Students are applying to more and more colleges each year. In 2023, the Common App reported over 1.2 million applicants and 7 million applications—a 30% increase from 2019-2020. With the enormous number of applications being submitted, it can be challenging to figure out how to stand out among them. To make your application memorable, it’s crucial to understand what admissions officers are looking for and how you can showcase your unique strengths.
What Admissions Officers Review
Let’s first discuss exactly what an admissions officer will review when doing an initial read on your application:
- Personal Information and Educational Background
The initial sections of your college application provide admissions officers with a snapshot of your background, including details about your demographics, family, and high school. This information helps them get to know more about your life experiences. - Activities and Personal Essay
The next section in the application encompasses your activities and personal essay. This is where admissions officers will look beyond basic demographics to learn more about your character, personality, interests, and background. - Transcript, Test Scores, and Academic History
Admissions will also review your transcript, test scores if you include them, and academic records. High schools often include a school profile that helps admissions understand your curriculum and grading system. - College-Specific Questions
Many colleges will also ask questions specific to their application. These are sometimes in the form of additional essay questions, questions about what major/department you hope to pursue, or if you’d like to be considered for special programs or scholarships. - Letters of Recommendation
While not all colleges will require letters of recommendation, strong letters of recommendation can enhance your application. Some schools will have specific recommendation requirements. For example, one must be from a teacher and the other must be from a school counselor.
How to Make Your College Application Stand Out
Now that you know what admissions officers will be reviewing within your application, you might be wondering: How can I use this information to stand out?
Show Intellectual Curiosity
College admissions offices are, first and foremost, looking for students who will be academically successful on their campus. They want students who will not only show up for class, but also truly engage with their coursework, their peers, and their professors.
One way to make your application stand out is to highlight your own intellectual curiosity. What are you interested in? How do you take your learning outside of the classroom? How do you participate in the classroom?
- Select Challenging Courses: Choose high school classes strategically to reflect your interests and future goals. If you plan to major in engineering, enroll in advanced math and science courses. If you’re leaning towards business, consider high-level economics or business courses. Even if you’re undecided, aim for a balance of core courses (English, science, math, social studies, and foreign language), and challenge yourself with honors, AP, or IB courses where possible. Remember, colleges often value rigorous coursework and effort over grades alone.
- Pursue Learning Beyond the Classroom: Engage in independent studies, research projects, or extracurricular activities related to your interests. Join the Robotics team, Mock Trial, or Creative Writing club—whatever speaks to your passions. If you’re interested in business, get a part-time job or internship at a small business in your town. Pre-vet majors could volunteer at a local animal shelter. Get creative! Consider what you enjoy learning about, and then seek opportunities to show a commitment to that area of study outside of your school walls.
Demonstrate Personal Growth, Skills, and Extracurricular Interests
In addition to intellectual curiosity, colleges also look for students who want to improve themselves, their community, and the world around them. Here’s how to effectively demonstrate these qualities:
- Engage in Extracurricular Activities: You can show colleges this side of yourself through your involvement in clubs, sports, student government, or honor societies. Pursuing activities that you genuinely enjoy will showcase your personality and individual interests.
- Take on Leadership Roles: Admissions officers want to see students who can motivate others and make a positive impact. This doesn’t mean you have to be president of a club or captain of a team! Small acts of responsibility, such as organizing events, mentoring peers, or leading group projects also reflect leadership qualities. For example, being the student who helps set up for events or assists new students can be just as impactful as holding a formal position.
- Showcase Personal Growth: Highlight your journey of personal development. Describe how you went from playing JV soccer for 2 years to being one of the senior year captains, or how you enjoyed computer science class, so you began an after-school tutoring program to help other students. Use the motto “show, don’t tell,” to let the admissions officers know that you have passions and will continue pursuing them when on their campus.
- Volunteer for a Cause: Volunteering shows commitment, empathy, and a willingness to contribute to the community. It can also show a deeper interest in a particular area of study if you focus your service on your academic interests. Looking for volunteer opportunities in your own community? Browse the volunteer opportunities through StudyLab’s search tool, and find organizations and events where you can make a difference.
Perfect Your Personal Essay and Additional Information
The personal statement, Additional Information section, and supplemental essays allow you to use your unique voice to provide context and share your story.
- Write an Authentic Personal Essay: The main application essay is often the most personal aspect of the application. Be authentic, and use it as an opportunity for reflection, vulnerability, and self-expression. It seems obvious, but be sure to answer the prompt! Avoid merely listing accomplishments; instead, weave them into a compelling story showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table. Finally, make sure to proofread your essay and get a second proofread from a teacher or friend.
- Include a Personal Resume: Maintain a resume throughout high school to track your activities, awards, and accomplishments. It will act as an addition to the list you have provided in the activities section and the story you’ve begun to tell in your essay. The reader may use your resume to fact-check other information you’ve included in your application to confirm that everything you included remains consistent.
- Utilize the Additional Information Section: One often overlooked piece of the application is the Additional Information section. This section is an opportunity to explain any anomalies in your application or provide context that isn’t evident elsewhere. For example, if you received a lower grade in a challenging course, use this space to explain the circumstances and how you’ve addressed any challenges.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
A stellar applicant will stand out by having strong letters of recommendation. This is one of the final pieces admissions officers can use to build a full picture of who an applicant is.
- Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select individuals who know you well and can provide specific, detailed insights into your strengths and achievements. The best letters of recommendation will come from people who know you and can attest to the character you have displayed throughout your application. Help your recommender by scheduling a time to meet, and complete a “brag sheet” so they know your current accomplishments and future goals. A well-informed recommender can provide a more compelling and personalized endorsement of your abilities.
Follow Application Instructions
Finally, remember that each college has a slightly different admissions process. Every admissions department will have certain criteria that they are looking for in their applicants and specific places within the application where they are looking for these qualities. Some schools will require supplemental materials, specific letters of recommendation, or test scores, while others will not. Double-check the requirements for each school you are applying to and be sure to follow their instructions and application recommendations.
Ready to Start Applying to Colleges?
Using these helpful tips and recognizing what admissions teams look for in your application will help you stand out among other applicants. Be sure to showcase your unique personality and accomplishments. Remember to only include truthful information and follow the specific instructions for each college.
Make sure you take time to enjoy this new chapter you are starting! It may seem overwhelming, but there are always people in your school or community and additional resources you can seek to help mitigate the stress of the application process.
You can get personal guidance on how to plan for college with Premium Prep College Counseling. Our expert counselors can help guide you as you prepare for your college journey.
This blog post was originally published by Premium Prep College Counseling: “How to Stand Out on Your College Application“
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