A number of studies suggest a universal pattern for mate choice preferences in humans, with striking sex differences. Filling a gap in the study of mate choice, we identified relevant characteristics in potential mates during adolescence and assessed their level of importance. Our samples were made up of 467 Brazilian students, and by using an open questionnaire and a Likert scale, we observed sex differences and the assessments of the degree of importance for some factors. However, similarities between the sexes also emerged in our analysis. The use of an open questionnaire allowed us to update the list of traits considered important by adolescents during mate choice, as well as to adapt the instrument that evaluates the importance of these traits to the vocabulary and preferences of adolescents, thus contributing to the understanding of adolescent reproductive behavior.