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What makes you stand out in harder acceeptance colleges ?
what advice or goals should I set myself as a high school junior, who wants to attend a low acceptance rate college, what would make me stand out?
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7 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Melanie, love that you’re already thinking ahead—it’s a great mindset to have!
Now, getting into a competitive school? It’s not just about being "smart" (because let’s be real, everyone applying will be smart). It’s about standing out in a way that makes them think, We need this student on our campus.
First, push yourself academically—take the hardest classes you can handle, keep your GPA strong, and if SAT/ACT scores are required, make sure they reflect your best effort. But grades alone won’t cut it. Colleges want to see who you are beyond the classroom.
So, find your thing—whether it’s leading a club, starting a research project, coding an app, writing a blog, or launching a small business. Depth matters more than doing everything. Instead of 10 activities, go all in on 2-3 that really mean something to you. If there’s an issue you care about, do something about it—schools love students who take initiative.
Your essay is your golden ticket. This isn’t the place for a list of achievements—that’s what the rest of your application is for. Instead, tell a story that gives insight into you. Why do you do what you do? What’s a moment that changed how you see the world? Be real, be personal, and make them remember you.
Last thing—show interest in your dream schools. Attend virtual events, email a professor about their research, or ask admissions officers thoughtful questions. The more they see you engaging, the better.
You’ve got time, and you’re already thinking about this, which puts you at a great start. Just keep pushing, keep exploring, and go for it. You’ve got this, and know you got here backup if you ever need anything! 😎
Now, getting into a competitive school? It’s not just about being "smart" (because let’s be real, everyone applying will be smart). It’s about standing out in a way that makes them think, We need this student on our campus.
First, push yourself academically—take the hardest classes you can handle, keep your GPA strong, and if SAT/ACT scores are required, make sure they reflect your best effort. But grades alone won’t cut it. Colleges want to see who you are beyond the classroom.
So, find your thing—whether it’s leading a club, starting a research project, coding an app, writing a blog, or launching a small business. Depth matters more than doing everything. Instead of 10 activities, go all in on 2-3 that really mean something to you. If there’s an issue you care about, do something about it—schools love students who take initiative.
Your essay is your golden ticket. This isn’t the place for a list of achievements—that’s what the rest of your application is for. Instead, tell a story that gives insight into you. Why do you do what you do? What’s a moment that changed how you see the world? Be real, be personal, and make them remember you.
Last thing—show interest in your dream schools. Attend virtual events, email a professor about their research, or ask admissions officers thoughtful questions. The more they see you engaging, the better.
You’ve got time, and you’re already thinking about this, which puts you at a great start. Just keep pushing, keep exploring, and go for it. You’ve got this, and know you got here backup if you ever need anything! 😎
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Melanie you need to take the most rigorous coursework at your high school — and then some. Admissions officers at the nation’s top universities want to see that students are challenging themselves to the fullest. And also, keep in mind that in the age of online learning, other students can take coursework outside of their schools to distinguish themselves even from other applicants from their high schools. All the more you need excel in the most rigorous courses. There are enough applicants applying to America’s elite universities with perfect or near-perfect grades that a string of Bs will often prove a barrier to your entry. There are simply too many students with perfect GPAs in the most rigorous courses to choose from.
THIS IS NOT A TEST
Remember to include your top test scores on the SAT or ACT as well as AP exams. While most of America’s elite universities remain test optional, students with great test scores will always have an advantage over students with no test scores. Of course, you might get in without test scores, except your trying to stand out with the application committee with your scores. All else being equal, students with great scores will always enjoy an advantage over students with no scores.
OUTSTANDING EXTRACURRICULARS
Mack sure to position yourself with extracurriculars to showcase a singular hook rather than well-roundedness. America’s elite colleges don’t covet students who play two sports, a musical instrument, and perform community service on weekends. That kind of profile worked at elite schools in the 1970’s, but America’s elite colleges — for the past few decades — have sought to admit singularly talented students who together will form a well-rounded class (not to be confused with a well-rounded student). As such, several of your extracurriculars should demonstrate how a you hope to make a contribution to the world in a small but meaningful way.
