For your entire high school experience, you are told that in order to be a good candidate for college, you must have a perfect GPA, perfect test scores, and as many extracurriculars as you can possibly fit into your schedule. While all of this will certainly look good when it comes time to apply to college, it is extremely unrealistic and draining to maintain perfect grades for all four years of high school. Not to mention, there are hundreds of thousands of students with great GPAs, test scores, and extracurriculars– so what can you do to set yourself apart from the others?
1- Plan your extracurriculars wisely
Having a passion and participating in one or two activities that you are deeply involved in is much more meaningful than just trying to do as many things as possible. This demonstrates genuine commitment and interest– and makes you stand out more compared to someone who is just trying to check boxes.
2- Community service/volunteering beyond just NHS
Many students volunteer just to get their hours for programs like NHS rather than actually caring about helping others. True community service– consistently engaging with causes that are important to you– showcases empathy and character. No matter what you are working towards, admissions officers appreciate students who genuinely want to make a difference.
3- Personal projects/initiatives
Starting a personal project– whether this is a club, charity project, online business, or anything else– demonstrates passion and leadership skills. This also gives you the opportunity to showcase your ability to lead, innovate, and follow through. Colleges admire students who show they can take the initiative and work towards something impactful.
4- Strong essays and recommendation letters
Your application essay is your chance to present your true identity and values as a person. It’s a chance to reveal your passions, challenges, and aspirations. Additionally, strong recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who know you personally can provide a more holistic view of your character.
5- Consistent growth
Many people think that a rough start in high school means they have no chance for college and beyond. However, they don’t realize that one of the main things colleges look for in potential students is improvement throughout all four years. Even if you didn’t have a perfect start, it means a lot to show that you are getting better with each passing year.
6- Having relevant experience working/interning in your fields of interest
Working and interning show very important skills that many admission officers are looking for, including responsibility, time management, and real-world experience. This engagement will prove genuine interest and commitment to your intended area of study.
7- Research projects
Participating in independent and group research projects can showcase your curiosity, critical thinking, and ability to dive deep into a topic.
8- Global experience
If you have traveled abroad, studied a new language, or participated in global service or work, this proves that you are adaptable, curious, and have a broader understanding of the world. It also highlights your ability to navigate diverse environments which is highly valued on college campuses.
9- Mentorship/tutoring
Helping others with their academics demonstrates leadership, selflessness, and empathy.
10- College camps/summer programs
Participating in college summer programs or attending specialized camps in areas of interest can demonstrate your commitment to learning and personal growth.
Applying to college is a tedious and stressful process. However, if you are willing to put in the work to set yourself apart from other students, you will inevitably be more likely to have a well-rounded application. Your GPA and ACT/SAT are obviously extremely important, but there are many other factors that are considered by admissions officers when they are deciding which students they want to accept.
