In a sea of college applicants, how can students set themselves apart? Experts agree it starts by following their natural interests. Here’s some advice:
9TH GRADE: TRY NEW THINGS
The first year of high school should be about exploring what genuinely interests a student, without worrying about how activities will look to colleges. “The most compelling college applications come from students who’ve spent high school pursuing genuine interests— not just building a resume,” says Dr. Rachel Rubin, founder and CEO of Spark Admissions in Brookline, MA.
“Too many students think they have to play a sport or volunteer to impress colleges,” says Laurie Kopp Weingarten, president of One-Stop College Counseling in Morganville. “In reality, the most meaningful activities are the ones that truly interest them—the ones they’ll stay up at night thinking about.”
The takeaway: Ninth graders should join activities they’re drawn to. The goal at this stage is curiosity and personal enjoyment, not resumebuilding.
10TH GRADE: FIND A FOCUS
Sophomore year is a good time to begin narrowing interests with depth and initiative. That could mean launching a small project, taking on leadership in a community space they care about, or doing research about something that matters to them, says Rod Lembvem, IvyWise College Admissions counselor and former associate director of admissions at Case Western Reserve University. “The sooner students take ownership of their path, the more naturally their application will reflect who they truly are.”
John Morganelli, former director of admissions at Cornell University and now director of college admissions at Ivy Tutors Network, recommends that students explore how to channel their academic interests within their school or community. For example, a student interested in sustainability might research local composting policies and write about their findings.
The takeaway: Sophomores should consider choosing a meaningful issue to research or write about on their own.
11TH GRADE: FOCUS ON TEST PREP + TAKING INITIATIVE
The summer before junior year is prime time to focus on SAT or ACT test prep. “Plan test dates so the test can be taken at least twice before the start of senior year,” says Jason Stern of Mr. Admissions. “Whether it’s hiring a tutor, self-study, or using a free online prep class, plan to devote a few hours each week to test prep.”
Junior year is also the time to demonstrate a deeper commitment to a passion. Morganelli suggests setting a goal of publishing or submitting a piece of writing to a school or community newspaper. “Public-facing deliverables equal narrative credibility,” he says, adding that students who take initiative beyond the classroom naturally distinguish themselves.
The takeaway: Juniors should prep for the SAT or ACT, and aim to write and publish something related to their interests.
12TH GRADE: REFLECT ON THEIR JOURNEY
Starting to work on applications the summer before senior year can reduce stress, says Tom Jaworski, founder of Quest College Consulting. “Use the summer to complete multiple items…including the essay, student section of the Common Application, and narrowing the college list.” Reflection over perfection should be the guiding principle when writing a college essay. “The most powerful tool…is the ability to reflect on the journey and communicate it with clarity and purpose,” says Lembvem.
The takeaway: Seniors should focus on authentic personal growth in their college essays.
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