7 answers
Farida
Student
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
6
Questions
Asked
2505 views
What makes a college application stand out?
As college begins to approach for many, building solid applications is a goal most students currently share.
What are the best things that can be included in an application? How can I improve my college application?
Login to comment
6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
If you’re trying to figure out how to stand out on your college application Farida, start by looking inward. Colleges aren’t just hunting for perfect test scores, they want students who will add something special to their community. More importantly, you deserve to find a university where you'll thrive and be personally fulfilled. That’s why your application should be a true reflection of you, your interests, your personality and your values.
1️⃣ MAKE PERSONAL ESSAY PERSONAL
Your personal essay is one of the few places where you get to speak directly to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to say: “Here’s who I am and why I belong at your school.” Your essay is your voice; it should tell a unique story about your character, growth, and personality, not just list achievements. Show, don't just tell, who you are and why you'd thrive at this specific institution.
2️⃣ STRONG ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Colleges like to see you enjoy a challenge by taking slightly more difficult classes than the average. If you took challenging courses in your high school career, it’s important to list them on your college admissions along with your corresponding grades. This doesn’t mean you need straight As, as long as your admissions prove that you tried your best. Your hard work appears impressive to big colleges; they only wish to know that you are ready for this next step and willing to do the work.
3️⃣ EXTRACURRICULARS & VOLUNTEERING
Activities you’ve participated in look super impressive to colleges. They'll enjoy seeing you involved in hobbies and activities outside your academics. By showing your college that you actively participated in a handful of activities, you also demonstrate that you will be an active and positive member of the college community.
4️⃣ UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
While strong academics and extracurricular involvement are vital, unique achievements and awards truly make your college application stand out. These can be in any area, from academics to the arts, sports, or even personal projects. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who have demonstrated exceptional skills, passion, and dedication in a particular domain.
5️⃣ LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation are another great way to showcase your achievements and personality; most colleges request you have at least one. These letters can come from your employer, coworker, teacher, professor, or whomever you trust can write you an amazing recommendation. If your letter is from your teacher, then it’s wise to get it from a teacher who is active in the field you wish to major in since it highlights that you’re dedicated to that field.
CONCUSSION
When crafting your college application Farida, it's important to remember that it's not just about showcasing your academic achievements. Admissions committees seek well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their campus communities. Therefore, a robust application includes a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and leadership, unique achievements and awards, compelling letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted personal statement.
I hope this was helpful Farida
1️⃣ MAKE PERSONAL ESSAY PERSONAL
Your personal essay is one of the few places where you get to speak directly to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to say: “Here’s who I am and why I belong at your school.” Your essay is your voice; it should tell a unique story about your character, growth, and personality, not just list achievements. Show, don't just tell, who you are and why you'd thrive at this specific institution.
2️⃣ STRONG ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Colleges like to see you enjoy a challenge by taking slightly more difficult classes than the average. If you took challenging courses in your high school career, it’s important to list them on your college admissions along with your corresponding grades. This doesn’t mean you need straight As, as long as your admissions prove that you tried your best. Your hard work appears impressive to big colleges; they only wish to know that you are ready for this next step and willing to do the work.
3️⃣ EXTRACURRICULARS & VOLUNTEERING
Activities you’ve participated in look super impressive to colleges. They'll enjoy seeing you involved in hobbies and activities outside your academics. By showing your college that you actively participated in a handful of activities, you also demonstrate that you will be an active and positive member of the college community.
4️⃣ UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
While strong academics and extracurricular involvement are vital, unique achievements and awards truly make your college application stand out. These can be in any area, from academics to the arts, sports, or even personal projects. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who have demonstrated exceptional skills, passion, and dedication in a particular domain.
5️⃣ LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation are another great way to showcase your achievements and personality; most colleges request you have at least one. These letters can come from your employer, coworker, teacher, professor, or whomever you trust can write you an amazing recommendation. If your letter is from your teacher, then it’s wise to get it from a teacher who is active in the field you wish to major in since it highlights that you’re dedicated to that field.
CONCUSSION
When crafting your college application Farida, it's important to remember that it's not just about showcasing your academic achievements. Admissions committees seek well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their campus communities. Therefore, a robust application includes a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and leadership, unique achievements and awards, compelling letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted personal statement.
I hope this was helpful Farida
Thank you very much for sharing! This is the exact answer I wanted, and you have formatted it perfectly and in extremely clear, understandable manner.
