What DOES NOT MATTER in college admissions

Originally published: April 2023

If I asked you to rattle off all the things you thought mattered in college admissions, you could probably name a fair amount, like:

• High school grades

• Test scores

• Activities / Extracurriculars

• College essays

etc. etc. etc.

But equally important are the things that don't matter.  

Why? Because time is a finite resource.

A high schooler only has 24 hours in a day, just like all of us.

And they should be sleeping for a minimum of 8 of those...

They'll be in high school for another ~8 of those...

Which leaves only 8 daily hours left.

Toss on sports, extracurriculars, homework, dinner with the family...

And you can see why all of a sudden it's critical to know not just what matters in college admissions...

But also what DOES NOT MATTER AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD BE IGNORED...so a high schooler can actually, maybe, enjoy? their high school experience while ALSO making progress towards collegiate goals?!

Gasp, I know.

But it is possible. I promise.  A high schooler CAN have a stress-free, enjoyable, AMAZING high school experience...and also get into the college of their dreams...

But they've got to start eliminating things that don't matter...to make room for the select few that DO.

Watch: What DOES NOT MATTER in college admissions
Time: 10 minutes, 10 seconds
For: Parents of 9th, 10th, and early-11th graders

To your college planning success,
Jack Delehey
Founder, CollegeConsulting.us

P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny.  Seriously.  College admissions isn't rocket science...but it is a science.  And we've cracked the code...year, after year, after year.  You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.

P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!"  The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).