How to Stand out to Colleges: Insider Tips from Admissions Experts

Standing out to colleges means showing who you are, beyond grades and test scores. According to a 2023 report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), about 50% of colleges rate extracurricular activities as “moderately to considerably important,” and 96% of college admissions officers say these activities help students stand out when they apply.

This trend is even more pronounced at selective schools, where essays, recommendations, and your unique contributions beyond academics can play a deciding role. So, what does it actually take to stand out in a college application? We’ll break down the key areas colleges are looking at and share simple, practical tips you can use in every part of your application.

• 9 Proven Tips to Stand Out on College Applications
• Application Timeline and Organization Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

9 Proven Tips to Stand Out on College Applications

College applications can feel overwhelming, but focusing on what makes you unique helps you get noticed. These nine tips will show you how to stand out in colleges by highlighting your strengths, interests, and hard work throughout your application.

1. Prioritize meaningful extracurricular activities.

Your activities outside the classroom are a powerful tool for how to make your college application stand out.

According to NACAC’s Fall 2023 report, 44% of four-year colleges attribute moderate importance to extracurricular activities in admission decisions, with an additional 7% considering them of considerable importance. While academics remain the top priority, quality engagement in extracurriculars matters more than quantity.

Here’s how:

• Focus on a few clubs, teams, or interests that truly matter to you. For example, one student spent all four years volunteering at a local animal shelter, eventually organizing adoption events and training new volunteers. This kind of sustained commitment demonstrates the depth colleges value.
• Take on leadership roles or responsibilities. You might be captain of the basketball team, editor of the school paper, or lead a robotics team to compete at the state finals. Leadership experience shows colleges that you can take initiative and guide others.
• Create something new if the opportunity arises. For instance, you could start a tutoring group for classmates struggling in math or organize a food drive that collects supplies for a local pantry.

Don’t be afraid to include hobbies or interests that are unusual or unique. A student who repaired old bicycles and donated them to kids in need can write about the skills and lessons learned from that experience. If you taught yourself something or grew in an activity, like learning to code online and making an app to solve a problem at your school, explain what happened and why it matters to you.

Remember, admissions officers can tell the difference between genuine passion and resume padding. Ultimately, the best extracurricular activities for college applications are those where you choose activities that truly interest you, commit to them over time, and look for ways to make a meaningful contribution.

2. Pursue academic excellence and challenging coursework.

Strong grades and challenging classes are a fundamental part of how to stand out to colleges. NACAC’s 2023 report shows that 77% consider high school grades in college prep courses of considerable importance, making it the top factor in admission decisions. Colleges want to see that you take your learning seriously and make smart choices about your classes.

Here’s how:

• Choose courses that push you. If your school offers honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment options, select those in subjects you care about or that fit your future plans. The NACAC data shows that curriculum strength is the third most important factor colleges consider.
• Keep track of your grades. If your grades improve over time, mention that to show growth and hard work. Grades remain consistently important across all types of institutions.
• Don’t worry if you can’t take every advanced class. Use the choices you do have and show that you make the most of them. Colleges understand that not all high schools offer the same advanced coursework opportunities.

Academic excellence is not just about being perfect. The significant decline in test score importance—from 56% of colleges considering them of considerable importance in 2012 to just 5% in 2023—shows that colleges increasingly value consistent academic performance over standardized testing. What matters most is showing that you challenge yourself within your school’s available opportunities and demonstrate readiness to work hard in college.

If you need to know where you stand, both in terms of academics and extracurriculars, we can provide a profile evaluation and consultation to help you plan for the entire duration of high school.

3. Crafting a memorable personal statement and supplemental essays.

Your college essays give schools a close look at who you are beyond the numbers. Data reveals that 19% of four-year colleges consider essays or writing samples of considerable importance, while an additional 37% view them as moderately important.

This means more than half of colleges value your written voice in the admission process. This is your chance to share your story in your own words and help admissions teams see your values and dreams.

Here are some helpful ways to do so:

• Pick topics that are truly personal to you. Write about experiences that shaped you, even if they seem small at first. With 56% of colleges giving essays meaningful weight in decisions, authenticity matters more than dramatic topics.
• Use specific examples. For instance, instead of saying you are determined, describe a time you kept working on a tough project or learned from a setback. Concrete details help admissions officers understand your character.
• Show how you’ve grown or changed. Maybe you learned patience by helping a family member or discovered new confidence through an unexpected challenge. Colleges value evidence of personal development and maturity.
• Keep your voice real. Admissions reviewers want to hear from you, not from someone else, or what you think they want to read. Given that 28% of colleges also consider “positive character attributes” of considerable importance, let your genuine personality shine through.

