College admissions in America is a holistic process that seeks to evaluate the academic, extracurricular, and personal qualities of each applicant.  While the application itself typically is submitted in the beginning of an applicant’s senior year, assessment of applicants begins as early as grade 9.  Below is a chart (in English) of the principal areas assessed in applicants to an American University.

The principal areas of assessment are as follows:

1. High School Grades (Transcripts, grades 9-12)
2. Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT/AP/IB/TOEFL)
3. College Application Essays and Activities
4. Alumnus/a Interviews
5. Teacher and Counselor Recommendations
6. Portfolio (optional, unless applying for arts school)