In this episode of The College Prep Podcast, hosts Megan and Erin tackle a question that causes a great deal of stress and confusion for students and parents alike: What do colleges really want from applicants? Moving beyond myths about perfect GPAs, nonstop leadership titles, and extreme extracurriculars, they explain how colleges evaluate students across a wide range of institutions, from community colleges to highly selective universities.

Megan and Erin break down the key factors colleges consider, including a student’s ability to handle academic rigor, how well an applicant aligns with a school’s institutional goals, and the ways students are likely to contribute to campus life. They discuss why transcripts matter more than just grades, how colleges think about fit, and why leadership and contribution look different for every student. The conversation also addresses less talked about realities of admissions, such as institutional priorities, rankings, financial considerations, yield, and the unavoidable role of chance in selective admissions.

The episode concludes with practical guidance on how families should use this information, especially when building a balanced college list. Megan and Erin emphasize focusing on mutual fit rather than prestige, understanding that rejection is not a personal failure, and choosing schools where students can both succeed academically and belong meaningfully.

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