Academic strength is the first consideration in evaluating any candidate.
The Committee then weighs such qualities as motivation, curiosity, energy, leadership ability, and distinctive talents. Diversity within the student body is important as well, and the Committee works very hard to select a class of able achievers from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible. The ultimate goal is the creation of a well rounded freshman class, one that includes not only well-rounded individuals but also students of narrower focus whose achievements are judged exceptional. Evidence of academic strength is indicated by grades, standardized test scores, and evaluations by a counselor and two teachers. While there is no hard and fast rule, it is safe to say that performance is relatively more important than testing.