7 Ways Students Can Stand Out In The Crowd During College Admissions In A Competitive Era
The college admission season is at hand. Want to know the secret of how to bag that choicest seat in the coveted college that you have been eyeing? Find out here.
— By Yatharth Gulati
As college application season kicks into high gear, students are facing a daunting reality: getting into top schools has become tougher than ever. With more applicants than colleges can accommodate coming into the system, admissions offices are swamped, seeking not just "brainy" kids with perfect scores but those who bring something special to the table. What makes the difference? It's the ability to tell a story that's real, gripping, and uniquely theirs. For students ready to rise above the crowd, here are seven game-changing moves to craft an application that grabs attention and seals the deal.
Discover What Makes A College the Right Fit
Before students start typing applications in the form of essays, they need to understand their target institutions inside out. Every college has its own personality and priorities. Some prioritise research, others focus on community service or creative arts.
Students should explore a school's website, check out its student blogs, or skim its mission statement to see what drives it. By linking their personal goals with the school's, they can show admissions officers they're not just another applicant but a future campus star. For instance, your love for environmental science or a knack for debate could fit with the college's strengths.
Be The Early Bird
Applying early can give students a leg up. Colleges see early decision or early action as a sign of commitment, often giving those applicants a closer look. Early decision means promising to attend if accepted. So, it's for students who've found their dream school. Early action, less restrictive, still shows initiative. Either way, hitting that deadline early tells a college a student is organised and eager — qualities that never go out of style.
Connect With The College In Meaningful Ways
Admissions teams notice when students go beyond the basics. Reaching out to a professor with a question about their work, joining a virtual campus tour, or even posting a thoughtful comment on the college's social media can make a student stand out in the crowd. These small steps show that a student isn't just checking boxes. They're genuinely excited about becoming part of the school.
Turn Optional Tasks Into Showcases
When a college offers "optional" essays or portfolio submissions, students should see them as golden opportunities. Writing an extra essay about a life-changing volunteer trip or sharing a photography project can reveal who they are in ways a transcript can't. These efforts prove a student's willingness to go the extra mile, adding a personal touch that makes their application feel alive and authentic.
Show Hunger For Learning
Colleges want students who light up when they talk about ideas. Whether it's tinkering with a robotics project, running a blog about classic novels, or volunteering to teach kids math, students should highlight activities that show they love learning for its own sake. The key is to share what they did and why it matters to them — painting a picture of someone who'll bring curiosity and energy to campus.
Keep Online Profiles Polished
In today's world, a student's online presence can be part of their application's story. Setting up a simple LinkedIn profile to highlight school projects or awards can impress admissions staff. Following a college's social media and engaging with its posts shows interest. But students need to be smart. Cleaning up any unprofessional content on public accounts is a must to avoid sending the wrong message.
Lead: Walk The Talk
Colleges aren't just looking for titles like "team captain". They want students who step up and make things happen. Organising a fundraiser, tutoring classmates, or starting a small recycling campaign are all examples of leadership that count. Students should explain what they accomplished and how it changed them, showing they're ready to take on challenges and make a mark in college.
Make It Happen Today
Students can't afford to wait. With the results season already underway, students should start listing out their top college preferences and diving into research to find what sets each one apart. Setting a calendar for early application deadlines, drafting those "optional" essays, and reaching out to admissions offices are all steps they can take today.
Cleaning up social media and brainstorming ways to showcase their passions will keep them ahead of the game. This isn't just about getting into college. It's about proving to themselves they've got what it takes. So, students, grab that laptop, get curious, and start building an application that's undeniably you.
The author is the co-founder of Rostrum Education.
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.]
Education Loan Information:
Calculate Education Loan EMI
Top Headlines
