How do you stand out in college applications?
Amidst the numerous students who have perfect GPA's and ACT/SAT scores, it is important to stand out in other ways. However, what necessarily makes one appear to have more potential? Clubs? Sports? I am asking because in todays day and age, anyone can have perfect grades so there must be other qualities that a person has to prove their readiness for college or university.
#collegeapp ##collegeapplication
3 answers
Raven’s Answer
Hey Clara!!
Grades are of course awesome when applying to college but so many students today immerse themselves in clubs and societies and what have you but life experience and experiences in general is a great thing to have under your belt as well. Be your authentic self and put your personality and who you are into you essays, your interviews, and scholarships! This will go far I promise, I'm speaking from experience.
Raven - Thank you for your answer. We need more advice like this, now more than ever! There are more than 1k unanswered questions on CV right now. Hoping you'll answer a few more this week!
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Maria’s Answer
Hi Clara! I agree. It is very competitive applying to colleges. What I recommend is having leadership experience and finding your passion. For example, find clubs you are interested in (or activities) and take a leadership role in them. For example, you could be a leader in the Honor Society or the Spanish Club etc. in your school. Additionally, I recommend going "out of the box" and starting a new activity like a clothing drive for your community- something you are passionate about in your community. Hope this helps!
Jason’s Answer
Great question Clara, there are many factors that colleges take into consideration when reviewing applications with grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities being just a few. One of the many factors that many applicants are less focused on but could give you a big advantage are your essays and interviews. Those are used to help colleges pick between two students who have similar academic and extracurricular backgrounds.
Similar to applying for a job, the colleges want to make sure that you will fit their values and you offer a well rounded experience that can rub off on other students. Each student's background and values are some of the biggest things a college can offer. From my personal experiences, being exposed to such diversity helped me grow and helped me become the best version of myself.
Just be yourself in your application and your interviews and you will find the college that fits you. Best of luck.