What makes a high school graduate stand out?

Hi, it's my junior year and I'm feeling the college application stress. I'm curious to know from your perspective, what makes a certain high school graduate stand out from the rest? What type of achievements, experiences, or attributes can transform an ordinary student into an extraordinary one?

One key aspect that makes a high school graduate extraordinary is a clear passion or "spike" that demonstrates a deep commitment and exceptional achievement in a specific field, be it academic, extracurricular, or otherwise. Colleges prefer students with a highly-developed specialty, as they've proven to be successful in that field and will likely continue this success in college and beyond.

Another crucial factor is leadership, especially shown through extracurricular activities. It's not just about participating in a ton of clubs, but showing significant involvement and contribution. Leading a club, organizing events, initiating a new project or program - these can all help to demonstrate your talents, dedication, and impact.

Of course, academics can't be overlooked. Having a strong GPA and excelling in challenging courses like APs (with good grades) could signal to colleges that you're prepared for the rigors of higher education. Standardized test scores could also contribute, although they're becoming less critical in the process at many schools. Please note though that for the SAT/ACT, it's less about achieving a perfect score and more about meeting a threshold.

Community service involvement and work experience can also set applicants apart. Through them, students can demonstrate skills such as responsibility, team working, and problem solving. However, again, depth of involvement matters more than the number of hours served.

Finally, the ability to present oneself effectively through essays is incredibly important. A compelling, well-written essay that tells your unique story can definitely put you on the radar of admissions officers. Avoid cliche topics and instead focus on specific experiences or moments that truly reflect who you are and how you think.

Remember, it's about being an extraordinary "you," not trying to fit into any predefined mold of what you think colleges want. Find your own passion and interests, then pursue them to the fullest.