What are the best ways to stand out in the college admissions process?
I have good grades and extracurriculars but is there something else I could do to really boost my application?
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12 answers
Doc’s Answer
The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admission essays give them a better opportunity to know who you are, what your interests and capabilities are. Therefore, your essay should create a feeling that an admission officer knows you at a personal level. Don’t make the mistakes of writing too much informative essay and ignoring to give it a personal touch. Your admission will be neglected in favor of the next best candidate. The admission officer has an interest to know the contributions you will make to the school community. Well, if your admission essays mirrors you as an active student, with the capability to contribute positively to the school community, you will get an admission. However, it does not mean that you must have some very unique qualities or talents. Identify some verifiable and genuine talents you have, and how the school community is going to benefit from them.
Good Luck Rasya
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Lily’s Answer
In addition to all the great tips posted prior, I have also heard from some of my friends and mentors that sometimes going on a college tour (as Sunny mentioned) or showing that you are interested and passionate about the university/college helps with your application. An example of this , and if you are comfortable with it, could be to opt in for a college interview (different guidelines on this for different colleges). Another way you can show interest is to connect with the college representatives during college fairs and ask them questions that you think would be helpful for you to make a decision. When you write your college/personal essay, I do recommend researching on what the college prioritizes for their values, the types of students and activities (ex. integrity, students who give back to their community). Also, if you already have a career path in mind, double check if that college has the major or classes you want to take. However, make sure that your essay is authentic and shows a part of you (like John said). Through researching about the school's values and activities, you can also check to see if that school is a good fit for you and whether you have personal stories that can show how you carry the school's values.
Lily recommends the following next steps:
Celeste’s Answer
Donnie’s Answer
Mohamed’s Answer
First, you should research the programs offered by the colleges you are applying to and make sure that there is a course that matches your career goals. You need to make sure you are getting into the right place where you will be able to study what you are truly passionate about.
Second, you need to make sure you research the colleges you are applying to very well, so you can write well on "what makes you apply to this college?/what differentiates this college?" in your cover letter.
Third, you need to show your current teachers that you are a good student, so you can get good references from them which help push your application further compared to an average student.
Fourth, your cover letter should be structured, concise and well written. You need to address all of the following topics (write each one in a paragraph): (1) why this college and what differentiates it? (2) why this course and your passion about that specific field of study (3) your academic performance and how this will mean that you are well prepared to excel in this course you are applying to (4) your extracurricular activities and how they are linked to your study (5) your future plans after graduating (6) conclusion
Finally, if you get interviewed, make sure you are dressed appropriately and try to prepare as much as you can for these interviews.
Best of luck :) hope this helps.
Chloe’s Answer
I think the above responses contain great advice that I don't need to repeat here. I just wanted to add a note to emphasize authenticity in your application. Don't try to alter to your image in a way you think the colleges will want because they can tell when someone is being fake. Really stay true to yourself and let your passions/skills come through. A good academic record speaks for itself (congratulations on that, by the way!). So definitely make sure the essay and other application questions showcase the human side of you. The more college admissions can connect with you as a person, the more likely they will want to see you attending their school. Also, Sunny's answer was spot on: one of the best ways to embody passion is to show how what you are doing now connects with what you want to be doing in the future (This is true even if the subject matter seems unrelated. If you are simply developing skills that will help you, that works too!)
So, avoid generic stories that focus on surface level events and really try to demonstrate who you are and why you would add value and diversity to their school.
Chloe recommends the following next steps:
Carly’s Answer
Some of my best advice would be to do your research. Learn what values each college/university embody's and promotes. Illustrate what about your experiences and background fit in with the image of the school. As important as authenticity is, schools also want to admit students that will promote the image they want.
Best wishes!
Sunny’s Answer
I agree that your essay will be very important to stand out in the admission process. To add to that, it might be also helpful to make connections between your extracurriculars and the school/major that you apply for. For example, if you write the things that you learned from your activities (leadership, teamwork, analytical skills, patience, understanding others, etc.), then you can also add how these characteristics can contribute to the school so that it can show why you are the best candidate. I also think it is good to take a school tour to learn about the school's history and find more resources to add to your essay.
Good luck!
Brian’s Answer
Georgeta’s Answer

James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Best Ways to Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
Standing out in the college admissions process is crucial, especially for competitive institutions. While good grades and extracurricular activities are foundational elements of a strong application, there are several additional strategies you can employ to enhance your profile. Here’s a detailed breakdown of effective ways to distinguish yourself:
1. Personal Statement and Essays
Your personal statement and supplemental essays are opportunities to showcase your personality, values, and unique experiences. Here are some tips:
Authenticity: Write about experiences that genuinely reflect who you are. Admissions officers appreciate authenticity over what they perceive as “what they want to hear.”
Compelling Narrative: Craft a narrative that connects your past experiences with your future aspirations. Use storytelling techniques to engage the reader.
Specificity: Be specific about your interests and how they relate to the college’s programs or culture. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the institution.
2. Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation can significantly impact your application:
Choose Wisely: Select recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths, character, and contributions.
Provide Context: Give your recommenders context about what you hope to achieve in college and why you’re applying to that particular school.
3. Unique Extracurricular Activities
While participation in clubs and sports is common, consider pursuing unique or leadership roles:
Initiate Projects: Start a community service project or an initiative related to your interests (e.g., environmental advocacy, tutoring younger students).
Depth Over Breadth: Focus on fewer activities but take on leadership roles or significant responsibilities within them rather than spreading yourself too thin across many.
4. Academic Rigor
Demonstrating a challenging course load can set you apart:
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: If available, take advanced courses that align with your interests.
Specialized Programs: Participate in dual-enrollment programs at local colleges if possible.
5. Demonstrated Interest
Showing genuine interest in a college can positively influence admissions decisions:
Campus Visits: Attend information sessions or campus tours when possible.
Engagement with Admissions Officers: Reach out with thoughtful questions during visits or through email communication.
6. Unique Skills or Talents
Highlight any special skills or talents that could contribute to campus life:
Artistic Abilities: If you have artistic skills (music, visual arts), consider submitting a portfolio or auditioning.
Athletic Talent: If applicable, highlight achievements in sports but ensure it aligns with the school’s athletic programs.
7. Community Involvement and Service
Colleges value applicants who demonstrate commitment to their communities:
Volunteer Work: Engage consistently in volunteer work that reflects your passions.
Leadership Roles in Service Organizations: Take on leadership positions within these organizations to show initiative.
8. Online Presence and Personal Branding
In today’s digital age, how you present yourself online matters:
Professional Social Media Profiles: Maintain professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn where you can showcase achievements.
Personal Website/Blog: Consider creating a website or blog where you share insights related to your interests or projects.
By combining these strategies with strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement, you’ll create a compelling application that stands out among other candidates.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
This organization provides comprehensive guidelines on best practices for college admissions processes, including insights into what colleges look for beyond grades.
2. The College Board
The College Board offers resources for students preparing for college applications, including advice on personal statements and recommendations from educators.
3. Harvard College Admissions Office
Harvard’s admissions office outlines key components of their evaluation process, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives and unique contributions from applicants.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.