The Average Student’s Guide to College Apps

Ordinary. Average. Conventional. Mainstream. Unremarkable. Normal. Basic. Square.

Do any of these adjectives describe you? It’s a common fear in high school students.

In fact, “I’m not special enough to stand out” is a regular comment we hear from many students beginning the college application process.

Here’s the good news: you don’t actually need to have something earth-shattering happen to you to have a good college story. In reality, most students don’t. Admissions officers look for authenticity and growth, not just perfection. So, don’t count yourself out. We’ll show you how average students can still discover and highlight their unique strengths to create standout applications.

Why “standing out” even matters

Every year, over a million students submit college applications through the Common App website alone. When admissions officers sift through these stacks of essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters, most applicants look surprisingly similar… average GPAs, average test scores, a few extracurriculars sprinkled in. 

So how do you make sure your application isn’t lost in the shuffle? 

The answer isn’t padding your resume or pretending to be someone you’re not. You don’t have to do anything drastic, either. It’s about being authentic and intentional. Admissions officers can quickly spot overblown stories or activities added at the last minute. What they’re really looking for is a clear sense of who you are. Ideally, someone with potential, honesty, and the ability to grow in college.

Myth vs. reality check:

• Myth: Only perfect students get accepted.
• Reality: Colleges admit thousands of students every year who are “average” by the numbers but compelling in how they present themselves. 

Standing out doesn’t mean being extraordinary. It means finding your voice and sharing it.

Rethink what “average” means

Before you can present yourself well, you need to shift how you think about the word “average.” “Average” doesn’t mean unworthy: it just means you need to frame your story. 

If you’re unsure of where you fall, here are a few common “average” applicant profiles:

• B+ students with solid extracurriculars but no major awards
• Test-optional applicant who chose not to submit scores
• Late bloomer who improved grades in junior year
• Quiet contributor who works part-time or takes care of family
• Curious learner who found a niche interest outside of school

Any of these sound like you? Here’s the truth: you can still build a compelling application around your real life.

Why? Because most colleges and universities in the United States practice holistic review in admissions. This means they don’t just look at grades and scores; they consider your character, effort, and context. For example, a student who juggles babysitting siblings and a part-time job might not have as many clubs on their resume, but that work still shows responsibility, time management, and commitment. It all matters.

Here’s another way of explaining holistic review:

So, think about the everyday moments in your life that show growth. Did you help your community in a quiet but consistent way? Did you learn resilience through ordinary challenges? These stories can be just as powerful as national contests.

Next, we’ll cover the big steps you can take now to make a difference.

Academics: finding your fit

If you’re worried about not being at the top of your class, you’re not alone. (Statistically, it’s not possible for everyone to be at the top. Many students fall in the middle of their high school’s grade distribution.) Fortunately, there are smart ways to approach it!

Use test-optional policies wisely

Since 2020, hundreds of colleges have adopted test-optional admissions. This means if your scores don’t reflect your abilities, you can choose not to submit them. 

Focus instead on highlighting your strengths through GPA trends, essays, and great recommendations.

Build a balanced college list

Admissions strategy is all about balance. You don’t want to pick too few or too many, either. Aim for a mix of different types to ensure you have adequate coverage. 

• Safety schools: where your stats are above the average.
• Target schools: where you’re a strong match.
• Reach schools: more competitive but still possible.

For more context on why it’s so important to balance your college list, check out this video from Empowerly counselor Jermaine:

Highlight your growth

Even if your GPA isn’t perfect, admissions officers notice upward trends. If your sophomore year was rough but you improved as a junior, explain that growth. Letters of recommendation from teachers who witnessed your effort can reinforce this narrative.

Quick transcript tips:

1. Don’t let one number (or grade) define you.
2. Try to show improvement (or at least consistency) across your academic performance. 
3. Let your recommenders speak to your character and work ethic.

And, as you build your college list, add colleges that openly emphasize holistic review in their admissions process. Even selective schools want to see who you are beyond the numbers. 

