College Connection: Showcasing unique trait helps college applicants
Years ago, college-bound students were told they should present themselves as well-rounded individuals on their college applications. So, while in high school, students would join a gamut of clubs, try out for an athletic team, and be sure to secure a part time job.
Those days are long gone. Colleges are no longer seeking “renaissance” people. They don’t need students who can play the violin a bit, sit the bench at football games, and take a job just to pad their resume.
Colleges, particularly the most selective institutions, are seeking students with a distinctive quality, accomplishment or talent — in almost any arena. By bringing to their campus thousands of highly accomplished students, they are able to successfully create an impressive and vibrant environment.
READ:College Connection: Find out what it means to be 'college ready'
READ:College Connection: Where to get an MBA for an (almost) guaranteed job
READ:College Connection: NJ one of top exporters of students
Students of all ages should try to identify their passion, and then devote their time and efforts to becoming the best they can be. If athletics is their choice, it’s a good idea to keep in mind some of the less popular sports for which the competition less intense.
Statistics show that the percent of high school athletes who go on to compete in college is highest for men in fencing, gymnastics, lacrosse and ice hockey. For women, the favored sports are fencing, ice hockey, lacrosse and synchronized swimming.
A similar strategy can be applied for music. A high school student at a prestigious summer music camp reported that the conductor referred to the middle section as “Scholarship Row.” This was the area that seated students playing oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, baritone saxophones and tubas.
Students who spend years in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts can likewise use this worthwhile activity as a launching pad for college. But while it’s very impressive for a young man to earn the highest Eagle Scout Award, or a young woman to earn her Gold Award, in reality, there are tens of thousands of students who reach the top tier in scouting each year.
To make their achievement truly noteworthy to colleges, students should select their culminating project carefully to ensure that it demonstrates true leadership qualities and has a long-term, positive impact on its intended community.
There is truly no limit to the talents that students can pursue. An aspiring writer can create a book and get it published at little to no cost on Amazon’s “CreateSpace” site.
Photographers or artists in any genre can arrange to have their works exhibited at a library, coffee shop or other community locale.
A talented Irish step dancer, or coder, or master chess player, can offer free classes at an after-school center.
The key is for students to stand out from the pack in whatever activity they choose, and to make sure college admission people are aware of their talent.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart and College Bound Review. For more than 20 years, SAT Smart has offered both in person and online tutoring, PSAT/SAT/ACT prep courses and College Application Services by Ivy League-educated instructors throughout Central Jersey. Visit www.SATsmart.com, www.collegeboundreview.com or call 908-369-5362.