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- I'm a college-admissions expert, and I help high schoolers get into their dream schools.
- Students shouldn't burn themselves out by doing too many extracurriculars for their applications.
- They should also try to start their applications early to reduce the stress.
Admissions officers often read over 1,000 applications in just a few months. Considering our workload, one wrong step on a college application can be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
I've seen it countless times as a college-admissions expert, as well as the founder of the Ivy League Challenge. A Harvard alumnus myself, I help teens develop the skills they need to get into college and thrive once they're there.
Here's what I tell all my high-school seniors to do and not do when applying to their dream schools.
Don't overlook the directions and essay questions
First, I recommend all students carefully read and follow directions. I know: You've trained yourself to skim past pop-up ads and user agreements, but now's the time to actually slow down, complete everything, and do it correctly.
Assume that everything asked of you is important. Even "recommended" information can be required for some applications. Following directions may be boring but could make a critical difference.
If you can throw in random information and trust the admissions team to connect the dots, think again. After weeks of nonstop reading, they'll understandably be exhausted, and perhaps depending on caffeine and sugar to keep their focus. If your application confuses them, their easiest solution is to simply say no.
Don't annoy, offend, or confuse the admissions team
In an attempt to be more memorable, some high schoolers go for a shock effect when applying. Don't.
Using bathroom humor, talking about drug and alcohol abuse, or coming across as a bully and a jerk is not shocking; it's unhelpful. And trust me, you won't be the first student to try it.
Don't burn yourself out just to be boring
In classrooms across America, anxious teens focus on certain clubs or activities to try and impress admissions officers. Ironically, tens of thousands of students end up doing the same thing to stand out. They then try to do these activities better than everyone else. Tragically, many bright and ambitious teens slowly burn themselves out, only to turn in an application that looks like all the other ambitious teens' applications.
Don't be boring or like the others; just be you. Forget joining clubs, teams, or competitions just to impress. Seek out opportunities to explore what makes you come alive — and then do them. Feed your curiosity. You'll be more unique, more memorable — and more likely to get admitted where you want to learn.
Don't forget you are applying to a human, not a beautiful campus
Some teens feel the need to be as perfect as the manicured campus of their favorite college. Not true.
Humans will be reading your essays and applications. Help them get to know you by showing them who you truly are — flaws and all. Help them get a feel for how you will interact on their campus. Share what matters to you — just like you're talking to a friend.
Do begin early and plan ahead
At the beginning of your junior year, decide which teachers to ask for recommendation letters. Build a strong relationship with those teachers throughout the year before requesting the letters in the spring.
Open a new email account that looks professional and includes your name. Check it regularly and use it for all college-related applications.
Begin your Common App when it opens on August 1. Fill in a few areas at a time, saving the input as you go. Set aside 20 to 60 minutes each week and work consistently. You will be less stressed, more effective, and less likely to make mistakes.
Do present yourself strategically when writing your essays
As I watched a thrilling "Mission Impossible" movie recently, I noticed how the focus stayed on story and action and kept me intrigued and involved. Had the movie meandered to show the character's favorite food or clubs, I would have become distracted and lost the plot.
The same goes for applying to college. Avoid including details that don't matter when writing the essays. Communicate your core values and why they matter. Share how your community is a better place because you live your core values. Colleges are most interested in who you are as a person and as a student. They're looking to see how you positively impact your community.
Do keep your ambition healthy rather than desperate
Ambition in young people is wonderful, but too often I see healthy ambition shift to desperation. To counter that, I teach my students to use three magic words: "or something better." For example, "I want to get into Duke, or something better." This wording tool helps remind students to keep open minds.
Forget the desperation. The most important outcome is a happy, healthy, and meaningful life. An unforeseen pivot often leads to a better outcome than you first imagined.