Although essays aren’t the most critical factor, they serve as a reliable way to differentiate yourself when academic credentials are similar among applicants.

4. Build connections and secure strong letters of recommendation.

Strong recommendations help colleges see your character and strengths through someone else’s eyes. This is another essential factor for how to make your college application stand out. Current data shows that:

• Teacher recommendations are considered of considerable importance by only 11% of four-year colleges. However, 41% view them as moderately important.
• Counselor recommendations receive considerable importance from 12% of colleges and moderate importance from 40%.
• Combined, this means roughly half of all colleges place meaningful weight on these personal endorsements.

The best letters come from people who know you well and can talk about your growth, effort, and kindness, not just your grades. Most of the time, colleges ask for two letters from teachers and one from your counselor. Teachers can share what you’re like in the classroom, while counselors give a bigger picture of your growth during high school.

To secure the strongest possible letters, here’s how you can focus on developing authentic relationships that allow recommenders to speak meaningfully about your character and contributions:

• Build real relationships with teachers, coaches, or club leaders. Be active in class, ask questions, and help out. Since colleges also value “positive character attributes” (28% considerable importance), recommenders who can speak to your character provide valuable insight.
• Choose recommenders who have seen you overcome obstacles, step up as a leader, or make a difference for others. These stories complement the academic picture that grades and test scores provide.
• Let your recommenders know about your goals. Remind them of specific projects or moments that mattered to you and your community. This helps them write letters that align with what colleges are actually evaluating.

A thoughtful letter tells colleges about how you work with others and what you offer beyond academics. When you build honest connections and give examples of your impact, your recommendations become much more meaningful.

Here’s how you can request letters of recommendation:

• Ask early, at least a month before the deadline. This shows respect for your teacher or counselor’s time and lets them write a stronger letter.
• Make your request in person if possible, or by email if you can’t see them at school. Face-to-face conversations often yield more enthusiastic responses.
• Share why you chose them. Mention what you learned in their class or how they supported you.
• Give details about the colleges or programs you are applying to. Inform them of your goals and any moments or projects you hope they mention. This context helps them tailor their letter effectively.
• Provide deadlines and forms up front. This way, it’s easy for them to help. Organization demonstrates maturity and respect for their time.
• Always thank your recommenders. A handwritten note or a simple email goes a long way and maintains positive relationships for potential future references.

Following these steps not only helps you get a stronger letter but also shows you value the person’s time and support, qualities that strong recommenders will likely mention in their letters about your character.

5. Demonstrate “fit” and research target colleges.

Showing that you’re a good match for each college helps your application stand out. 44% of colleges place meaningful weight on whether you’ve shown genuine engagement with their institution. Colleges want students who know what makes their school special and can explain why they belong there.

Your research efforts can directly impact your admission chances, especially since colleges value authenticity in essays and positive character attributes. Follow these tips:

• Take time to research each college. Look at their programs, values, campus life, and special opportunities. Pay attention to things like study-abroad programs, service projects, or unique academic tracks that align with your interests and goals.
• Mention specific reasons in your application or essays for why you chose a school. This can include a certain major, a well-known professor, or a club that matches your interests. Specific details show genuine interest rather than generic enthusiasm.
• Attend virtual info sessions, open houses, or campus visits if you can. Introduce yourself to admissions staff, professors, or current students, and ask questions you can’t find in brochures. These interactions can provide material for your essays and supplements.
• Email the admissions office or a department to show you’re interested. Ask about opportunities that match your goals, or share what excites you about joining their community. Thoughtful inquiries demonstrate serious consideration of the school.

The importance of demonstrated interest has remained relatively stable over the past decade, consistently ranking as considerably important to 14-20% of colleges. While it’s not the most critical factor, it serves as a tiebreaker when colleges are choosing between similarly qualified candidates.

6. Use digital presence to your advantage.

Your online presence gives colleges another way to learn about you. While digital footprint is not one of the top factors in NACAC’s survey, it’s a growing part of the full review process. A recent survey found that about 28% of college admission officers have checked applicants’ social media profiles. They use this for extra context, especially at holistic-review schools.

