Factors in College Admission: 2007-2008
(see below chart for more information)

Rank	Factor	Link to more info	Considerable importance	Moderate importance	Limited /no importance
1	Grades in college prep courses*	Link	79.9%	14.4%	5.6%
2	Strength of curriculum*	Link	63.8	23.9	12.3
3	Test scores (SAT, ACT)**	Link	58.5	30.9	10.7
4	Grades in all courses*	Link	51.6	40.1	8.2
5	Essay or writing sample ‡	Link	25.8	37.9	36.3
6	Class rank*	Link	23.4	43.8	32.8
7	Student’s demonstrated interest ‡	Link	22.0	30.3	47.8
8	Counselor recommendation*	Link	21.1	40.4	38.5
9	Teacher recommendation*	Link	20.8	40.0	39.1
10	Interview ‡	Link	10.8	23.7	65.6
11	Subject test scores (AP, IB)**	Link	6.8	32.2	61.1
12	Extracurricular activities †	Link	6.5	45.7	47.9
13	SAT II scores**	Link	5.2	8.5	86.3
14	State graduation exam	Link	4.4	13.7	82.0
15	Work †	Link	1.9	24.2	74.0

* Note that factors 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 14 are directly related to academic performance in high school.  This is why your most important asset in applying to college is your high school transcript!

** Factors 3, 11, 13, and 14 are related to test scores.  An important caveat on the apparently low importance for subject test and SAT2 scores is that for highly selective schools (of which there are not many), these measures of performance can be very important.

† Factors 12 and 15 are related to what you do outside of school.  Their relative unimportance on this chart can be misleading, however. 

Most schools, especially selective ones, want students who have an active life outside the classroom, because they are trying to assemble an interesting and varied group of freshmen!  An application with no activities can be a liability. You don't need tons of activities -- just a few that you have shown commitment to over time. 

If you are managing to keep your grades up despite working 10-20 hours per week, this will be a plus.  If you are contributing to your family's income or saving for college, your dedication is even more impressive. 

‡ Items 5, 7, and 10 are related to the application itself.  In the current admissions climate, colleges are trying more than ever to assess a student's true interest in the college.  A well-written and thoughtful essay, an engaging interview, and other demonstrations of interest can be strong indicators of a student's intentions.    

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