Niche - College profiles & reviews

The Niche app offers detailed profiles of every college across America, allowing you to explore both familiar institutions and those you have yet to learn about. Through Niche, you can access student and alumni feedback, receive tailored college suggestions, pursue scholarship opportunities, and much more.

FEATURES

• Comprehensive college profiles: Discover nearly 7,000 college profiles that provide information on tuition, financial aid options, admissions criteria, campus life, and additional aspects. You can also read evaluations from current students and alumni.

• Tailored recommendations: As you begin using the app, we will generate customized lists of colleges that align with your preferences and interests.

• My List: While you're reviewing your choices, you can bookmark your favorite colleges. The more schools you select, the better our recommendations will be for you.

• Scholarship search: Search and apply for college scholarships based on categories or get directly matched with scholarships suited to your qualifications.

• College rankings: Investigate rankings of colleges by state, major, student experience, and beyond. Whether you seek a liberal arts institution, public university, or top nursing school, Niche rankings provide a valuable starting point in your search for the ideal college.

• Expert tips and advice: Check out the Niche Blog for articles covering various topics, such as college admissions, navigating college life, and what to expect after graduation.

WHAT SETS NICHE APART?

Quality data

• Niche compiles the most extensive data sets on U.S. colleges into a single source. We continuously refresh and connect millions of data points to offer new rankings and insights.

Honest reviews

• From its inception, Niche has been dedicated to providing users with authentic representations of life at colleges and schools. You can read genuine accounts of personal experiences to gain an understanding of what attending a specific college might entail.

What Colleges Look for (That’s Not Just GPA)

Many students believe GPA is the deciding factor in college admissions — but the truth is, colleges look for much more. Yes, GPA matters, but admissions officers also want to understand you as a person. They’re looking for your passions, character, leadership, community involvement, and how well-rounded you are. Ultimately, colleges want to see if you’ll be a good fit for their campus.

Beyond GPA: What Colleges Really Consider

Standardized Test Scores (When Required)

Some colleges still use SAT/ACT scores to gauge academic readiness. The average ACT score is 19.5, and the average SAT score is around 1050.

But here’s the key: test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions officers know standardized tests don’t show creativity, perseverance, or leadership. Instead, they use scores alongside your experiences and character to get a fuller picture of your potential.

Source: ACT Average Scores 

Source: SAT Average Scores

Course Rigor

Colleges aren’t just looking at your grades—they care deeply about the rigor and type of classes you choose to take. Opting for advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses signals to admissions committees that you are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to push yourself academically.

So choose wisely!

This choice goes beyond just a higher GPA; it highlights crucial qualities like your discipline to handle more demanding material, your time management skills in balancing a heavier workload, and your resilience in navigating complex subjects. These are all key attributes that predict success in the demanding environment of college-level academics, demonstrating your readiness for the intellectual rigor ahead.

Extracurricular Activities

What you do outside the classroom matters just as much as what you do inside it. Colleges want to see your impact, passions, and how you contribute to your community.

This includes:

Joining clubs and organizations

Taking on leadership roles

Volunteering or service work (tutoring, food banks, charity events, clean-ups, etc.)

Extracurriculars are more than just line items on your application; they vividly demonstrate key qualities like initiative, teamwork, empathy, and effective time management.

They offer a window into your character, showing admissions officers precisely how you’ll actively engage with their campus community and make a meaningful impact that extends far beyond your academic performance. These activities signal your potential to enrich university life, showcasing your passion, leadership capabilities, and commitment to collective success.

Admission Essays

Your essay is your chance to tell your story. While it may sound easy, writing about yourself can actually be one of the hardest parts of the application.

The key is authenticity. Share challenges and how you overcame them — whether personal struggles, loss, or financial hardship. These stories highlight resilience and determination, qualities that colleges deeply value.

Source: Psychology Today on why writing about yourself is hard

Letters of Recommendation

Strong recommendation letters provide context that grades can’t. They show admissions officers your character, curiosity, and how you interact with others.

Choose recommenders (teachers, mentors, supervisors) who know you well and can give specific examples of your strengths. A thoughtful letter reinforces your application and helps colleges see why you’d be a valuable addition to their community.

Demonstrated Interest

Colleges really want to see that you’re genuinely interested in attending their institution—it’s something I wish someone had told me sooner. What I learned later is that they meticulously track what they call “demonstrated interest.” This includes a surprising array of activities, from how many virtual information sessions or campus tours you attend to the frequency and thoughtfulness of your emails to admissions counselors.

Even a brief, memorable conversation at a college fair can be logged as a point of engagement. They use these touchpoints to gauge how serious you are about their school, which can ultimately play a role in admissions decisions.

Ways to show interest include:

Attending campus tours and information sessions

Engaging with the school on social media

Talking with current students, faculty, or staff

Asking thoughtful questions during events

Demonstrated interest tells colleges that you’re invested, proactive, and already imagining yourself on campus.

Conclusion

Your GPA is important, but it’s just one piece of the admissions puzzle. Colleges want to see the person behind the numbers — your story, passions, and the impact you’ve made.

Build a balanced application: strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, leadership, and authentic experiences that reflect who you are. Don’t pad your resume with things you don’t care about — focus on what excites you.

Every challenge you’ve faced, every leadership role, and every way you’ve contributed to your community helps colleges see your unique potential.

Remember: Colleges don’t just want your grades. They want you.