PULITZER PRIZE ESSAY
College application essays are a great place to give admissions officers an idea of who you are as a person. Start brainstorming unique ways to showcase your personality or look back on a memorable moment from your life.When you’re ready to begin writing, take a deep breath and start typing. You can (and should) go back and revise (which is why it's best to start early). Essay editing and feedback can be an important part of the process when done correctly.
BE OMNI PRESENT
Stand out by demonstrating your interest through in-person visits, virtual visits, and Why College essays. While many colleges claim to not measure Demonstrated Interest, just about every highly selective university — with the exception of Harvard University — wants to know that a student wants to attend, and they want to know they wish to attend for the right reasons. It’s why so many colleges ask Why College essay prompts, prompts that should be filled with specific details that don’t apply to any school but there's.
DYNAMIC RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Students shouldn’t just ask their teachers and their counselor for letters of recommendation, because that’s how they end up with generic letters that don’t say much at all about them. Instead, they should share with their teachers anecdotes that showcase their intellectual curiosity in their classrooms. And for the counselor’s letter, it should be filled with anecdotes that showcase the student’s singular hook.
FLAWLESS ONLINE PRESENCE
Your online presence should be consistent with how you’ve presented yourself on your application. If there’s something you don’t want admissions officers to see, why is it online for the world to see? Admissions officers sometimes check social media. As such, students should curate any online content as though admissions officers are seeing it.
CONCLUSION
Admission to top colleges has been growing increasingly competitive. Every year, colleges receive more applications than the last, but are only able to accept roughly the same number of students. In the midst of thousands of competitive applications, complete with near-perfect GPA’s and test scores, it is critical that you provide admissions committee with compelling and unique application in order to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Most admissions offices at elite schools have only a few minutes to evaluate applications in their first round of consideration, so students need to take advantage of the time they have now to craft an application that will capture colleges’ attention. These applications are a your chance to authentically and effectively showcase your achievements and personality, and demonstrate to admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to their campus community.
Hope this was helpful Melanie
THIS IS NOT A TEST
Remember to include your top test scores on the SAT or ACT as well as AP exams. While most of America’s elite universities remain test optional, students with great test scores will always have an advantage over students with no test scores. Of course, you might get in without test scores, except your trying to stand out with the application committee with your scores. All else being equal, students with great scores will always enjoy an advantage over students with no scores.
OUTSTANDING EXTRACURRICULARS
Mack sure to position yourself with extracurriculars to showcase a singular hook rather than well-roundedness. America’s elite colleges don’t covet students who play two sports, a musical instrument, and perform community service on weekends. That kind of profile worked at elite schools in the 1970’s, but America’s elite colleges — for the past few decades — have sought to admit singularly talented students who together will form a well-rounded class (not to be confused with a well-rounded student). As such, several of your extracurriculars should demonstrate how a you hope to make a contribution to the world in a small but meaningful way.
PULITZER PRIZE ESSAY
College application essays are a great place to give admissions officers an idea of who you are as a person. Start brainstorming unique ways to showcase your personality or look back on a memorable moment from your life.When you’re ready to begin writing, take a deep breath and start typing. You can (and should) go back and revise (which is why it's best to start early). Essay editing and feedback can be an important part of the process when done correctly.
BE OMNI PRESENT
Stand out by demonstrating your interest through in-person visits, virtual visits, and Why College essays. While many colleges claim to not measure Demonstrated Interest, just about every highly selective university — with the exception of Harvard University — wants to know that a student wants to attend, and they want to know they wish to attend for the right reasons. It’s why so many colleges ask Why College essay prompts, prompts that should be filled with specific details that don’t apply to any school but there's.
DYNAMIC RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Students shouldn’t just ask their teachers and their counselor for letters of recommendation, because that’s how they end up with generic letters that don’t say much at all about them. Instead, they should share with their teachers anecdotes that showcase their intellectual curiosity in their classrooms. And for the counselor’s letter, it should be filled with anecdotes that showcase the student’s singular hook.
FLAWLESS ONLINE PRESENCE
Your online presence should be consistent with how you’ve presented yourself on your application. If there’s something you don’t want admissions officers to see, why is it online for the world to see? Admissions officers sometimes check social media. As such, students should curate any online content as though admissions officers are seeing it.
