<p>I'm not sure if there is a related thread on this, but what really makes you different? I mean, I think everyone applying to the top colleges (I'm sure everyone on CC knows what they are) thinks they have a chance and I don't think people would throw $80 away on the app fee. Anyway, so most people applying to these colleges would all have stellar scores/grades, EC's, crazy awards with big acronyms, and a laundry list like all the "Chance Me's". What separates you from the good "generic" application? I know people say "Your essay makes or breaks your application" but people also say colleges care about what you will do in the FUTURE not what you have done in the PAST, because at the end of the day, its a business, and they want their name associated with the best. How could you show that? Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Hm, maybe business, its my example. I haven’t got award or crazy grades, but I have my own business, what makes me different :)</p>
<p>Do you want examples? I’m not really applying to insanely selective schools, but I take upper-level math courses at a university. (Admittedly not a good university, but still.)</p>
<p>The essay can tell them quite a lot…if you’re unpretentious and can write well, you’re different from quite a lot of high school students already.</p>
<p>I’ve been thinking of starting my own business as well…
It is a good experience but also very time consuming which is why it separates you I assume</p>
<p>@halcyonheather examples would be great :)</p>
<p>It kind of depends on you, though. Do you have any interests or talents you could develop?</p>
<p>I think starting a business is overrated. Plenty of kids have that idea. Unless it’s a unique idea or makes a lot of money, it’s just another EC in my opinion.</p>
<p>I really enjoy animation, but my school doesn’t offer any sort of animation and I don’t know if I should try it at a community college…also the job market for animators is not so well</p>
<p>@apkid3 failure is the appetizer to the main course: success.</p>