The Top 5 Things that Shine on a College Application

At first glance, it might seem like the college application process—while lengthy—is fairly straightforward. After all, most schools in the U.S. require prospective students to submit similar information about themselves—grades, test scores, and a college application essay, for example. Not so bad, right?

Yes and no. On the surface, each element is not complex. But remember that once the college application deadline passes, admissions committees now need to wade through thousands of these similar applications. Only subtle nuances of each student profile separate the “yes” pile from the “no” pile. From thousands, admissions committees will send offer letters to a certain percentage of applicants to join their incoming class. Top schools might only admit 3-10% of those who apply. 

Suddenly, the process isn’t so straightforward. A successful application requires knowing how to stand out from the pack, and preparing in advance to make sure you’ll be able to do just that.  Want to make your college application shine? Here are the top 5 things that will help your application rise to the top.

A lot of college-bound students have top grades. Some of them might even think this might be enough to get into any school they choose. But admissions counselors aren’t just looking at your GPA. They’re also examining which courses you took. 

Did you get straight As in general-level courses, or AP classes? Did you reach the top level in certain subjects, taking advanced math or science courses, for example? What about college-level courses taken at a local community college, which is an option at some high schools? Nearly every college application will request a copy of your high school grades. Demonstrating a tougher-than-average course load combined with high grades is one of the best ways to make your college application stand out. 

Whether you take the SAT or ACT, one of the best ways to impress the admissions committee at the college of your choice is to get an above-average score.

But what does “above average” mean? It depends on the school. Many colleges will publish the average standardized test scores of their incoming freshman class. “Above average” will likely look different at Harvard than it does at a larger state school, for example.  The first step you should take is researching what scores are considered average by the schools you want to attend. Then, practice for the SAT or ACT with those scores in mind, aiming to score even higher. 

Participating in extracurricular activities is fairly easy. Most schools offer a variety of sports, clubs, or organizations for high school students to join, with low barriers to entry. That’s why nearly all prospective students will be able to list one or more extracurriculars on their college applications. 

To stand out, you’ll need to show commitment to extracurriculars. What does that mean, exactly? 

For example, let’s say you joined student government as a freshman. You weren’t an elected official, like the Class President, but you worked on a committee and supported student council activities for a couple of years. Then, as a Junior, you ran for one of the elected positions, like Treasurer or President. Maybe you won the election or maybe you didn’t, but you stuck with student government, deepening your involvement over time, and building the skills and knowledge it takes to get to the next level.  Admissions counselors are impressed to see students who commit to 1-3 activities outside of the classroom over a longer period of time. This shows dedication and perseverance, which are key qualities college students need to stay in school and complete their degrees. 

Early in your high school years, feel free to experiment! You don’t have to stick with everything you start. But to make your college application shine, find a few activities you’re truly passionate about, and stick with them. 

Recommendation letters allow admissions officers to learn about your and your college readiness from an objective third party. When choosing who to ask to write you recommendation letters, think about who in your life is truly your champion. 

Mentors, teachers, and supervisors who are enthusiastic about you and your future tend to write glowing letters of recommendation. Instead of a simple “I recommend this person,” they’ll gush about your qualifications and potential. A glowing recommendation stands out from the standard letter of support, helping impress the admissions committee.  Maybe it’s the academic coach who spends extra time helping you perfect your score. Or the English teacher who praises your essays to the entire class. To help your application shine, ask a few of your true champions to write you a letter of recommendation. 

The college application essay is a common requirement in the admissions process. Schools use these essays to get to know the student behind the numbers and to distinguish between competing applicants.  That’s why the college application essay is one of the best ways to make your admissions package shine. 

First, find something to write about that is truly unique to you. Be honest, but also let your personality shine. A lot of college application essays sound the same or focus on a common experience, which isn’t going to impress the admissions officer. 

Next, make sure your essay is easy to read, structurally sound, and error-free. An obvious spelling mistake, or an unstructured piece, is a quick way to lose the committee's attention. Edit your college application essay before the college application deadline. Better yet, have a trusted teacher or mentor read it and offer suggestions. 

Don’t wait until your college application deadline is looming to start thinking about how you can impress the admissions committee. 

Building a college application that gets you an acceptance letter to your top school is something you need to do throughout your high school career. 

Many of the top things that shine on a college application take years to assemble (such as commitment to an extracurricular), so the best time to start is as a high school freshman. 

Being strategic from the start will help you build your best college application package, and boost your chances of snagging those coveted acceptance letters. 

Will AP classes in high school help you get into college? Learn why top schools love these advanced courses. 

Get familiar with the standard college application package, with our guide to the common components. 

Thinking about extracurriculars? Learn what top schools look at when it comes to your activities outside of the classroom.