Whatever you do is a window into your life, helping the reader to get an evolved sense of who you are. You can stand out by telling your reader about your part-time job, or the fact that you look after your younger siblings after school, or that you are an avid bird-watcher who spends hours in nature. ![]() Another myth is that activities only “count” if they are organized and at school. Community service is only meaningful if it’s a genuine interest of yours, and, since each college hopes to build a diverse class, they certainly do not want to only admit students who are leaders.įar more important is the depth and passion you bring to your extracurricular activities, and why they matter to you. Despite what many believe, not every student needs to do community service or be a leader in their activities. Activities and Awardsĭescribing what you do is essential in the college application process. Admission Officers try to see the best in each applicant, so if outside factors may have affected your academics or access to opportunities, let the reader know. Testing, while important, will not compensate for a poor academic performance. You can distinguish yourself by illustrating that you have taken an appropriately rigorous curriculum and have sought more academic opportunities (electives or specific tracks or programs, for example) in areas that interest you. They can tell the reader about your intellectual interests, innate curiosity, aptitude for a particular subject matter, or work ethic. Yes, good grades and testing are really important. The more the reader knows about what has shaped your formative years, the more likely you are to make an impact. Are you a first generation college student? Do you have six brothers? Do you speak multiple languages at home? What have your resources and opportunities been?Īll of these questions (and answers) help the reader learn more about who you are, where you come from, and what distinguishes you. Why do colleges need to know about where you live, who is in your family, and what your background is? In their efforts to create an entering class of diverse individuals, it’s important that colleges learn more about you. To help you identify areas that may distinguish you in the application process, I will review each component of the Common and/or Coalition Application and why every section is important. The holistic college review process is one that enforces the adage “more does not equal better.” Instead, the what and why aspects of the application can really set the candidate apart. Applications get evaluated very quickly, and the myriad achievements of multiple applicants can start to bleed together. In peak reading season, Admission Officers read approximately 30-40 applications a day. Photographer: Van Tay Media | Source: Unsplash How will my application be evaluated? Listing off accomplishments will not necessarily make a good impression, but communicating why these accomplishments matter to you likely will. While every application should lack any grammar or spelling mistakes, the more human (ie: warm, kind, funny, smart, honest, imperfect) the application is, the better. Often the most memorable candidates are, instead, the ones who have chosen to be honest, to share thoughtful experiences that may even - gasp - show the reader some weakness or vulnerability. So what does it mean, really, to “stand out” in the world of admissions? Contrary to popular belief, it does not mean you must have achieved something remarkable or done something extraordinary. ![]() Who stands out in the college application process? And despite what you may fear, you do have a unique story to tell, as well as a way to connect with - and impress - the Admission Officer evaluating your application. Whatever you do, whoever you are, the college application process is a great opportunity for you to share your story with Admission Officers. Maybe nothing makes you feel as good as a well-placed hit to drive in the winning run at a softball tournament. Maybe you are a passionate musician who dedicates endless hours to practicing your craft. Or won a Nobel Prize.īut maybe you are a loving big sister to an adoring little brother. Maybe you are concerned because you haven’t (yet) cured cancer. It’s hard to know how to distinguish yourself enough from other applicants that you might be one of the lucky few to gain acceptance to the school of your choice. If you are wondering how to stand out in the college application process, you are not alone. ![]() For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1. In this article, former admissions officer and Head of Advising at Lauren Lynch shares how students can showcase their unique traits and stand out during the college application process.
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