College and Academic Advising Newsletter - February 2026

Dear Parents,

How do colleges decide which students to accept? This is a question that parents often ask, and it is a good one. However, the answer is not straightforward. To try and provide some clear and actionable information for students and parents in response to this question, I presented in January on the top five qualities that colleges want in an applicant. Below is a brief summary of the information presented; you may also listen to that presentation in its entirety here. 

Top 5 Qualities Colleges Want in an Applicant

Quality 1: Commitment to Academics

Why it matters: According to higher education research, a student’s transcript remains the most consistent academic factor when assessing a student’s college preparedness. Transcripts are not, however, just distilled down to a student’s GPA or courses taken. Instead, colleges view the transcript as a dynamic document that can provide information about a student’s academic rigor and interests. 

What students can do: Bear Creek students should seek out course advising prior to class enrollment. As advisors, Ayoleida Paramo and I can help guide students on not only what classes are available but also how to pursue academic passions and maintain a balanced schedule.

Quality 2: Focused Extracurricular Activities 

Why it matters: Colleges want to admit individuals who will not only be excellent students but also engaged community members. I often tell students that colleges are asking the question, how will this student contribute and enrich our current campus culture? There is no right answer to the “how,” but it remains critical that a college can identify where a student has dedicated his or her time outside of the classroom. 

What students can do: Bear Creek provides so many opportunities for students to get involved with the community. Students should seek out clubs or activities or sports that appeal to them and commit. Colleges would prefer to see a student invest deeply in a few key areas rather than shallowly invest in a multitude of activities.

Quality 3: The Good Roommate Test (Character)

Why it matters: Research indicates that character traits such as conscientiousness are strong predictors of college success. As one college admissions professional told me, “It is important to admit students who can appropriately discuss their feelings and emotions, or they will be like an ostrich. We actually refer to them that way—sticking their head in the sand.” College is not just about attending class or joining a club, it is about being a member of a larger community, and colleges want to admit students of character who will be positive contributors to that culture. 

What students can do: As a Christian school, Bear Creek also reinforces the value of virtue in all students. It is critical that students continue to be open to spiritual and virtue formation, working hard to be kind and respectful community members throughout high school, as this will be reflected throughout the college application process.

Quality 4: Demonstrated Interest

Why it matters: Colleges want students who understand and are interested in their mission and program. According to higher education research, about one quarter of all colleges explicitly factor demonstrated interest into a decision, and over eighty percent indicate that it is a notable factor in the admissions process. Colleges want to admit students who want to enroll. Often, this means the college is tracking how much interaction a student has had with their campus and community via in person or virtual communication touchpoints. 

What students can do: Each year, over one hundred colleges visit Bear Creek, and we strongly encourage students to attend some of these visits. Not only do they provide valuable information for students about different types of colleges, but they also are a clear way for students to demonstrate interest in a specific institution.

Quality 5: Alignment with Institutional Mission and Goals

Why it matters: Colleges often have institutional priorities, which may include factors that influence the admissions process. For example, does a college value family legacy, athletic recruitment, or access for first generation college students? These questions (and many more) are likely to guide which students a college admits. Additionally, colleges often have a feel for the profile of their ideal student—are they an environmentalist, a humanitarian, a student-athlete, an artist, an organizer, a religious scholar? Although no college is looking for only one type of student, these types of profiles may influence who is a good fit for a particular program. 

What students can do: Many of these factors are outside of a student's control, but by finding a best-fit college, students increase the likelihood of mission alignment.

Concluding Thoughts

It is impossible to boil down the entire college admissions review process, but I hope this provides some helpful guidance as a starting point. At Bear Creek we believe that God has a beautiful plan for each student and, as Proverbs 3 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Right now, one of the most helpful things that students can do is to meet with Ayoleida Paramo or me. We can help partner with you to ensure students have a great plan for next year and beyond. 

Course Selection

Rising Sophomore and Junior Advising

The 2026 – 2027 course preferencing window will be Tuesday, March 3, through Tuesday, March 10. As students begin to consider course selection for next year, Ayoleida and I are offering one-on-one advising meetings with students to help them prepare for selecting next year's courses. Even if your child has a good idea of the courses he or she wants to take, we still encourage students to book a short check-in appointment. All students have been given access to these links via Teams, and we encourage you to support them in booking a session. Parents are always welcome to attend these appointments as well. 

• Freshmen may book an appointment
• Sophomores may book an appointment

Rising Senior Advising

Before booking a one-on-one advising appointment, juniors must first complete the College Advising Student Questionnaire. A link for booking an advising appointment is provided on the final confirmation page after the survey is submitted.

Parents of juniors, please complete the College Advising Parent Questionnaire to share important information that will help me guide your child through the college application process.

Advising Event Recordings

If you missed our Academic Advising Extravaganza event in January, you may review the recordings.

• Grade 8: Starting Strong, An Overview of Freshman Year Course Selection 
• Grade 9: Completing Your High School 4-Year Plan (link will be available soon)
• Grade 10: Academic and College Advising for Sophomores
• Grade 11: College Knowledge for Juniors and Parents

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend these informative events and heed the upcoming deadlines. All these events and deadlines are listed on the School Calendar and in The Bear Facts each week where you can click the event title to learn more about each one.

• March 3: Course Preferencing opens
• March 10: Course Preferencing due 
• March 13: Grade 10 Pre-ACT
• March 16: Mid-semester late work deadline
• March 18: Withdrawal deadline
• March 18: SAT School Day (juniors must register online by Friday, February 20)
• March 24: Executive Functioning Skills for Success in College and Beyond

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Ayoleida (aparamo@tbcs.org).

Best,

Katie Gomulkiewicz '13
Dean of College and Academic Advising
kgomulkiewicz@tbcs.org