College Application Tips You Don’t Expect: Part 1
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009November 15th is looming larger, and for those of you applying Early Admission, this means that it is officially college application crunch time. Even if you are just applying Regular Decision, college applications will be due in a matter of months, and you know that you need more than just a few days to put it together. So what should you be doing to get your college application to the top of the pile?
You’ve probably heard advice like: be yourself, write a killer essay, and get a nice letter of recommendation. Well guess what? What you’ve already heard just isn’t going to cut it. So we’re starting a series on some unconventional college application wisdom. This week, we tackle the fine balance between staying true to yourself and shooting yourself in the foot.
Be yourself, only better: People are always saying “be yourself.” This is nice Sunday-school advice, and while I’m all for students, and people in general, staying true to themselves, perhaps college admissions is not the best time to let your inner-freak flag wave.
College applications are like job interviews-you want to put your best foot forward. Sometimes, college applications like to ask questions like “What sorts of challenges have you overcome?” or “What is your biggest personal obstacle?” Now is not the time to respond with “Stop playing World of Warcraft 24/7.” College admissions officers look for motivated, interesting, ambitious students. So make whoever you are, whether that’s a video-game lover or an all-varsity athlete, look like just like that.
Now don’t get all “colleges should love us for who we are” on me. The truth is, college admissions is a competition. You need to look better than the applicant next to you in order to get admitted. This doesn’t mean that you should lie, cheat, or steal. But this does mean that you should present yourself, and whatever inevitable flaws you have, in the best light on your college applications. You’re not a couch potato; you’re a “calming influence” to everyone around you. Now pass that remote.
Use the comments section to tell us how you positioned a potential flaw as a strength, or if you prefer to just let it all out.
