<p>So I am your typical overachiever. This first part may seem a tad boastful, but I am using it to illustrate a point and i am keeping it vague (if you want details I have previous posts). I have good grades, take all honors and AP classes whenever possible, and I am in a litany of clubs and activities (almost all of which I am really passionate about). I have a few leadership positions and I have done a little bit of volunteering (I am a rising sophomore)</p>
<p>That paragraph could be used to describe millions of kids across the country. To face it- I am bland and cookie cutter in the eyes of admissions officers. I try to be passionate and unique, but I'm just not. So how can I differentiate myself from the masses?
How do you guys stay unique?</p>
<p>Do your best, and be into your extracurriculars. What do you mean you’re “cookie cutter?” Every “smart” high school kid has extracurriculars and good grades, and that’s just the way it is. Nothing “cookie cutter” about it, that’s just how you get into college. What makes someone “unique” is their own specific activities, interests, and dedication.</p>
<p>Yeah, millions was an exaggeration. But I read about these kids doing all these amazing things, and as someone who wants to go to a top school it is unsettling to think I am far behind my peers.
How do you all find such cool things to get involved in?</p>
<p>It’s not necessary to “stand out” in particular. If you’re really into math and sciences and do tons of research, unfortunately, many other people also do that. Just focus on what your passion is, regardless of what it is.</p>
<p>You say you’re really passionate about your clubs and activities. That’s where you stand out. Why are you passionate about them? Now is a great time to really think about what you enjoy doing and why you enjoy doing it, and to get really deeply involved with two or three activities as opposed to just dabbling in several. Your passion for those specific activities is what will set you apart.</p>
<p>You don’t have to “do” amazing, wondrous things to prove you’re passionate about something. Your passion will just shine through when you talk about it.</p>
<p>@Nerd I’m interested in going into law. So I do mock trail and youth and government. The problem is schools don’t offer much for law. So youve got to like what you have and go for it. In addition to that I’m hoping next summer (I’ll be a rising junior) to get an internship at the courts house or something</p>
Debate team. Mock trial if your school has it. FBLA or a similar business-oriented club at your school. Youth and/in Government. Volunteer with local politicians from the party of your choice. Also, a little bit of involvement in theatre could help with public speaking skills that you’ll need for all of the above mentioned interests. </p>