When applying to colleges and beginning to fill out applications and attending interviews, how can I make myself more applicable than others? Are there certain traits valued over others? How can I build myself a strong foundation in the application process. Any tips will help.
Every school will be different. Some schools have target gpa/test thresholds that guarantee admission. The short answer is be yourself because no one else can. Colleges replace 25% of their population every single year. That means every year, they need students that bring something to the table: a yearbook editor, an excellent writer, a musician, a team manager, a person who volunteers, someone who loves history…or French…or math, you get the point. Be yourself, show through your application who you are, and give some insight into how you intend to become a part of your new community.
Thank you so so much! That is so true! It is always important to show yourself and the best you can offer because colleges look for that type of diversity! But are there any specific things I can do to stand out, such as clubs etc…
Nope. It’s not about being in a particular club. Pick a club, any club. We’ll pick on Mock Trial for example. Many high schools don’t even have Mock Trial (ours doesn’t). Some colleges don’t have Mock Trial. Every year, students who have never participated in Mock Trial graduate and attend a college that either does or does not have Mock Trial. Some kids who did Mock Trial attend a college that has it and decide to try something else. Joining a club at your school purely for the purpose of impressing some admissions person is not a good use of your talent or time. Now if you have a Nobel Prize in your pocket, that is another story entirely.