How Can I Improve My Application?

Applying to College
1

I’ve probably spent the last few hours browsing college confidential and looking at all the accepted, rejected, and deferred applications by highly selective schools. I’ve come to the conclusion that most of the times, the highly selective schools look for a person who has a big impact on his or her community.

And of all the races, of course, I’m Asian… (no hate intended #proudasian)

I’m planning to apply to top notch business schools such (wharton, standford, Berkeley, etc)
I’m also thinking of applying as an art major because I love both? arghh idk I can’t choose.

Since I know for a fact that I’ll be apply to top notch schools, what should I do to make my application stand out? I feel like what I have right now isn’t enough. I’ll just list the EC’s that have to do with business and art.

-Raised Over $2000 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (ran for student of the year)
-Published artist in Celebrating Art Book (2017 and 2018)
-Honorable Mention in California Federal Duck Stamp Competition
-Built an art rack for school’s art department (funded money and started young inventor’s club)
-2018 dog t-shirt design contest winner
-HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar (Maybe WLC if I get selected)

(Planning to do)

-Start my own company or online store
-Intern for local art organization (applying for sales and marketing)
-Start Art Club at my school

  • ^ Art club will be volunteering at local senior center and going to elementary school to teach art lesson
  • Applied to CSSSA Art Program (don’t get results until first week of May cries)
  • Taking DECA junior year

I just feel like what I’m doing is not something that’s a WOW factor for ivy leagues. I want to develop my passion for arts and the business (idk which one ugh why am I like this). I want to do something big like being involved in something that is worth talking about and impressive to accomplish as a High school student. Please give me some advice. I will be a junior in the fall of 2018! Thank You!

2

For top colleges you want a “spike” in your application. This means that, mostly in your ECs, you demonstrate both passion and skill at a particular subject matter. If you are better at art, pursue art and apply to the National Scholastic art contests, other high school contests that you can find online, etc. Get that internship at the local art organization. Start the art club. You want several activities that convey your interest and talent. Create an art portfolio and send it into schools with your application

3

I do like art, but the thing is I’m not sure if it’s something I can solely see myself doing in the future. (Maybe something like an art and business major mushed together. My counselor recommended me a job like an art interpreter, but I honestly forgot what she said lel) I am planning on applying to the California State Fair Competition and also an art competition where if you win, your art will be displayed at an art museum. Because I also love business, I wanted to do something with it. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur since my mother and father’s family all are. I’m very passionate about starting my own company and impacting the world. I just don’t know what to do.