Help Parents' Guide to College Planning for Gifted Kids Sandra Berger, M.Ed. What Colleges Look For Many gifted teens are drawn to the most competitive schools, those that receive more than 20 applications for every freshman vacancy. The way your teen addresses the application process will be critical. It's his job to help the college recognize him as a match. Depth of study in areas like foreign languages and math.
Recent performance is the most important indicator of ability and motivation.
All parts should equal the whole. If your child is not a good test-taker, avoid colleges that do this or be sure test scores aren't so low that she'll be out of the running. Colleges look for students who share their time and talents with the community by helping others. Giving to the community tells admissions officers that your child will be an asset to the college and will, more than likely, form a close, long-term attachment there. Teachers writing these all-important letters should be positive and point out the ways your child distinguishes himself from others.