The ACT: Reading the Admissions Committee's Mind - What Colleges Want

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The number one question that we're asked by our students is, "What do colleges want outta me?" We took that question to expert, Jill Q. Porter, M.S. or La Jolla, California.  An independent college counselor, Jill has helped thousands of students get into the schools that best meet their needs and fulfill their dreams.  She visits dozens of colleges every year, talks with the admission officers, and know what's important to them.  She's great at debunking some of the rumors that make the rounds.  Here are her answers to 11 of the most important questions a student recently posed in an interview.

What's the Number One Thing That Colleges Look For?

"Grades and level of coursework.  If you get straight A's but you take basket weaving and link picking, schools aren't going to be impressed .  If you take five solids, like physics, calculus, Spanish, history, and English lit, and get a few A's and B's, schools are going to very impressed.  It isn't just the grades but the difficulty level of the classes that's important."

How Important is the ACT, Really?

"The ACT is crucial.  Do you think the colleges would spend so much time and money separating students by their ACT scores if the schools didn't consider the scores important?' The colleges need to have some universal measure of skills, something that can put all students on an equal footing.  Some kids don't have the chance to take calculus in their high schools, or they go to schools that just plain don't offer AP (Advanced Placement) classes.  By having everyone take the same test, schools have a fairer and more equitable frame of reference."

Do Schools Care Whether I Repeat the ACT?

"The answer to this question depends on the college.  The very top-tier colleges don't expect you to take the ACT six or seven times and may be dubious if you do so. Twice is enough for the top schools.  Second-rung schools don't mind if you take the ACT three or four times.  Check directly with the individual school to find out its policy.

Can I Take the ACT Instead of the SAT I?

"Many schools in the Midwest accept ACT scores in lieu of the SAT I scores.  Other schools let you take both exams and evaluate both scores.  My suggestion is that you plan to take both exams. You want to keep your options open.  What if you suddenly decide you want to go to a different college, one you hadn't considered before?  by the time you realize you need an SAT score, it may be too late to take the test.  Automatically plan on taking both tests, if possible."

If I Mess Up Big-time on the ACT, What Can I Do to Compensate?

"Adjust your expectations.  Reality is the name of the game when it comes to college planning.  Although wed all love to go to Status U., most of us have to settle for less.  If you do very badly on the ACT and don't have time to take it again, there's nothing you can do but look at another school.  You always have the option of transferring after your first or second year.

"Keep in mind that schools do get last-minute openings.  Even if you think your ACT score absolutely disqualifies you from your Dream School, send in the application and try to get on a wait list. You never know how lucky you can get.