When I sit down with students applying to highly competitive colleges, I often hear the same concern: “How do I actually stand out?” The truth is, with so many applicants having excellent grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, it’s no longer enough to just be “well-rounded.” In today’s admissions climate, schools want more than just a checklist of achievements. They want a real person — someone whose story, values, and passions leap off the page.
Whether you’re applying to an Ivy League school, a top public university, or a selective liberal arts college, the key is to present a compelling and authentic narrative. Let me walk you through what that actually looks like, with some practical strategies and real student examples along the way.
How to Stand Out in College Applications (Competitive Admissions Tips)
Craft a Cohesive Application Story
One of the biggest mistakes I see is students trying to be everything at once. Admissions officers are reading thousands of applications — what will they remember about you? You need a clear theme.
I worked with a student named Leila, who was applying to study environmental science. Instead of listing every club and AP class she ever took, we centered her application around her passion for climate action. Her essay described organizing a local compost program, her extracurriculars included leading an eco-club and interning with a conservation nonprofit, and even her recommendation letters emphasized her leadership in sustainability. That focus made her memorable — and helped her get into Stanford.
Your theme doesn’t have to be a specific major — it could be a personal value like resilience, curiosity, or justice. But your application should tell one story across every component: essays, activities, recommendations, and even interviews.
Go Beyond the Basics in Your Activities
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing a few things deeply. Selective colleges want to see impact, initiative, and leadership — not just participation.
- Started a nonprofit or organized a community fundraiser? That shows entrepreneurship.
- Led a research project or published in a student journal? That shows academic initiative.
- Worked part-time to support your family? That shows maturity and resilience.
I’ll never forget advising Alex, a first-gen student who didn’t have access to fancy summer programs. But he worked 30 hours a week at a grocery store, tutored his younger siblings, and still managed to start a peer mentoring group at school. We framed his experiences as leadership, resourcefulness, and commitment — and admissions officers at top state schools took notice.
If you feel like your activities aren’t impressive enough, think again. What matters is how you reflect on them and what they say about your character.
Write Essays Only You Could Write
Your personal statement is your chance to sound like a human, not a résumé. I always say: if your essay could be written by someone else, it’s not personal enough.
One student I worked with, Priya, wrote about her experience translating for her parents at doctor’s appointments. It wasn’t flashy — but it showed empathy, maturity, and cultural awareness. She got into several top schools.
On the flip side, I’ve read too many essays that start with a sports injury or a generic mission trip. If you’ve lived those experiences, that’s okay — but make sure your reflection is original and specific. Focus on what you learned, what changed in you, and how it connects to what you want to do next.
For more help crafting a standout essay, check out our guide on college essay writing, where I break down structure, tone, and editing tips.
Leverage the Hidden Strengths of Your Application
Recommendations That Speak to Your Core
Strong recommendation letters can tip the scales in your favor — especially if they reinforce the story you’re telling elsewhere. Choose teachers or mentors who know you well and can write with depth, not just praise.
One of my students, Mateo, asked his history teacher to write about his leadership in class debates and his growth over time. That letter, combined with his essay about civic engagement, painted a clear picture of a future changemaker. It worked — he’s now at Georgetown.
If you’re not sure how to approach your teachers, here’s a full guide on how to secure strong recommendation letters.
Use the Additional Information Section Wisely
This section can be a hidden gem. It’s not another essay, but a place to clarify anything unusual in your record — like a dip in grades, a family hardship, or a unique circumstance.
For example, a student I advised named Janelle explained how moving between foster homes affected her GPA during sophomore year. That note gave context that changed how admissions officers viewed her transcript. She was later admitted to Wellesley with a generous scholarship.
Don’t leave this blank if there’s something important to explain. But also don’t repeat your essay — keep it factual and concise.
Choose the Right Application Strategy
Applying early can give you a boost — but only if you’re ready. Early Decision, in particular, can significantly improve your chances at some schools, though it’s binding.
Before committing, read our full breakdown of Early Decision vs. Early Action to decide what makes sense for your goals and financial situation.
Some students also ask me about the Common App vs. Coalition App. While both platforms are widely accepted, there are a few key differences in structure and features. You can compare them in our Common App vs. Coalition App guide.
Standout Details That Often Get Overlooked
Practice for Interviews (Even If They’re Optional)
Admissions interviews are a chance to bring your application to life. Even if they’re not required, I always recommend preparing — especially for top-tier colleges.
One student I coached, Daniel, prepped thoroughly for his MIT alumni interview. He practiced speaking about his robotics projects, his love for problem-solving, and even asked thoughtful questions about MIT’s maker culture. The interviewer was impressed — and Daniel now calls MIT home.
If you’re unsure how to prepare or what to expect, this guide on acing your college admissions interview has everything you need.
Use Supplemental Essays to Show Fit
Colleges want to know why you’re choosing them — not just why they should choose you. Supplemental essays are where you prove that this school is a match for your goals, values, and learning style.
Be specific. Mention professors, programs, traditions, or clubs that excite you. Avoid generic praise like “I love the campus” or “this school has a great reputation.”
One student, Zahra, wrote about how Yale’s Directed Studies program aligned with her love for classical texts. She showed that she’d done her research — and that Yale’s offerings matched her intellectual curiosity. That level of specificity helps you stand out in a sea of applicants.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Sometimes, standing out is about not falling into the same traps others do. Every year I see students make mistakes that cost them — from submitting sloppy essays to missing deadlines.
Make sure you’re not making any of the top 10 college application mistakes.
FAQ: Standing Out in College Admissions
Do I need to start a nonprofit or win national awards to stand out?
No. Admissions officers value depth over prestige. What matters is how you’ve made an impact in your context — whether that’s your family, school, or local community.
How can I stand out if I come from a small or under-resourced school?
Lean into your story. Highlight how you’ve maximized your opportunities and taken initiative, even without access to elite programs. Context matters — and your resilience is a strength.
Is it better to be well-rounded or specialized?
Both can work, but depth in one or two areas often makes a stronger impression. A “spiky” application — one with standout achievements or interests — tends to be more memorable.
Should I still apply if I don’t have a perfect GPA or test scores?
Yes. Holistic admissions means your essays, recommendations, and life experiences matter too. If you’ve faced challenges or grown significantly, that can be just as powerful as top stats.
Final Thoughts
Standing out in college applications doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being real — and being intentional. Tell your story with clarity. Highlight what matters most to you. Show growth, passion, and purpose.
I’ve worked with students from all walks of life — from rural towns to big cities, from elite private schools to underfunded public ones. The ones who got in weren’t always the ones with the fanciest résumés. They were the ones who knew who they were — and weren’t afraid to show it.
If you’re still feeling uncertain, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Use guides like our Ivy League admissions tips or our advice on getting into Harvard to go even deeper. Wherever you apply, your voice matters. And I’m rooting for you every step of the way.