CONCLUSION
Admission to top colleges has been growing increasingly competitive. Every year, colleges receive more applications than the last, but are only able to accept roughly the same number of students. In the midst of thousands of competitive applications, complete with near-perfect GPA’s and test scores, it is critical that you provide admissions committee with compelling and unique application in order to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Most admissions offices at elite schools have only a few minutes to evaluate applications in their first round of consideration, so students need to take advantage of the time they have now to craft an application that will capture colleges’ attention. These applications are a your chance to authentically and effectively showcase your achievements and personality, and demonstrate to admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to their campus community.
Hope this was helpful Melanie
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
You need to be smart and pass your tests, but it's also important to be well-rounded. You can show this by volunteering, starting a non-profit, playing sports, studying music, or coaching kids. Show that you can make a positive impact in the world, along with doing other things. This will not only help you get into the college you want, but it will also help you grow into a more thoughtful and caring person.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
melanie
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
That’s a great goal! To stand out at competitive colleges, focus on challenging yourself academically and making an impact outside the classroom. Keep your GPA strong, take AP or honors classes, and aim for high SAT/ACT scores if required. But grades alone aren’t enough—colleges want to see what makes you unique. Get deeply involved in activities you’re passionate about—whether it’s leadership in a club, excelling in dance/cheer, or starting a personal project that shows initiative and creativity. Build strong relationships with teachers so they can write meaningful recommendations, and craft a personal, authentic essay that tells your story. Show interest in your dream schools by attending events or connecting with admissions officers. Most importantly, stay true to yourself—colleges want students who bring something special to their community!
Thank You Michelle.
Doc Frick
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hello Melanie!
1. Personally, I believe what would make you stand out more is the college essays you would have to write when applying to colleges! Other than doing extracurricular activities like clubs, your college essay is another chance to tell admission officers more about you! During your college essay, make sure to include your experiences, your thought process and how you overcame certain challenges that may be relevant to your goals. You could add some reflections within your essay reflecting on your overall journey. They want to hear how YOU as a person have grown over the years of highschool.
2. Extracurricular activities: You could participate in clubs, outside programs or be consistent with your hobbies! Even though you haven’t had a chance to join clubs, doesn’t mean you can’t include your hobbies as well on your application! How much time do you commit to things that you love?
3. Academic Grades/ SAT
If you aren’t confident in your SAT grades, try your best to maintain your GPA or improve it. The most important thing is to try your best! Don’t stress yourself too much over your grades and focus on what you need to work on.
Take things one step at a time! May your journey be a successful. Good Luck!
1. Personally, I believe what would make you stand out more is the college essays you would have to write when applying to colleges! Other than doing extracurricular activities like clubs, your college essay is another chance to tell admission officers more about you! During your college essay, make sure to include your experiences, your thought process and how you overcame certain challenges that may be relevant to your goals. You could add some reflections within your essay reflecting on your overall journey. They want to hear how YOU as a person have grown over the years of highschool.
2. Extracurricular activities: You could participate in clubs, outside programs or be consistent with your hobbies! Even though you haven’t had a chance to join clubs, doesn’t mean you can’t include your hobbies as well on your application! How much time do you commit to things that you love?
3. Academic Grades/ SAT
If you aren’t confident in your SAT grades, try your best to maintain your GPA or improve it. The most important thing is to try your best! Don’t stress yourself too much over your grades and focus on what you need to work on.
Take things one step at a time! May your journey be a successful. Good Luck!
Thank you for the advice, Cindy.
melanie
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Other than being academically competitive, make sure your story is unique and stands out in the college essays. You want to make sure the admissions officers are getting a holistic view of you and can gain a deeper understanding of what makes you a good fit for their school.
Thank you, Elyse!
melanie
Updated
Ailsa’s Answer
Hello Melanie
I hope you are well 😊
My best advice for standing out, is being comfortable and confident in who you are and owning ghe qualities and quirks that define you for who you are. Never sell yourself short, you have the possibility to be anything you work hard for, always remember that. Wishing you all the best!
I hope you are well 😊
My best advice for standing out, is being comfortable and confident in who you are and owning ghe qualities and quirks that define you for who you are. Never sell yourself short, you have the possibility to be anything you work hard for, always remember that. Wishing you all the best!