Understanding what

Admission Committees are Looking For

When you’re applying to colleges it’s important to understand what the admissions committee is looking for. I discussed this with two individuals who are on the college admissions committee for their respective universities in my most recent Coffee with Kim. Click here to watch the video in its entirety. 

For now, I want to discuss what admissions committees are looking for other than your GPA or class rank. They’re going to look at your curriculum choices and activities and here’s why:

CURRICULUM CHOICES

  • This is very important for colleges because a GPA alone doesn’t tell you too much, but curriculum choices give them a clear idea of the level of course work. 
  • They are looking for the student’s highest level of proficiency (honors & AP). 
  • They’ll also consider credits that are transferring in for students when they take college level courses in high school. 

ACTIVITIES

  • Colleges like to see students submit their resumes with additional information. 
  • Most universities look for well rounded students that are involved academically and socially.

These are just two aspects of the college application that are used to determine if you will be accepted to that college. They also look at your high school profile, the majors you’re interested in and your personal characteristics. To hear a deeper discussion on these topics and more watch the entire discussion with the admissions committee reps here!

Let Stodghill College Consulting be your partner in this journey. 

Unsure about the process or what you need?

Let’s set up an intake session to evaluate and determine what is needed to help your student in the college planning process. 

What people are saying about us…

“I’ve worked with Kim for the past five years in helping students gain admission to their dream colleges and universities, and I’ve always found Kim to be a deeply knowledgeable and compassionate counselor. She has a knack for understanding precisely what each of her students needs to succeed, and she goes the extra mile to help her students achieve their college admission goals.”

~ Al Benthall | Benthall Test Prep

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“My twins started working with Kim the start of their junior year. What impressed me most was her ability to immediately pick up on their differences and create specific plans for both on their college choices. I was also comforted with Kim’s ability to provide critical information during the middle of a pandemic via her “Coffee with Kim” sessions.”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“With nearly 20 years of experience in the admissions process and being on all sides of it–-from high school guidance, to private guidance, to behind closed doors reading applications––Kim is the person you want with your student during their college process. As parents, my husband and I felt completely comfortable taking our hands off the “admissions wheel” and had full confidence our daughter was submitting strong applications to colleges that fit her to a tee.”

~– Rachelle McClintock, Class of 2021 Parent

“Mrs. Stodghill was my college guidance counselor throughout my high school career, and I could not have asked for a better one! I am a first generation college student, so going into the process of applying to colleges I was unsure and afraid. Mrs. Stodghill welcomed me with open arms, seeing my potential and inspiring me to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. She carefully critiqued essay after essay, gave me her full attention during meetings, and answered every question I had to the best of her ability. It is truly evident that she has a passion for helping students succeed and loves her work more than anything. I am now able to attend the college of my dreams and feel more prepared than ever.”

~Emma, Class of 2020, Wofford College

“My son and I first met with Kim Stodghill in May of his Junior year of high school. At the initial meeting Kim asked excellent questions, was a great listener, offered helpful guidance and established a trusting rapport with my son. Having gone through the college search process with an older child, what my family valued most was allowing the child to own and guide the process. I knew from the initial meeting that Kim would be a great fit for us, and from there on out, I confidently stepped away! Kim provided a clear path forward with timelines and reminders along the way, supplemented by regular face-to-face meetings and positive encouragement. Kim puts the student and their goals in the center of the process, fully aware of their responsibilities and the independent thinking required to make good decisions for their future. In the end, my son felt very good about the fact that he researched, visited and applied to multiple schools and stayed ahead of all of the deadlines while managing his senior year academics and a varsity sport.”

~ Class of 2020 Parent, UNC