by Meggan Mattson & Mike Deutsch
High school students continue to ask us the golden question when it comes to the college application process: How do I get into __________________? Fill in the blank with your favorite college or university. The panic about “getting in” starts earlier and earlier each year.
At this point, students beginning their freshman year of high school are most concerned about how every class they take/every grade they receive/everything they choose to do outside of the classroom will impact their college admission. Good grades and strong test scores definitely help with admission, but students also need to focus on what will make their applications stand out from the rest.
We call it the “stand-out factor.” If a student is applying to a particular university and has done enough research to know the school is a good academic fit for him/her, the GPA on his/her transcript and ACT/SAT test scores will likely be similar to the rest of the applicants in a given year.
So, beyond grades and test scores, what is it that will make your application stand out from the rest? What is going to differentiate you amongst your peers? What is your competitive edge in this process?
You can differentiate yourself through involvement outside of the classroom (perhaps you are involved in something unique, or there are layers to your involvement). Sometimes a passion or hobby can be a stand-out factor (maybe you are accomplished with the yo-yo and compete locally with it). Many times, students stand out through their application essays. That is why it is so important to take time in writing your essays, have multiple editing sessions, and be thoughtful with your words on paper. Whatever it is for you, give serious thought about what makes your application different and what makes you a “stand-out candidate” for admission.
Yale University offers some tips on standing out in your college application. According to Yale, your extracurricular activities should demonstrate:
1) You engage your community beyond the classroom.
2) You take leadership positions when they are available, and you invest your energies into the activities you choose. Show that you have spent time pursuing meaningful opportunities and that you have had a positive impact on people around you.
3) You have a deep commitment to and genuine appreciation for what you spend your time doing. Show that you have joy in the pursuits that really matter to you.
Everyone has a stand-out factor. Sometimes it takes some brainstorming before you uncover yours. Take the time to do that. Celebrate being different!
http://admissions.yale.edu/advice-putting-together-your-application
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
High school students continue to ask us the golden question when it comes to the college application process: How do I get into __________________? Fill in the blank with your favorite college or university. The panic about “getting in” starts earlier and earlier each year.
At this point, students beginning their freshman year of high school are most concerned about how every class they take/every grade they receive/everything they choose to do outside of the classroom will impact their college admission. Good grades and strong test scores definitely help with admission, but students also need to focus on what will make their applications stand out from the rest.
We call it the “stand-out factor.” If a student is applying to a particular university and has done enough research to know the school is a good academic fit for him/her, the GPA on his/her transcript and ACT/SAT test scores will likely be similar to the rest of the applicants in a given year.
So, beyond grades and test scores, what is it that will make your application stand out from the rest? What is going to differentiate you amongst your peers? What is your competitive edge in this process?
You can differentiate yourself through involvement outside of the classroom (perhaps you are involved in something unique, or there are layers to your involvement). Sometimes a passion or hobby can be a stand-out factor (maybe you are accomplished with the yo-yo and compete locally with it). Many times, students stand out through their application essays. That is why it is so important to take time in writing your essays, have multiple editing sessions, and be thoughtful with your words on paper. Whatever it is for you, give serious thought about what makes your application different and what makes you a “stand-out candidate” for admission.
Yale University offers some tips on standing out in your college application. According to Yale, your extracurricular activities should demonstrate:
1) You engage your community beyond the classroom.
2) You take leadership positions when they are available, and you invest your energies into the activities you choose. Show that you have spent time pursuing meaningful opportunities and that you have had a positive impact on people around you.
3) You have a deep commitment to and genuine appreciation for what you spend your time doing. Show that you have joy in the pursuits that really matter to you.
Everyone has a stand-out factor. Sometimes it takes some brainstorming before you uncover yours. Take the time to do that. Celebrate being different!
http://admissions.yale.edu/advice-putting-together-your-application
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
