<p>Well, let's hypothetically presume, that an admissions officer is looking at two applications, that scores wise look identical. What do the officers look at? How do I make myself stand out, so that I am the one that is picked? I know that there isn't just one thing, but what should I put on my application about myself that would make good universities want me?
Please help me and everyone who is wondering about the same thing!</p>
<p>Just as it is in your social life, sometimes you just like someone more than somebody else, for no specific reason.</p>
<p>Yeah, as JemDkyl said, there is no right way to stand out. You just have to present yourself and hope that the adcom takes a liking to you over the other person.</p>
<p>Actually, I don’t think its a matter of an admiss counselor liking one applicant more than another. Your application needs to be rich in experiences. Ivy’s and schools like Stanford, MIT etc are looking for kids with depth. Its not just about writing a great essay. Its not just one specific thing. Its about the whole person. Kids who get into these school have been groomed from the womb. Of course thats a bit of an exaggeration but then again not really. Your resume, essays and highschool coursework has to show dedication, passion and drive. In some ways everything one does almost certainly has to be linked to something else. Thats why there is no clear cut answer to this question. You don’t just wake up September of Senior year and say, “OK I want to go to Stanford, what should I do?” You should have been doing things all along…</p>
<p>I agree with all the above posters, especially Dungareedoll. Stanford takes a truly holistic approach! The numbers are very important but not important at the same time, because Stanford realizes there is so much more to an applicant than their achievements. Try to demonstrate who you are and what you can put on the table without trying to impress them.</p>
<p>I see, thank you guys, I shall definitely take these points into consideration.</p>