Farida
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
75
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's completely understandable to feel some pressure as you look toward college applications, but the best way to make yours stand out is to focus on telling your unique story rather than just checking boxes. Admissions officers aren't just looking for a list of achievements; they're looking for a sense of who you are, what you care about, and how you’ve made an impact in your own community, whether that’s through a formal club, a part-time job, or looking after your family. Instead of trying to do everything, try to highlight a few things you’re genuinely passionate about, because that authenticity really shines through in your personal statement and makes a much stronger impression than a long list of activities you weren't actually invested in. You can also improve your application by being specific about why a particular school is the right fit for you, showing them that you’ve done your research and can see yourself contributing to their campus life. Don't worry about being perfect; just be yourself and let your personality and curiosity lead the way. You have so much to offer, and any college would be lucky to have your unique perspective and energy. Good luck.
I loved reading this, and truly appreciate the effort you put within your answer! I truly appreciate your support, and found your advice so raw, and beautifully real.
Farida
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
1. Academic Excellence
Aim for strong grades by taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Colleges love to see students who push themselves and do well. Even if some schools don't require test scores, good SAT or ACT results can still help your application.
2. Extracurricular Involvement
Focus on quality over quantity. It's better to be deeply involved and show leadership in a few activities rather than just participating in many. Unique hobbies or projects, like starting a club or business, can really stand out.
3. Leadership & Impact
Take on leadership roles, such as team captain or club president, to show you can take charge. Highlight any positive changes you made, like increasing membership or starting a new event.
4. Personal Statement & Essays
Be genuine in your writing. Share personal stories and challenges you've overcome. Reflect on why these experiences are important and how they've shaped your goals.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Choose people who know you well, like teachers or coaches, to write your recommendations. Provide them with information about your goals and achievements so they can write strong letters.
6. Demonstrated Interest
Visit campuses or take virtual tours if you can. Show your interest by emailing questions, attending webinars, and following the school on social media. Tailor your application to highlight why you're a great fit for each college.
7. Special Talents or Achievements
Include any awards, honors, or recognitions you have received. For creative fields, submit your best work through portfolios or auditions.
8. Community Service & Work Experience
Consistent volunteering, especially in areas you care about, is important. Jobs or internships demonstrate responsibility, time management, and real-world skills.
Aim for strong grades by taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Colleges love to see students who push themselves and do well. Even if some schools don't require test scores, good SAT or ACT results can still help your application.
2. Extracurricular Involvement
Focus on quality over quantity. It's better to be deeply involved and show leadership in a few activities rather than just participating in many. Unique hobbies or projects, like starting a club or business, can really stand out.
3. Leadership & Impact
Take on leadership roles, such as team captain or club president, to show you can take charge. Highlight any positive changes you made, like increasing membership or starting a new event.
4. Personal Statement & Essays
Be genuine in your writing. Share personal stories and challenges you've overcome. Reflect on why these experiences are important and how they've shaped your goals.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Choose people who know you well, like teachers or coaches, to write your recommendations. Provide them with information about your goals and achievements so they can write strong letters.
6. Demonstrated Interest
Visit campuses or take virtual tours if you can. Show your interest by emailing questions, attending webinars, and following the school on social media. Tailor your application to highlight why you're a great fit for each college.
7. Special Talents or Achievements
Include any awards, honors, or recognitions you have received. For creative fields, submit your best work through portfolios or auditions.
8. Community Service & Work Experience
Consistent volunteering, especially in areas you care about, is important. Jobs or internships demonstrate responsibility, time management, and real-world skills.
Jazmin Bailey
Currently unemployed
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jazmin’s Answer
Always remember that they want to know about you first and foremost. Be honest about yourself. If you possess a unique skill tell them about it, let them hear how you're using your qualities in your daily life. They're always looking for go-getters who strive to move forward. Be ready to tell about what you have done, what you are doing now and what you will be doing.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, I truly appreciate it and plan to take your advice!
Farida
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Farida - asking how to make your college applications stand out is an excellent question. May I add "and demonstrate why I should be admitted to your school?" That may be obvious to you, but I have seen students forget that part in very creative, but uninformative, admission essays or in lists of activities that fail to show growth or commitment.
Below is a link to one (of multiple) similar questions on Career Village. To that, I add/reiterate:
- Prioritize quality over quantity. You don't need to belong to 12 school clubs if you care about only 2 or 3 of them. Focus on the ones that have helped you grow and where you have made a difference.
- Be honest and authentic. If you normally don't use SAT words, don't use an online thesaurus to sprinkle them in your essay. The admissions officers read thousands of essays and will see through that tactic, especially if you use the fancy words incorrectly.
- Give yourself time to draft and review your Common App activities section as well as your personal statement.
- Do research on the college websites for their values and distinctive programs. General statements about academic excellence or global reach will not make you stand out.