For example: 

• The University of California considers 13 profile factors, including personal insight.
• The University of Washington looks closely at your personal context and hardships.
• Boston University and Tulane are known to value upward GPA trends.

Activities: beyond clubs and sports

When students think of “impressive” extracurricular activities, they often picture being the captain of a varsity team or president of the student government. But what if your after-school hours look different? 

Here’s the truth: college admissions officers value impact over titles. They want to know how you contributed, and how it shaped you. 

Nontraditional activities count, too; often more than students realize. The effort and growth shown through these personal pursuits (whether they fall under “creative work,” “academic exploration,” “community engagement,” or even “everyday commitments”) can be highly compelling to admissions committees. What does your side hustle say about you? 

For instance: 

• Caring for younger siblings or grandparents.
• Holding a part-time job in retail or food service. 
• Personal projects like coding apps, writing, or making art.
• Community commitments like religious activities or volunteering.
• Independent learning through online courses or certifications. 

The key is not to exaggerate a small hobby, but to recognize the real value in what you already do. If an activity highlights your initiative, impact, or personal growth, it deserves to be considered. By viewing your time holistically, you create an application that powerfully reveals your unique talents and potential.

Try this: activity brainstorming

• What do I do weekly that takes effort and/or time?
• Have I helped someone, even informally?
• What am I good at that others ask me about?
• Have I completed any independent projects, online courses, or certifications on my own?

Jot down your answers. You might be surprised by how much you actually have to include.

Essays: your biggest opportunity

If you still feel “average” after looking at your academics and activities again, here’s your ace card: the personal essay. 

Essays are the great equalizer of admissions because you can’t write them until you get to your senior year. A thoughtful essay can bring your personality to life on the page.

How to find your story

Start by reflecting on small but meaningful experiences: a lesson learned from a part-time job. A time you supported a friend during a challenge. A hobby or routine that taught you discipline or creativity. How can you use this moment to show a stranger something about you?

Admissions officers aren’t expecting dramatic events. They’re more interested in how you think, how you’ve grown, and what values guide you today.

Here’s an example: 

• Before: “I worked at a pizza shop in my junior year. It was a pretty normal job, but I learned a lot.”
• After: “At 5 p.m. on a Friday, with 10 orders already piling up, we got a catering order for 30 pies. That night, I learned that teamwork in a kitchen isn’t just about speed, it’s about trust and communication.”

See the difference? The specificity and reflection make for a much more interesting story.

A simple framework for brainstorming topics: 

Many college essay prompts echo similar subject matter. For instance…

• Moments of growth: When did you change your perspective? 
• Everyday responsibilities: How do you contribute at home, work, or school?
• Ordinary events with insight: How do you find meaning in the small things? 

Here are some more focused questions to help you brainstorm around the major themes.

1. Leadership in your community

• How do you feel when taking on a new responsibility?
• What goal(s) do you set for yourself as a leader?
• Is there a problem to solve, or a change you want to initiate, in your school/community?

2. Creativity and talent

• What specific skill or talent are you most proud of?
• Where and when do you use this skill?
• Why was creativity needed in a particular situation?

3. Academic interests

• What academic subject inspires you most, and where did this interest begin?
• What goals did you set for yourself to further learn outside of required coursework?
• Why is this significant to your character or your potential contribution to the UC campus?

The lesson? Don’t force yourself into a “perfect” essay mold. Find the story only you can tell.

Pulling it all together

Here’s the bottom line: being “average” doesn’t mean being invisible (or unimportant). It just means you need to be intentional in how you present yourself. By reframing your academics, highlighting nontraditional activities, and writing essays that showcase growth, you can create a college application that feels genuine and memorable.

And remember: no single factor (whether GPA, test score, or extracurricular title) singlehandedly defines your future. What matters is the combination of your experiences and the perspective you bring to them.

If you’re unsure where to start, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Empowerly has helped thousands of students, including many who felt “average,” discover their strengths and build applications that stand out. Book a consult today to discuss how we can help you shine.

Your story is more than enough: you just have to learn how to tell it.