Becoming an Exceptional College Admissions Candidate

Hi all! As I prepare to apply for college, I'm trying to become an exceptional candidate for admission. What are some things I can do to make my application really stand out and increase my chances of getting accepted?

Hello! Great to hear you're taking a proactive approach to your college applications. To become an exceptional candidate, you'll need to focus on several key areas to make your application stand out. Here are some suggestions:

1. Develop a "spike": Colleges are not necessarily looking for well-rounded students, but rather individuals with a highly-developed specialty that sets them apart from even other smart, talented students. Find your passion and invest time and effort into becoming highly skilled or knowledgeable in that area. This specialization will help demonstrate your potential for future success in your chosen field.

2. Achieve strong academic performance: Aim for a high GPA, and ideally also challenge yourself with a rigorous course load (honors, AP, or IB courses) shows your ability to handle college-level work. Of course, maintaining a strong GPA in those courses is crucial. Also consider shooting for a high SAT/ACT score - while many colleges are test-optional, an excellent score on one of these exams will make you a more attractive candidate.

3. Pursue meaningful extracurricular activities: Involvement in activities outside the classroom shows your dedication, leadership, and ability to engage in additional learning experiences. Focus on quality over quantity – it's better to excel in a few areas than to spread yourself thin. Volunteer work, internships, or research projects in your field of interest can also demonstrate your passion and expertise.

4. Secure strong letters of recommendation: Build relationships with teachers and mentors who can speak to your unique qualities, strengths, and dedication. These letters can provide valuable insight into your character and academic potential that might not be obvious from your grades and test scores alone.

5. Craft impactful essays: Your personal statement and supplemental essays are your chance to share your story, values, and aspirations. Choose distinctive and personal topics and make sure to answer the prompt. Avoid cliché themes or topics that have been widely written about. If you want help with your writing process, remember that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors.

6. Apply Early Decision/Early Action (if possible): This can increase your chances of being accepted, as colleges often admit a higher proportion of applicants in these rounds. Be aware, however, that Early Decision is binding, so only apply ED if you are absolutely certain that the school is your top choice.

7. Showcase your unique background: Share your experiences, cultural background, and family history to highlight your unique perspective. Academically distinguished students with diverse backgrounds can greatly contribute to the intellectual and social fabric of a college community.

Remember that college admissions processes are holistic, meaning they consider various aspects of your application. Focusing on these suggestions will help you craft an application that showcases your strengths, passion, and dedication across the board, which is what will set you apart from other candidates. Good luck!