When I'm applying to colleges, how do I decide what personal aspects or experiences to highlight in my application? I want to give admissions the best picture of who I am but I'm not sure what matters most to them.
Good question! The key is to think about your unique traits and experiences, and then frame them in a way that's relevant to colleges. You can consider your academic achievements, extracurricular experiences, personal characteristics, and life experiences when deciding what to highlight.
Starting with your academics, consider your strengths and interests. What areas do you excel in? Any classes where you exceeded expectations or subjects where your passion shines through? These are notable traits. However, remember to also mention rigorous courses you've taken such as AP classes, proving that you're willing to challenge yourself academically.
Extracurricular activities are a great way to showcase your passions, dedication, and leadership skills. Remember the four tiers of extracurriculars and aim to show dedication and achievements in higher tiers activities which show your personal growth and commitment.
Personal traits such as resilience, leadership, curiosity, or creativity are also noteworthy. Evaluate what makes you., well, you. But, frame these traits within the context of your aspirations. For example, if you're applying to a design program, highlighting your eye for detail and innovative thinking would be great.
Lastly, don't ignore your life experiences. Maybe you've overcome a significant obstacle or have a compelling cultural background? These experiences provide a unique perspective that you bring to the campus community.
When it comes to essays, use your essays as a place to show your personality, by writing about a moment that demonstrates how these attributes and experiences have shaped your perspective or aspirations. remember, avoid common topics unless you have a unique twist, and focus on showing rather than telling your qualities.
Deciding what to highlight is largely about understanding yourself and what you bring to the college. Colleges are looking for students who will enrich their campus community in their unique way, so don't be afraid to be yourself. You can always ask teachers, mentors, or admissions counselors for advice if you're still unsure.
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