<p>Dad2one – You mentioned Vanderbilt – here is a recent video of the director of admissions talking about their 2016 class. He stressed leadership as one important characteristic:
[Vanderbilt</a> Dean of Admissions on Class of 2016 - InsideVandy: News](<a href=“Inside Vandy: Vanderbilt University's student news source”>Inside Vandy: Vanderbilt University's student news source)</p>
<p>He also has a good video on admissions in general that is not very Vanderbilt-specific
[Insider’s</a> guide to admissions - YouTube](<a href=“Insider's guide to admissions - YouTube”>Insider's guide to admissions - YouTube)</p>
<p>But I also agree with compmom. It is early to stress about it or to make college admission to be the sole focus throughout high school.</p>