What Sets You Apart?
How to Make Your College Application Stand Out from the Crowd

As a senior, I am definitely enveloped by the whole college application process this year…as is every other senior in the US! So – with all these students competing against each other for a limited number of available college/university seats – how do you make sure your applications stands out from the crowd? (Please note – even making yourself stand out does not guarantee admission!)

Of course, one way to stand out is to have been involved in a variety of activities throughout your high school years. But, if you’re a senior and just now getting started, be very selective about what you get involved with – try to get the most impact for your activity. It’s important to show that you have outside activities and are dedicated to other pursuits than just academics.

The biggest way to stand out on a college application is the personal essay; this is your chance to really tell your unique story. Did you have a difficult childhood? Did you have a not-so-great start but turn it around? Do you have truly unusual experiences? Has religion or your ethnic background played an instrumental role in how you choose to live your life? Did you have a life-changing experience? Here is the chance to let the admissions officers know!Another helpful hint is to make sure you have really great letters of recommendation! Select those teachers and people you know are good writers; they need to be enthusiastic in their endorsement of you, and hopefully will steer clear of the generic kind of letter that Admissions Officers see all of the time! Give them lots of time to come up with a great recommendation, and encourage them to stress your academic learning potential and contributions to the university/college.

Take the most challenging classes you can. Even if you have straight A’s – if you’re not taking the “hard” classes, it will make a difference. Admissions Officers want to see that you are challenging yourself and really pursuing higher learning, not just trying to skate through an easier-level class to keep a 4.0 GPA.

But, be forewarned; even if you have an incredibly impressive application, you still may not get into the school of your choice! Schools have different needs and it depends on whether or not you fit what they happen to be looking for at the time. I know a student who graduated 2 years ago – he was the #2 student in his class, had the lead in every musical, was involved in drama, the ASB President, lots of extracurricular activities, etc. He was rejected from Stanford but accepted to Harvard! Go figure.

Whatever you do and wherever you apply – do your best and always have a backup plan! If you’ve dreamed of going to Stanford and don’t get in, don’t give up! There are other equally good schools to attend, and perhaps your experience will be better. Best of luck to us all as we enter this season of preparing for our futures!