Ever wonder about the different tape measures that college admissions officers use to determine who gets the thick envelope? The Independent Educational Consultants Association just released a survey that lists the top ten strengths and experiences that colleges look for in high school students.

“The pure quantity, not to mention quality, of college applicants in the past years has resulted in a changing admissions landscape,” notes Betsy Morgan, founder of College Matters in Madison, who’s also an IECA member.

While number one on this year’s list remains a rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student, and number two is grades that represent a strong effort and upward trend, schools are placing more value on the SATs and college essays.

“Standardized test scores have reemerged as the baseline that larger colleges and universities use to eliminate applicants whose scores are too low,” the 2006-2007 IECA survey concluded.

“ Schools are now trying to separate the wheat from the wheat. That is where things like standardized testing can come in. But, don't be fooled.  Just having stellar SATs is not the ticket to a fat envelope.

“What families have to remember is that it is a very holistic process,” said Morgan. “As long as I can remember, the high school transcript, with both a rigorous curriculum and strong grades, has been number one, but all the other areas fluctuate in importance.”

So let’s get to the list:

1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
5. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
6. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
8. Demonstrated enthusiasm, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.
9. Out of school experiences, including work and community service that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
10. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school and leisure pursuits, and more.

I’d put an asterisk after the business of low grades in tough courses are preferred to all As in easier courses. While there’s more truth to that than not, I know of an extraordinarily accomplished young lady who earned a C in a highly challenging class at an exceptional prep school last year. And that C (the only grade less than an A- in her high school career) led to her being waitlisted at her first choice.

While she eventually got in, I’d encourage you not to take an upper level course if it’s likely to make you nuts and result in a C. A low grade could prove to be the stain that mars an otherwise superior transcript; we’re back to separating the wheat from the wheat.

“I have been a contributor to this list for many years,” Morgan said, “and it is fascinating how it swings, like a pendulum.

“My advice: Never do anything just for college.  It is the students who are learning because they are curious and are involved in things that they are passionate about that are the most successful.”

I quite agree. Do it because you love it, not because you think it will look smart on a transcript, and things are more likely to go your way.