Character Counts
The Child Behind the Numbers
You've raised your child to be honest, sensitive, generous, hardworking and interesting. Now you’re wondering if that counts at all when it comes time to apply to college.
While there is no denying that your child's numbers — grades and test scores — are very important, it's also true that most colleges take into consideration the person behind those numbers. So, don't worry — your child's personality and strong character do make a difference.
Character Is Important to Colleges
Colleges are interested in students who have something to bring to their campuses and their communities. Here are some of the personal characteristics that colleges are looking for in their students:
Bucknell University says on its website that the college seeks “dynamic, well-rounded students” who “embrace challenge” and “ask provocative questions.” Along with academic achievements, the site lists “evidence of significant talent or ability,” “personal character” and “a willingness to take risks and tenacity” as qualities that admission officers consider.
The State University of New York at Albany website assures applicants, “We know that you're more than a grade point average and a test score.” The college has no minimum score requirements for admission, and recognizes “special talents and interests outside the classroom as well as in it.” The “potential for leadership” and “extracurricular interests” are among the factors that the college considers when evaluating students.
Swarthmore College describes its policy on choosing among applicants:
The task is to choose those who give promise of distinction in the quality of their personal lives, in service to the community, or in leadership in their chosen fields.
A “strength of character, promise of growth, initiative, seriousness of purpose, distinction in personal and extracurricular interests, and a sense of social responsibility” are some of the qualities that the college looks for.
Harvard College says that applicants can distinguish themselves in several ways:
Many are "well rounded" and have contributed in various ways to the lives of their schools or communities. Others are "well lopsided" with demonstrated excellence in a particular endeavor — academic, extracurricular or otherwise. Still others bring perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances or experiences.
The college looks for additional traits, including “enthusiasm, creativity and strength of character."
Trinity College strongly emphasizes that the college looks for qualities such as “honesty, fairness, compassion, altruism, leadership and initiative in their high school years” as well as academic achievement. Trinity also states:
We seek candidates who demonstrate a willingness to take an interest in the lives and welfare of others or to place themselves in situations that call for personal initiative and leadership.
Evidence of Character
Academic achievements are determined with grades and test scores, but qualities like character and personality are not as easy to measure. Here are some of the ways college admission officers assess an applicant's character:
Extracurricular activities: What your child does while not in school is an important measure of character and personality. To learn who your child is, some applications go into some depth with questions about how your child spends time. The number of activities is not nearly as important as what your child gets out of participating in each. The admission officers are looking for your child’s ability to express in writing the learning and growth achieved as a result of participation.
Summer jobs and activities: Your child’s summer experiences, including jobs, give a college insight into character. What your child specifically chooses to do is not nearly as valuable as the learning gained from the experience. Pumping gas can be as interesting and character-building as attending a prestigious summer learning program. It's all about how your child describes the learning experience.
College essay: The college essay provides an opportunity for your child to show individuality. This is the chance for students to truly express their personality — and show that they are someone worth having at that college.
Letters of recommendation: Recommendation letters can speak volumes about the kind of person your child is. A teacher who knows your child well can give insight not just about your child's learning style, but about leadership qualities your child shows in the classroom.
