a fit with MIT's unique culture and values. If you are interested in applying to MIT, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase these qualities in your application materials.

  • New York University (NYU) is a highly selective institution that evaluates applicants based on a range of factors. Here are some of the qualities that NYU looks for in a successful applicant:

    Academic achievement: NYU places a strong emphasis on academic excellence and looks for students who have demonstrated a strong record of achievement in their high school coursework. This includes taking challenging classes, achieving high grades, and performing well on standardized tests.

    Intellectual curiosity: NYU values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This may be demonstrated through research projects, internships, or other extracurricular activities related to the student's intended major.

    Creative and artistic talent: NYU is known for its strong arts programs, and looks for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent in areas such as music, theater, or visual arts.

    Leadership and community involvement: NYU seeks students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and have demonstrated leadership skills. This may include participation in clubs or organizations, volunteer work, or activism.

    Diversity: NYU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and looks for applicants who come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This includes students from underrepresented groups, as well as those who have overcome significant challenges or barriers.

    Fit with the university: Finally, NYU wants to admit students who will thrive at the university and contribute to its intellectual and social community. This includes students who are a good fit academically, socially, and culturally, and who have a clear sense of their goals and how NYU can help them achieve those goals. Additionally, NYU has a strong focus on global education and looks for students who are interested in engaging with the world beyond their immediate surroundings.Item description

  • UC Berkeley, like many top universities, looks for a variety of qualities in its applicants. Here are some of the factors that Berkeley considers when reviewing applications:

    Academic achievement: Berkeley places a strong emphasis on academic excellence and looks for students who have challenged themselves by taking rigorous coursework, including honors, AP, and IB classes. Successful applicants typically have high grades and test scores, particularly in the subjects related to their intended major.

    Intellectual curiosity: Berkeley values students who are passionate about learning and have demonstrated a deep interest in their chosen field of study. This may be evidenced through research projects, academic competitions, or extracurricular activities related to their intended major.

    Leadership and community involvement: Berkeley seeks students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and have demonstrated leadership skills. This can include participation in clubs or organizations, volunteer work, or activism.

    Personal qualities: Berkeley looks for applicants who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a strong work ethic. They want students who are willing to take risks, overcome obstacles, and think outside the box.

    Diversity: Berkeley is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and looks for applicants who come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This includes students from underrepresented groups, as well as those who have overcome significant challenges or barriers.

    Fit with the university: Finally, Berkeley wants to admit students who will thrive at the university and contribute to its intellectual and social community. This includes students who are a good fit academically, socially, and culturally, and who have a clear sense of their goals and how Berkeley can help them achieve those goals.

  • The University of Chicago is a highly selective and prestigious institution that looks for a range of qualities in its applicants. Here are some of the key factors that the University of Chicago considers when evaluating applicants:

    Intellectual Curiosity: The University of Chicago values students who are intellectually curious and have a passion for learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Critical Thinking Skills: The University of Chicago values students who are able to think critically and approach problems from new perspectives. This includes a willingness to challenge assumptions and engage in rigorous academic inquiry.

    Writing Ability: The University of Chicago values students who have strong writing skills and are able to articulate their ideas clearly and concisely. This includes a demonstrated ability to write well-structured essays and research papers.

    Independent Thinking: The University of Chicago values students who are independent thinkers and have the ability to pursue their interests and passions. This includes a willingness to take risks and explore new areas of inquiry.

    Extracurricular Activities: The University of Chicago values students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: The University of Chicago values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as integrity, resilience, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Overall, the University of Chicago is looking for students who are intellectually curious, critical thinkers, strong writers, independent thinkers, involved in extracurricular activities, and possess personal qualities that align with the university's mission and values. If you are interested in applying to the University of Chicago, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase these qualities in your application materials.

  • Vanderbilt University is a highly selective institution that looks for a diverse range of qualities in its applicants. Here are some of the factors that Vanderbilt considers when evaluating applications:

    Academic achievement: Vanderbilt places a strong emphasis on academic excellence and looks for students who have challenged themselves by taking rigorous coursework, including honors, AP, and IB classes. Successful applicants typically have high grades and test scores, particularly in the subjects related to their intended major.

    Intellectual curiosity: Vanderbilt values students who are passionate about learning and have demonstrated a deep interest in their chosen field of study. This may be evidenced through research projects, academic competitions, or extracurricular activities related to their intended major.

    Leadership and community involvement: Vanderbilt seeks students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and have demonstrated leadership skills. This can include participation in clubs or organizations, volunteer work, or activism.

    Personal qualities: Vanderbilt looks for applicants who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a strong work ethic. They want students who are willing to take risks, overcome obstacles, and think outside the box.

    Diversity: Vanderbilt is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and looks for applicants who come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This includes students from underrepresented groups, as well as those who have overcome significant challenges or barriers.

    Fit with the university: Finally, Vanderbilt wants to admit students who will thrive at the university and contribute to its intellectual and social community. This includes students who are a good fit academically, socially, and culturally, and who have a clear sense of their goals and how Vanderbilt can help them achieve those goals. Additionally, Vanderbilt is known for its strong commitment to community service and social justice, so applicants who share those values may have an advantage in the admissions process.

  • Yale University is a highly selective institution that looks for applicants who demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Here are some of the key factors that Yale considers when evaluating applicants:

    Academic Excellence: Yale values students who have demonstrated academic excellence in challenging coursework. This includes high grades, challenging coursework, and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Yale seeks students who are intellectually curious and passionate about learning. This includes a demonstrated interest in pursuing knowledge and engaging in research or other academic pursuits.

    Extracurricular Activities: Yale looks for students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have a demonstrated record of leadership and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and development.

    Personal Qualities: Yale values students who possess personal qualities that are aligned with the university's mission and values. This includes qualities such as leadership, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.

    Diversity: Yale seeks to create a diverse and inclusive community of students, and it values applicants who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This includes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity.

    Essays: The essay is an important part of the application process at Yale. The admissions committee looks for applicants who can write well and express themselves clearly and effectively. The essay is also an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality, passions, and unique perspective.

    Recommendations: Yale looks for strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know the applicant well and can speak to their academic abilities, character, and achievements.

    Overall, if you are interested in applying to Yale, it's important to carefully consider how you can showcase your academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, involvement in extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and diversity. Additionally, it's important to write a compelling essay and secure strong letters of recommendation that can help you stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.Item description