What are colleges looking for this year as they get ready to accept applications for the freshman class of 2013? According to The Independent Educational Consultant’s Association, a national association of independent college counselors, there are 10 top strengths and experiences that colleges look for. 1 — A high school transcript that shows an academically challenging curriculum. Colleges look for students who are not afraid to take on a challenge, and that includes honors or advanced placement courses. The University of California campuses have a list of all classes offered at each high school and look to see that prospective …