Standing Out on Your College Application

It's never too early to start thinking about applying for college and what sorts of information you may want to include in your application packet. Some people think it's only grades and SAT scores that colleges are interested in, but the truth is that most college admissions staffs will be looking for a well-rounded individual who they believe will succeed at their institution.

Starting as close to the beginning of high school as possible — and no later than junior year in high school — strive to go the extra mile academically. Pay special attention to out-of-the-ordinary opportunities that crop up in school. This creates the raw material you will need for your college applications one day. After all, little will rescue your application entry for extracurricular activities if you didn't participate in any. Your four years in high school are ample time to create in yourself the perfect background for your application.

Going the extra mile academically doesn't just mean doing well in your regular classes. It means challenging yourself to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual credit courses and to qualify for Gifted & Talented status. Colleges will look far more favorably on your success in an AP class than in a regular class. Success in a dual credit course shows you are already capable of doing college-level work.

As they get closer to high school graduation, many students are offered the opportunity for senior early release, or the option to leave school early because they have gathered enough credits to graduate. If you decide to forego this to take additional challenging classes, such as calculus, instead of leaving early, it will also look good on your application. You may also consider taking a less common foreign language, such as American Sign Language, Italian or Chinese, if it is available to you.

Try running for student office, writing or taking photographs for the student newspaper, or signing up for the debate team. High school athletics also are a strong point on your application.

Do not underestimate the power of volunteer work on your college application. If you regularly took the time out of your schedule to do something as simple as selling baked goods to raise money for a good cause, don't leave it off of your application. Another simple way to volunteer is to spend an hour or two each week to mentor a younger student. College admissions staff will be looking to admit students who are capable of giving back.