"What can I do to 'look good' to a college?"

“What can I do to ‘look good’ to a college?”

It’s a common question that I never answer casually. College admissions offices thrive on an authentic applicant. Students who try to recreate themselves a few weeks before college application are usually frustrated and not satisfied with the overall result.  It’s important to understand why a college is looking at a student’s activities in the first place.

Top tier colleges are looking for passion. When evaluating the activities section of an application, admissions officials hope to discover students who will contribute to the vitality of their campus. Competitive college admissions officials make it very clear that they prefer depth on a student’s resume’ over breadth. A student who is deeply involved in one or two activities will be perceived as a true leader, over the student who is simply a member of 20 clubs and organizations.

There are thousands of things a student can do to demonstrate passion, leadership, commitment and accomplishment. Students need to decide what talents or interests they want to develop and then look for ways to achieve success in those areas. School provides many opportunities for leadership, but there are many off-campus leadership possibilities as well.

It's been my observation over the years, that the best way to impress a college is to get involved in something of interest; and then really get involved. You can start out as a member of a club, team or group or whatever, but if you step up with passion, before you know it, you'll assume leadership roles and become emotionally invested in your activity. This is critical evidence that you are a person who can make things happen; and that's what every campus is hoping to recruit - the "movers and shakers" of the next generation. 

The “Looking Good” question always worries me a bit, because if students are plotting their high school years, choosing activities or courses based solely on what they think will "look good" to a college admissions office, they are going to miss out on a whole lot the fun involved in high school; and many great opportunities for personal growth. 

So rather than ask what you can do to get into a good college, instead ask yourself, "What are my passions, my talents and my interests?" Then tackle those with energy, creativity, enthusiasm and effort and you will be “looking good!”