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Does anyone have tips to get into the Bank of America student leaders program? ?
I am currently a junior and am planning to apply for the Bank of America student leaders program and was wondering if their tips in writing your essays about your extra-curriculars. Could anyone possibly read over my application? Has anyone been ever accepted? Would greatly appreciate the help.
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Patrick’s Answer
Sammy, the Bank of America Student Leaders program offers an extraordinary chance for high school juniors and seniors like you to cultivate leadership abilities, acquire real-life experience, and create a significant difference in your communities. As a junior gearing up to apply, it's crucial to tackle the application process with a well-defined and thoughtful plan. Here are some helpful hints to bolster your application, especially when discussing your extracurricular activities, and to boost your likelihood of acceptance:
1. Spotlight Your Leadership and Community Engagement - The program highly appreciates students who exhibit leadership and a dedication to contributing to their communities. In your essays, underline how your extracurricular activities, be it theater, competitive dance, volunteering, or involvement in programs like Upward Bound, have empowered you to assume leadership positions or effect positive change. Concentrate on particular instances that display initiative, responsibility, and your capacity to motivate and involve others. Even minor acts of leadership can be impactful if they show progress and commitment.
2. Display Your Personal Development and Values - In your essays, it's vital to ponder on how your extracurriculars have molded you as an individual and leader. Bank of America seeks candidates who are not just participating, but who are actively learning, evolving, and striving to make a difference. Highlight instances where you've encountered challenges or pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone, whether in a leadership role or as part of a team. Illustrate how these experiences align with your values and future objectives, and how they have readied you for a larger leadership role.
3. Be Detailed and Reflective in Your Essays - Instead of merely cataloging your extracurriculars, delve deeper into the reasons and methods of your involvement. Elucidate the skills you’ve acquired, the effect you’ve made, and the personal lessons learned. Admissions reviewers seek thoughtful, reflective responses that show self-awareness, maturity, and a sense of purpose. Consider how your unique experiences, such as juggling multiple activities or surmounting obstacles, have shaped your character and will contribute to your success in the program.
4. Seek Feedback on Your Application - It’s always advantageous to have someone else scrutinize your application before you submit it. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, mentor, or family member, obtaining feedback can aid you in refining your essays and ensuring they truly portray your strengths. They can provide suggestions on how to make your message clearer, enhance your storytelling, and present yourself in the most positive light possible. Also, many schools or community organizations offer workshops or resources to assist with scholarship and program applications, so don’t hesitate to utilize these opportunities.
5. Research the Program and Align Your Goals - Ensure to thoroughly research the Bank of America Student Leaders program to comprehend its goals, values, and focus areas. Customize your application to show how your experiences and future aspirations align with the program’s mission of fostering leadership and community involvement. By demonstrating your genuine interest in the program and illustrating how it fits into your academic and career goals, you’ll make a persuasive case for why you’re a strong candidate.
6. Be Genuine and Enthusiastic - Lastly, one of the most crucial tips is to be genuine in your application. The Student Leaders program seeks individuals who are not only competent leaders but also passionate about making a difference in their communities. Don’t hesitate to express your personality and excitement in your essays. Passion and authenticity can often distinguish a candidate from others, so ensure your essays mirror your true self and your earnest desire to contribute.
Securing a spot in the Bank of America Student Leaders program is highly competitive, but with careful preparation, reflection, and attention to detail, you can create an application that shines. Best of luck with your application, and remember, the process itself is a valuable learning journey that will aid your growth, regardless of whether you're chosen for the program. Your involvement in extracurricular activities already shows your ambition, and with the right strategy, you can make your application even more robust.
1. Spotlight Your Leadership and Community Engagement - The program highly appreciates students who exhibit leadership and a dedication to contributing to their communities. In your essays, underline how your extracurricular activities, be it theater, competitive dance, volunteering, or involvement in programs like Upward Bound, have empowered you to assume leadership positions or effect positive change. Concentrate on particular instances that display initiative, responsibility, and your capacity to motivate and involve others. Even minor acts of leadership can be impactful if they show progress and commitment.
2. Display Your Personal Development and Values - In your essays, it's vital to ponder on how your extracurriculars have molded you as an individual and leader. Bank of America seeks candidates who are not just participating, but who are actively learning, evolving, and striving to make a difference. Highlight instances where you've encountered challenges or pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone, whether in a leadership role or as part of a team. Illustrate how these experiences align with your values and future objectives, and how they have readied you for a larger leadership role.
3. Be Detailed and Reflective in Your Essays - Instead of merely cataloging your extracurriculars, delve deeper into the reasons and methods of your involvement. Elucidate the skills you’ve acquired, the effect you’ve made, and the personal lessons learned. Admissions reviewers seek thoughtful, reflective responses that show self-awareness, maturity, and a sense of purpose. Consider how your unique experiences, such as juggling multiple activities or surmounting obstacles, have shaped your character and will contribute to your success in the program.
4. Seek Feedback on Your Application - It’s always advantageous to have someone else scrutinize your application before you submit it. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, mentor, or family member, obtaining feedback can aid you in refining your essays and ensuring they truly portray your strengths. They can provide suggestions on how to make your message clearer, enhance your storytelling, and present yourself in the most positive light possible. Also, many schools or community organizations offer workshops or resources to assist with scholarship and program applications, so don’t hesitate to utilize these opportunities.
5. Research the Program and Align Your Goals - Ensure to thoroughly research the Bank of America Student Leaders program to comprehend its goals, values, and focus areas. Customize your application to show how your experiences and future aspirations align with the program’s mission of fostering leadership and community involvement. By demonstrating your genuine interest in the program and illustrating how it fits into your academic and career goals, you’ll make a persuasive case for why you’re a strong candidate.
6. Be Genuine and Enthusiastic - Lastly, one of the most crucial tips is to be genuine in your application. The Student Leaders program seeks individuals who are not only competent leaders but also passionate about making a difference in their communities. Don’t hesitate to express your personality and excitement in your essays. Passion and authenticity can often distinguish a candidate from others, so ensure your essays mirror your true self and your earnest desire to contribute.
Securing a spot in the Bank of America Student Leaders program is highly competitive, but with careful preparation, reflection, and attention to detail, you can create an application that shines. Best of luck with your application, and remember, the process itself is a valuable learning journey that will aid your growth, regardless of whether you're chosen for the program. Your involvement in extracurricular activities already shows your ambition, and with the right strategy, you can make your application even more robust.
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Sammy - it is great that you want to become involved with a program like this one.
While I have not helped students with this particular essay, I have helped many students with college admissions essays. I could not find the specific wording of the question without registering, which I didn't want to do. I noted the information session details below; you may be able to listen to the Nov 19th webcast or sign up for the January one. If you post the wording of the question here, I could be more specific.
Here are some general tips:
- Read over the question more than once so you are sure to answer all of it
- Leave yourself time to do more than one draft and have someone else read it for clarity and grammar
- The focus should be on you - give only the minimum amount of background you need to understand your story
Good luck!
Bank of American info session - https://bofa.veracast.com/webcasts/bofa/SL/idCI677K.cfm
While I have not helped students with this particular essay, I have helped many students with college admissions essays. I could not find the specific wording of the question without registering, which I didn't want to do. I noted the information session details below; you may be able to listen to the Nov 19th webcast or sign up for the January one. If you post the wording of the question here, I could be more specific.
Here are some general tips:
- Read over the question more than once so you are sure to answer all of it
- Leave yourself time to do more than one draft and have someone else read it for clarity and grammar
- The focus should be on you - give only the minimum amount of background you need to understand your story
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps: