10 Things Top Colleges Want to See in Your Student
FREE LIVE WEBINAR
October 8, 2026 | 5 PM PT
Ford T.
Former Admissions Officer at Johns Hopkins University
5,000+ Applications Read
Help your child understand what top colleges are really looking for and build those qualities into a stronger application.
Ford T.
Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer
5,000+ Applications Read
of our recent students gained acceptance to a top 100 school
satisfaction rating from 400+ reviews on TrustPilot
students and parents served with admissions guidance
Top colleges are not looking for one perfect type of student. They’re looking for specific qualities that show how your child thinks, contributes, grows, and could add value to their campus.
Drawing on his experience reviewing 1,200+ applicants annually at Johns Hopkins, Ford will break down 10 things selective colleges want to see and how students can demonstrate them throughout their application.
Know what matters beyond strong grades
Understand the qualities admissions officers look for once academic performance alone is no longer enough to differentiate applicants.
Build experiences with purpose
Learn how initiative, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and meaningful impact can strengthen your child’s profile over time.
Show the person behind the accomplishments
See how essays and activities can communicate character, motivations, and values instead of simply presenting a list of achievements.
Identify opportunities to strengthen their application
Get a clearer lens for recognizing what your child already demonstrates and where there may still be room to grow before application season.
College Counselor
Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer | 5,000+ Applications Reviewed
Ford T.
Meet Your Host
Ford brings over 5 years of experience in admissions at Johns Hopkins University, where he supported 1,200+ applicants annually from the Pacific Northwest and Canada. As a committee member and Assistant Director, he led scholarship selection, revamped the reading process, and launched a Humanities Overnight Program. He holds a BA in Theater from the University of Mary Washington and has helped students gain admission to top schools including NYU, Duke, JHU, Georgetown, and the UCs—specializing in STEM and CS applicants.
In this session, Ford will reveal 10 qualities top colleges look for and how admissions officers recognize them in an application. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your child’s strengths and where they can focus their efforts before applying.
College Counselor
Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer
5,000+ Applications Reviewed
About 60 minutes, including the live Q&A.