Giving Your College Application a Competitive Edge: 5 Tips for Marketing Yourself to an Admissions Committee
Competition for college admission is steeper than ever, as thousands of aspiring collegiates prepare for the uphill battle of securing a spot at their top-choice university. The number of students and their respective applications seems to grow each year exponentially, crowding a coveted set of spots at top-tier universities. Many high schoolers use the Common Application–which makes it easy to apply broadly with the simple click of a button–and hedge their bets by targeting an abundance of colleges.
Unfortunately, application season tends to spike stress levels amongst prospective students. Between juggling a multitude of extracurricular activities and losing precious hours of sleep, it’s inevitable for high schoolers to experience crippling anxiety and mental fatigue. The stress of being rejected from college can escalate these effects to the point of debilitating admissions-season fatigue.
Although the application process can be intimidating and overwhelming, it’s undeniably beneficial to obtain a college degree in the 21st century. Receiving your diploma will increase your future earning potential and bolster your financial acumen. Pursuing higher education can also decrease your odds of facing unemployment and boost your chances of becoming a homeowner someday.
With the broad spectrum of opportunities granted to college graduates in mind, giving your college application a much-needed competitive edge should clear the top of your priority list. For those starting at square one, consider these resume-makeover tips and tricks.
Utilize competitive standardized test scores to your advantage.
Several universities have decided to transition to test-optional admissions and dissolve requirements for standardized exam scores. The trend has gained traction during the past decade and shows no signs of stopping. Active test-optional colleges include the University of Denver, Bucknell University, and the University of San Francisco, among others.
While doing away with the need to submit standardized test scores is appealing to most applicants, it’s still worth showcasing your performance in some instances. For example, a stellar score on the SAT or ACT can set you apart from your academic competition, boasting a collection of extracurricular activities and a stack of glowing letters of recommendation.
If you are torn between SAT vs ACT, It’s a smart strategy to examine a college’s previously admitted students if you’re struggling to make a decision. If your performance falls on the higher end of that particular range, sending your scores might make the difference between being accepted or rejected.
Diversify your extracurricular activities
When it comes to choosing which activities to participate in, quality supersedes quantity. Selecting the ideal combination of clubs and sports may give you a significant edge during the application process. Try to strike a balance between your interests and curiosities while staying committed to each activity. You can even opt for a unique venture like creating a blog, starting a business, or volunteering for a local political candidate.
Research every college thoroughly
Making errors and botching details on your application is a surefire way to be passed over. Try to avoid rushing through each component by paying close attention to every instruction, prompt, and question. Researching your desired university and citing specific facts about its mission statement or faculty will help you stand out to admissions officers.
Craft a powerful essay
The personal essay section allows you to demonstrate your writing skills while revealing pertinent information about yourself. When drafting your response, try to think of an attention-grabbing opening line to hook the reader’s interest from the get-go. Make sure to favor rich words and vivid descriptions as you write the body of your essay. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality on the page, regardless of your chosen topic. Letting your distinctive voice come through will distinguish you from other applicants.
Use letters of recommendation effectively
It’s no secret that letters of recommendation play an important role in college admissions.
Even if they’re not required, it’s usually a good idea to include a letter or two when you send in supplementary materials. References provide an opportunity for your high school teachers, mentors, and counselors to highlight your best qualities and characteristics. Remember to ask potential recommenders far enough in advance–about five weeks–so you don’t miss out on the chance to shine in every glowing letter.
Final word
As another face in the applicant pool, blending into the sea of college hopefuls is a worst-case scenario for aspiring collegiates applying to top-tier universities. To avoid falling to the wayside, market yourself as a worthwhile candidate to an admissions committee.