<p>So I heard about the e-book, "Hopeless to Harvard," which I've yet to buy, but it got me thinking...there must be a way to outsmart Princeton. Sure I do well in school and I'm at the top of my class, take APs, do sports, extracurriculars, and volunteer work, and have had a job for four years, but what can I do to "stand out"? I'm signed up to take individual summer courses at Northeastern since I just can't afford those superb college prep advanced summer programs at the Ivies, and I'm planning to do a ton of volunteer/regular work over the summer. Still, I don't see anything so unbelievably special about me or my accomplishments. Any advice on how to make the most of my last summer preparing for college and how I can write that perfect college resume that will get me into my dream school?</p>
<p>No one can tell you what to do to stand out because then it wouldn’t be standing out. How to be special is something very personal that you will have to figure out for yourself. I suggest start by looking at your interests, the things you are really passionate about. Then think of a way to demonstrate those interests in a way that shows both the magnitude of the interest and your drive to pursue what you are interested in.</p>
<p>Or if your like me and have interests that are not related to your current EC’s b/c your school/community does have them or you cant afford it, then tell Princeton that. For example, I’ve always wanted to take dance and creative writing classes, but never had the money/opportunity and I mentioned that in my essays. As a 17-18 year old Princeton admissions officers are not as concerned about how you demonstrate that “certain passion” everyone here likes to talk about, but more along the lines of how you can apply what you’ve LEARNED from </p>
<p>the bazillion AP’s you took
the X amount of community service + sports + band + music + art + whatever that you do</p>
<p>to your life at college. And having specific things that you WOULD LIKE to do at Princeton to me is more meaningful than someone who looks like they did it all…just for the sake of college admissions hehe.</p>
<p>^@vicky_sky, thanks! I’ll take that into my college apps. hope it’ll help =)</p>