<p>I'm sorry if this is a broad topic, but I'm not exactly sure what colleges are looking for, and what it's necessary for me to do in order to get a very good higher education. Right now I'm a straight-A freshman in the International Baccalaureate Program. What is it exactly that colleges are looking for? (Undoubtedly, it varies from place to place, but what are the basics?) Thank you everyone! :I</p>
<p>Why don’t you go to a selection of “top” colleges’ websites and read what they say? Their admissions pages spell it out comprehensively. That’s a good starting point.</p>
<p>Most say take the hardest program of courses available at your school, and do reasonably well. A B on an AP class is better than an A on a regular class.</p>
<p>Show some enthusiasm about a topic you want to study, and show you understand what that field of study entails.</p>
<p>Show leadership on at least a couple extra-curriculars, and show that you achieved results, as opposed to just joining lots of different clubs. </p>
<p>Think about your essays carefully for weeks before you write them. Re-write and edit them before you submit.</p>
<p>Develop a good relationship with a couple teachers who you would like to ask for recommendations. Give them plenty of time to write them. Try to choose teachers in a core academic subject, preferably from your junior year.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone! Does anybody else have any input, please?</p>