- Don't assume you could re-use supplement answers without customization. Yes, many colleges ask why you want to go there, why you have chosen your intended major, how you would enrich the community, etc. But each question is asked a little differently. So you could re-use the ideas but maybe not the exact wording.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Other Career Village answers - https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1102641/what-would-make-my-college-application-stand-out
Below is a link to one (of multiple) similar questions on Career Village. To that, I add/reiterate:
- Prioritize quality over quantity. You don't need to belong to 12 school clubs if you care about only 2 or 3 of them. Focus on the ones that have helped you grow and where you have made a difference.
- Be honest and authentic. If you normally don't use SAT words, don't use an online thesaurus to sprinkle them in your essay. The admissions officers read thousands of essays and will see through that tactic, especially if you use the fancy words incorrectly.
- Give yourself time to draft and review your Common App activities section as well as your personal statement.
- Do research on the college websites for their values and distinctive programs. General statements about academic excellence or global reach will not make you stand out.
- Don't assume you could re-use supplement answers without customization. Yes, many colleges ask why you want to go there, why you have chosen your intended major, how you would enrich the community, etc. But each question is asked a little differently. So you could re-use the ideas but maybe not the exact wording.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much for your advice! Your advice was more than helpful, and I love the way you added bullet points with clear to-dos.
Farida
You're welcome - so glad it helped you!
Martha D. Kramer
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
494
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Farida,
Great question, and it's smart to start thinking about this early. Here's what admissions officers look for:
Academic Performance
- GPA and test scores are important, but not everything.
- Taking tough classes shows you challenge yourself.
- Improving grades tell a good story.
Extracurricular Activities
- Focus on a few activities you truly care about.
- Take on leadership roles to show initiative.
- Consistency matters; stick with activities over time.
Essays & Personal Statement
- Be real and write about yourself, not what you think they want.
- Share specific stories that highlight who you are.
- Let your personality shine through.
Letters of Recommendation
- Choose teachers or mentors who know you well.
- Give them information about what you're applying for.
Demonstrated Interest
- Visit the campus if you can.
- Attend virtual info sessions.
- Show real interest in the school, not just random applications.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Start Now
- Get involved in things you care about.
- Challenge yourself with classes that interest you.
- Look for leadership opportunities in your current activities.
Tell Your Story
- What makes you unique? What experiences have shaped you?
- Explain why your accomplishments matter to you.
Quality Over Quantity
- Being deeply involved in three activities is better than barely participating in ten.
- One strong essay is better than several weak ones.
Get Involved Authentically
- Volunteer for causes you care about.
- Start a club or project that interests you.
- Working a job is also respected by colleges.
Seek Feedback
- Have teachers, counselors, or mentors review your essays.
- Get their thoughts on how you present yourself.
The Real Secret
Colleges want to see growth, authenticity, and genuine interest. They're looking for real people who care about something and put in effort.
The students who stand out:
- Do things because they matter to them, not just for the application.
- Can explain why these things matter.
- Show they've thought about their future and how this college fits in.
Bottom line: Start building your application now by making intentional choices and being true to yourself.
Great question, and it's smart to start thinking about this early. Here's what admissions officers look for:
Academic Performance
- GPA and test scores are important, but not everything.
- Taking tough classes shows you challenge yourself.
- Improving grades tell a good story.
Extracurricular Activities
- Focus on a few activities you truly care about.
- Take on leadership roles to show initiative.
- Consistency matters; stick with activities over time.
Essays & Personal Statement
- Be real and write about yourself, not what you think they want.
- Share specific stories that highlight who you are.
- Let your personality shine through.
Letters of Recommendation
- Choose teachers or mentors who know you well.
- Give them information about what you're applying for.
Demonstrated Interest
- Visit the campus if you can.
- Attend virtual info sessions.
- Show real interest in the school, not just random applications.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Start Now
- Get involved in things you care about.
- Challenge yourself with classes that interest you.
- Look for leadership opportunities in your current activities.
Tell Your Story
- What makes you unique? What experiences have shaped you?
- Explain why your accomplishments matter to you.
Quality Over Quantity
- Being deeply involved in three activities is better than barely participating in ten.
- One strong essay is better than several weak ones.
Get Involved Authentically
- Volunteer for causes you care about.
- Start a club or project that interests you.
- Working a job is also respected by colleges.
Seek Feedback
- Have teachers, counselors, or mentors review your essays.
- Get their thoughts on how you present yourself.
The Real Secret
Colleges want to see growth, authenticity, and genuine interest. They're looking for real people who care about something and put in effort.
The students who stand out:
- Do things because they matter to them, not just for the application.
- Can explain why these things matter.
- Show they've thought about their future and how this college fits in.
Bottom line: Start building your application now by making intentional choices and being true to yourself.