<p>I was just wondering how to make my application as impressive as possible whenever I apply?? I'm only a sophomore in high school, and I just would like some tips ahead of time! How do I write good essays, or make my EC's as impressive as possible?? What do I have to focus on when I apply?? Any advice would be great! Thanks!</p>
<p>Don’t try to make your EC’s “as impressive as possible” - that suggests you’re just doing what you think they want to see, which they know how to recognize. Do what you love, pour your heart into it, and write about it.</p>
<p>Also, check out:</p>
<p>[Applying</a> Sideways | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways]Applying”>Applying Sideways | MIT Admissions)</p>
<p>Applying sideways is similar to advise I give that seems to work. Invest yourself fully in everything you do. Don’t do anything because it will “look good” for college. Many parents and students spend middle school and high school carefully mapping out what will be perceived well by colleges. Does that make any sense? So, you’d spend 8 years fretting about the 4 years of college? Makes no sense. Go for the experiences you are excited about and value. Go over the top. Push yourself to be better than you ever dreamed you could be at the things that you love. Take outrageous opportunities and make them even better. Don’t be a follower. Don’t try hard to fit in. Instead break out and invite friends to follow you. Good at math and your school moves too slowly? Find an online program, learn what you can, take a test to legitimize your mastery and find a local college to take more. Like to write? Submit your writing to journals. Be independent and find outlets for your efforts, talents, accomplishments. In high school? Become a junior student member of a professional organization focused on a topic you love. Go to a local conference. Hook up with the active student groups. But all this should be because you are the type of person who wants to be fully engaged in their school and community not as a way to get into college. Many kids spend 6 years trying to fit in and do what everyone else is doing and then struggle to find ways to look different during the college application process. Move away from all that by going after the things you think are valuable ways to spend your time. What if you spend your high school years doing everything as a way to get into dream college A and you don’t get in. You’ve not enjoyed a huge chunk of your childhood. what if you forget about what colleges want do focus on doing things that you absolutely love. If you don’t get in, you will have had a blast and probably many more opportunities to do things you love than had you focused on college. And, maybe you’ll get in anyway. And if you don’t you’ll find a great college to go to and get the best of both worlds- a great time in high school and a great college experience.</p>