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How do you stand out when applying for college?
I'm currently a junior in high school, so I'm considering colleges to apply to. Is there any advice I should take when applying to college to increase my chances of getting into the schools I want the most?
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Rhianne college admissions officers dedicate an average of 10 minutes to each application. This highlights the importance of making a compelling first impression that is reflected throughout the application. College admissions no longer hinge solely on test scores, transcripts, and essays. Admission officers seek students with strong character traits such as integrity, leadership, resilience, and initiative. Such attributes should shine through their essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvements.
1️⃣ CHALLENGING CLASSES
Not surprisingly, your choice of classes in school is going to be an essential way for admissions officers to learn more about your high school experience. Colleges do actually care about the courses you have taken and how well you do in each. In fact, it is one of the key considerations for admission. Once you have selected your courses, you need to do the best possible work you can. You don’t need to have straight A’s in all your classes—especially the most demanding ones. However, you should do the strongest work you can handle. While there are many other important factors at play, nearly every university is going to look closely at this one.
2️⃣ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
College admissions reps look for students who have unique perspectives about the world around them. They like to see independent thought, innovation, and creativity. However, to have those qualities, it is imperative to participate in activities beyond what might typically be expected. The key here is that these pursuits are things you are genuinely fond of. Don’t participate in something you will dread simply because you think you must. Find out what makes you happy and do that. With extracurricular activities, your own unique style is important. Colleges look for variety in the background and interests of prospective students, and they are not looking for a specific extracurricular activity. They are more concerned about who you are and what is important to you. Showing commitment to your personal enrichment activities is more important than what they entail. Your involvement in them will be examined. Focusing on just one or two and even taking some leadership roles within these clubs or classes looks excellent on your resume.
3️⃣ VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteering is an activity that shows you are willing to share your talents and time in a way that benefits the world at large. People who do unpaid work behind the scenes truly hold a community together. Even small tasks can make a big difference in the lives of others and will help you connect with your community in ways you never dreamed..There are many opportunities for community service. You can work at your local shelter walking dogs or help with building projects through Habitat for Humanity. Assisting with planting and maintaining a community garden is a great idea too. There are plenty of organizations that will welcome your efforts. All you have to do is choose something you like. Colleges view participation in community service to be an essential factor when it comes to admissions. Why? It predicts your level of participation in community service on campus. If you are actively involved in your community, you are likely going to be involved with the student body, as well.
4️⃣ COMPELLING PERSONAL STATEMENT
The personal statement essay. We know you’ve heard about this time and time again. While numbers and statistics are important, at its core, the college admissions process is deeply personal. One of the best ways to stand out in your college applications is through crafting an insightful and introspective personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your remarkable character, values, and life experiences. Admissions officers don’t just want to know what you’ve achieved academically — they want to understand who you are as an individual and what motivates you. An excellent personal statement will allow your unique voice and personality to shine through. The most engaging essays avoid clichés and delve into meaningful events, challenges, interests, or relationships that have shaped your perspective. Successful applicants aren’t afraid to open up about vulnerabilities, growth mindsets, and future aspirations.
5️⃣ GREAT RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Most colleges require at least two college recommendation letters. Your school counselor will write one, and an academic teacher will write another. If you need a third college recommendation letter, then a second teacher, coach, employer, volunteer coordinator, or someone who knows you can write it for you. Remember that the best recommendations are from someone who knows you well, not the person who writes the best. Don’t automatically default to English teachers. The most popular teacher is also someone to avoid. You’re competing with students at your high school, and that teacher may not write the best college recommendation letter among your peers. Think of it as an Amazon review. If you have Product A and Product B. Produce B, have a less good review, which one are you likely to go with. The same is true for colleges. If your peer gets a better recommendation letter from the same teacher, this can negatively impact your college application.
1️⃣ CHALLENGING CLASSES
Not surprisingly, your choice of classes in school is going to be an essential way for admissions officers to learn more about your high school experience. Colleges do actually care about the courses you have taken and how well you do in each. In fact, it is one of the key considerations for admission. Once you have selected your courses, you need to do the best possible work you can. You don’t need to have straight A’s in all your classes—especially the most demanding ones. However, you should do the strongest work you can handle. While there are many other important factors at play, nearly every university is going to look closely at this one.
2️⃣ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
College admissions reps look for students who have unique perspectives about the world around them. They like to see independent thought, innovation, and creativity. However, to have those qualities, it is imperative to participate in activities beyond what might typically be expected. The key here is that these pursuits are things you are genuinely fond of. Don’t participate in something you will dread simply because you think you must. Find out what makes you happy and do that. With extracurricular activities, your own unique style is important. Colleges look for variety in the background and interests of prospective students, and they are not looking for a specific extracurricular activity. They are more concerned about who you are and what is important to you. Showing commitment to your personal enrichment activities is more important than what they entail. Your involvement in them will be examined. Focusing on just one or two and even taking some leadership roles within these clubs or classes looks excellent on your resume.
3️⃣ VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteering is an activity that shows you are willing to share your talents and time in a way that benefits the world at large. People who do unpaid work behind the scenes truly hold a community together. Even small tasks can make a big difference in the lives of others and will help you connect with your community in ways you never dreamed..There are many opportunities for community service. You can work at your local shelter walking dogs or help with building projects through Habitat for Humanity. Assisting with planting and maintaining a community garden is a great idea too. There are plenty of organizations that will welcome your efforts. All you have to do is choose something you like. Colleges view participation in community service to be an essential factor when it comes to admissions. Why? It predicts your level of participation in community service on campus. If you are actively involved in your community, you are likely going to be involved with the student body, as well.
4️⃣ COMPELLING PERSONAL STATEMENT
The personal statement essay. We know you’ve heard about this time and time again. While numbers and statistics are important, at its core, the college admissions process is deeply personal. One of the best ways to stand out in your college applications is through crafting an insightful and introspective personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your remarkable character, values, and life experiences. Admissions officers don’t just want to know what you’ve achieved academically — they want to understand who you are as an individual and what motivates you. An excellent personal statement will allow your unique voice and personality to shine through. The most engaging essays avoid clichés and delve into meaningful events, challenges, interests, or relationships that have shaped your perspective. Successful applicants aren’t afraid to open up about vulnerabilities, growth mindsets, and future aspirations.
5️⃣ GREAT RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Most colleges require at least two college recommendation letters. Your school counselor will write one, and an academic teacher will write another. If you need a third college recommendation letter, then a second teacher, coach, employer, volunteer coordinator, or someone who knows you can write it for you. Remember that the best recommendations are from someone who knows you well, not the person who writes the best. Don’t automatically default to English teachers. The most popular teacher is also someone to avoid. You’re competing with students at your high school, and that teacher may not write the best college recommendation letter among your peers. Think of it as an Amazon review. If you have Product A and Product B. Produce B, have a less good review, which one are you likely to go with. The same is true for colleges. If your peer gets a better recommendation letter from the same teacher, this can negatively impact your college application.