You are a 11th grade student in kent WA and you are planning to go to Univeristy of Washington after you graduate what should you be focusing on and what will the university people look in at you?

Answer 1

University admissions look at: -Grades (high school transcript)

-Test scores (SAT, PSAT, etc.)

-Classes taken (did you take Advanced Placement, or did you just ace the easy electives)

-Extracurricular and community involvement (do you demonstrate leadership and initiative, by volunteering somewhere, heading an organization, or participating in clubs)

-Facebook and MySpace (it is becoming more common for admissions officers to scope out applicants on social networking sites, so make sure that the way you are presenting yourself is the way you want the university to see you; don't post pictures of yourself drinking, or comments about how much you hate school)

-Recommendations (did you make a special impression on a teacher or administrator, but being interested and involved in a class or school activities)

-Writing sample (a well written or creative writing sample can go a long way if you are lacking in other scholastic areas; conversely, your stellar GPA won't mean crap if you can't write by your senior year in high school; more and more states are requiring university students in all degree plans to take multiple classes with "significant writing components;" writing is important, so learn how to spell university)

Generally, if you are lacking in one of these areas, you can make up for it in another. If you have a low SAT score, make sure you are taking AP classes and/or volunteering somewhere. Also, visit your high school guidance counselor. They are supposed to be there to help answer these kinds of questions. Finally, don't slack in the last two years of high school, if you want to keep all of your college options open.