3 Cs of College Admissions

There is a lot to think about in applying to colleges. You can get lost in the deadlines, and the seemingly overwhelming number of options out there. How do you put all the pieces of the puzzle together? How can you make your story stand out? How do you position yourself to open the door to your favorite college?

 Remembering these “C” words can help guide you as you work through these questions:

Communication. Communicating the kind of student you are and communicating your goals are both critical in putting together a memorable college application. Yes, being a good writer will be important in your application essays, and being organized in describing your activities will help those reading your applications gain a better understanding of who you are. But good communication is also critical as you mobilize the team around you that will help you. Be sure to have consistent and honest communication with your teachers and guidance counselors so you can get strong letters of reference that align with your interests. Be sure to be open and candid with your family about your goals so they can support you.  And be open to the communication you receive from others. There are a lot of options out there, and being willing to listen to what others are telling you is invaluable.  

Confidence. Students who can confidently articulate their values and goals stand out in the application process. Their confidence oozes off the page, whether that be in an essay, or in a presentation of past activities. It is very easy to compare ourselves to those around us and that almost never helps with self-confidence. Everyone has a unique story to tell and the most memorable stories are told with a confident voice. Rather than focus on someone else’s story, or worry that a classmate brings something more special than you to the table, ignore the distractions and focus on yourself. For example, in writing your college application essays, be confident that even the most mundane aspect of your life is an opportunity to tell a story never before told. You don’t have to search for that elusive topic that “stands out” – instead, confidently conveying a real sense of who you are is the most effective way to draw the reader in. A confident essay isn’t one that lists countless activities; instead, a confident essay can mean being vulnerable in showing the reader something unique about you.

Creativity. This doesn’t necessarily mean having an exciting writing style or coming up with a totally novel essay topic. In crafting an application, creativity means thinking outside the box. For example, at many highly selective schools, popular majors are often over-represented in the applicant pool. In thinking through what you’re actually interested in, be creative and open-minded in exploring other options in a similar field. For example, if you want to major in Biology, you’ll be getting in a very long “line” of applicants, all of them trying to get through the same door. Biology & Society, which exists at many universities, might be a good alternative. The line to gain admission there is a lot shorter, and could provide an entryway into your favorite school.

At every stage of the application process, be a good communicator, be confident in yourself, and be creative!