If you鈥檙e currently applying to college, or even preparing to apply, you might be feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. That’s understandable! There鈥檚 so much conflicting information out there about how to complete your college application–including myths and misconceptions–about the admission process.
Truth is, there鈥檚 no perfect college application that will get you admitted to every college, because every college is looking for different things. Applying to college is a bit like dating. We try to get to know you as you get to know us, so we can both decide if it鈥檚 a good match. That said, there are ways to show your best self and hopefully make a mutual connection.
My colleagues and I have reviewed mountains of college applications, and the truly memorable ones share a few common themes. Here’s a rundown of a few of my favorite strategies, along with some of those common myths and misconceptions.
- You鈥檙e more than your GPA and test scores. I know, crazy, right?! We are aware that you are a real person who is not defined by these numbers. Some colleges may have hard cutoffs when it comes to these numbers, while others do not. You could have the same scores as another applicant, but only one of you might be considered a good fit for the school. Believe it or not, colleges aren鈥檛 looking to build an army of identical students. Instead, we want to create a community of people who will learn from each other, give back to their community, and make the university a better place. We also want students who we think will be successful academically, build relationships with others, and one day make an impact in the world and be an ambassador for the university. So, how can you show us that you have the potential to do these things?
- Lean in to what makes you…well, you!聽One of the things students seem to believe is that you have to be involved in everything to be a strong college applicant鈥攃aptain of the soccer team, student body president, president of the service club, and lead robotics engineer. Now don鈥檛 get me wrong, that person sounds awesome. But, that doesn鈥檛 have to be you! If you鈥檝e spent the last four years dedicated to marching band, working hard to improve, leading a section, and mentoring younger musicians, that鈥檚 great! We love to see students who show dedication to their passions. Or maybe you鈥檙e involved in a little bit of everything, trying to figure out what appeals to you. The most important thing you can do is give us a real picture of who you are, what you鈥檙e interested in, your unique strengths and personal qualities, and how you鈥檒l bring these to your future college.
- Do your research 鈥� and show it. To show that you鈥檙e a good fit for a college, you need to connect what鈥檚 special about you to what鈥檚 special about them. When you鈥檝e identified the interests, passions, and goals mentioned above, figure out how you can make the college a better place with your gifts and goals. (Hint: this means you鈥檙e going to have to do some research!) Your college applications should not be identical copies of each other. Remember that dating example we talked about? Would you be a good date if you only talked about yourself? Of course not! Tailor your responses to essays, supplemental questions, and communications with admission representatives to show why the university should want you to join their community. Whether it’s professors with specific areas of expertise who interest you, on-campus clubs and organizations you want to join, or even the college’s mission statement that fits with your values and who you plan to be, show that you鈥檝e done your homework and you would be a great addition to our campus culture.
- Take the essay seriously, but don鈥檛 let it paralyze you. One of the most common misconceptions about the college essay is that you have to write about something sad or traumatic to get into a college. I鈥檝e even heard students wish that something bad had happened to them in their lives so they had a good essay topic. Please don鈥檛 ever wish this! I promise, a heart wrenching essay does not get you a leg up in the application process. Of course, if you鈥檇 like to write about a difficult, but meaningful, experience you鈥檝e had you are welcome to do so. But, I鈥檝e read wonderful essays that were funny, silly, and even about mundane topics made interesting by a unique perspective. The most important part of a college essay is that it is told in your voice. Don鈥檛 tell us what you think we want to hear, tell us something you want to say. Make sure you consider the 鈥渟o what?鈥� factor; you can write about a time you made macaroni and cheese for all I care, as long as you express why it matters, what it has to do with your plans for the future, or what it meant for you in your life. Be authentically you, include specific details, and avoid clich茅s. Plan to spend some time on your essays. Have others read your drafts and give yourself time to edit. Great essays are not written the day before the application deadline.
- Don鈥檛 cut corners. It may be easy to just submit the bare minimum and move on, but if a college is your top choice, go the extra mile! Submit the letters of recommendation, even if optional; take the supplemental questions seriously; talk about what makes the college special and be specific! Go beyond saying 鈥渢he campus is pretty,鈥� and dig in to why the academics, learning opportunities, student body, or culture appeal to you. Don鈥檛 show up to our metaphorical date in your dirty gym clothes or the same outfit you wore on your last outing. Put your best foot forward and show that this specific application is important to you!
- Please, PLEASE don鈥檛 get sloppy. I know by the end you鈥檒l just want to get these applications submitted, but spelling errors, lack of capitalization, and using the name of the wrong school in your responses (yes, that really happens) will do you no favors. Don鈥檛 ruin an interesting, unique essay with grammar and spelling problems, or forget to answer your supplemental questions because you鈥檙e rushing. You鈥檒l be glad you spent the time getting it right.
Most importantly, take a deep breath and relax. There鈥檚 a great college out there for everyone, and I promise you can find yours. If you have questions about the application process, ask! Talk to your school counselor, if you have one, and make an appointment with an admission counselor to get more information about the colleges on your list. We鈥檙e here to help, and take some of the stress off you. Best of luck on your college applications—you got this!
Kellie Butler is Associate Director of Admission at K体育 University. 
