What's a passion project?

Hey guys! I've heard a lot about students having 'passion projects' in their application. Can anyone explain what a passion project is and how it could potentially help me in the college application process?

Hello! A passion project is an independent, self-driven project or activity that a student pursues outside of their regular schoolwork or extracurricular commitments. The main purpose of a passion project is for the student to explore a particular interest or passion in depth. It showcases the student's dedication, creativity, and ability to take initiative.

The project can be anything that allows the student to demonstrate their skills and interests—such as starting a blog, creating a YouTube channel, building a smartphone app, organizing a community event, or conducting independent research.

In the college application process, a passion project helps to set you apart from other applicants by highlighting your unique strengths, skillset, and personal interests. It also serves as strong evidence of your motivation and commitment to a specific field, making your application more compelling to admissions officers. Passion projects can be especially beneficial if they are related to your intended major or career path, as they illustrate your genuine interest in that area.

When describing a passion project in your application, focus on the impact it has had on you or your community, as well as the skills and personal growth you've gained through the experience. For example, if you created a podcast about environmental issues, explain how you learned to research, communicate complex ideas, and collaborate with experts in the field.

Demonstrating the process and the knowledge acquired through your passion project will help to convey your potential for success in college and beyond.