Here’s how to make your digital footprint positive to stand out to colleges:

• Use your online spaces to highlight skills, leadership, or interests. For example, a student shared photos from volunteering, while another posted about a music project that helped neighbors. Colleges can spot teamwork and initiative through your posts, such as photos from volunteering, sharing achievements, or highlighting community service.
• Create a professional profile or portfolio. Share your projects, art, writing, or community work. LinkedIn, personal websites, or platforms like GitHub can work well for this.
• Clean up your social media accounts. Remove or keep private anything that could be misread or doesn’t show you at your best.
• Set privacy settings and be thoughtful about what you share. Colleges view your digital footprint as a supplement to your application. So, a clear positive online history can make you look good on college applications.
• Before you apply, search your own name online. See what others would find. Make changes if needed.

Your digital presence should match the positive qualities in your application. Even small steps to show your work, talents, or involvement online can give admissions teams a fuller, stronger picture of who you are.

7. Showcase entrepreneurship, unique projects, and “wow” factors.

Special projects and creative achievements can set your college application apart. Colleges are often impressed by students who take extra steps to address real needs, whether in business, tech, community, or advocacy work.

Here’s how:

• Start a business or eco-friendly initiative. For example, high school and college students nationwide have created businesses selling sustainable products like reusable bags, biodegradable phone cases, or eco-conscious school supplies.
• Build solutions that help others learn. Charles Tang, a high school student, developed Iridium Tutoring, a free, nonprofit online tutoring platform that connects student volunteers with peers who need academic help. His project uses a web app to organize sessions and support students nationwide.
• Conduct community research. Water quality research projects have been completed by high school and college students, either independently or in programs, sometimes sharing results with local leaders or using findings for environmental change.
• Tackle unique research or advocacy projects. One standout case involves two high school students, Tony Coiro and Caleb Phillips, who worked with the Notre Dame QuarkNet Center to design and build a tabletop cosmic ray detector (nicknamed the “CRiL”) as part of their physics project.

Document your efforts by keeping track of the work you put in, saving photos or news mentions, and sharing your story online, in essays, or interviews.

Colleges value initiative, leadership, and the willingness to address real-world problems. Even small, well-executed projects—whether starting a local recycling program, making an educational app, or running a peer support group—show that you can take action and make an impact. These are the kinds of experiences that can be a true “wow” factor in your application.

Application Timeline and Organization Tips

A big part of knowing how to prepare for college is getting organized and keeping track of deadlines, which helps reduce stress and keeps your college applications on track. This is a key part of college prep.

Colleges want to see responsibility and attention to detail, and a well-planned approach lets you focus on putting your best foot forward:

• Start early. Research colleges, make a list of requirements for each school, and set reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.
• Create a spreadsheet or checklist. Track application deadlines, required essays, recommendation letters, test score submissions, and financial aid forms.
• Break tasks into smaller steps. For example, draft essays one paragraph at a time, gather needed documents as soon as you can, and double-check each part before submitting.
• Use apps or calendar reminders. These will help you stay on top of dates for testing, interviews, and financial aid.
• Ask for help if you feel stuck. Counselors, teachers, or even classmates may have tips that make the process easier.

Staying organized not only helps you meet all requirements on time, but also gives you room to improve your application materials, not just rush to turn them in. Careful planning means you can show your best work every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can introverts stand out too?

Yes. Colleges value quiet leadership, strong writing, or thoughtful projects just as much as outgoing personalities. Sharing how you contribute behind the scenes or connect one-on-one can be a powerful way to stand out to colleges.

2. Do I need major awards or big leadership titles?

Not always. When considering what looks good on college applications, remember: small actions, steady growth, and meaningful effort matter. Consistent impact, even without big awards, often stands out.

3. What if my school doesn’t have many clubs or advanced courses?

Colleges consider your context. Making the most of what’s available, like starting a new club or taking the hardest courses offered, shows initiative.

4. Is it okay to talk about setbacks or failures?

Yes. Explaining how you learned from mistakes shows reflection and resilience, qualities that colleges look for.

5. Should I include hobbies or interests not related to school?

Definitely. Unique activities, like art projects, coding, or caring for family, help show what makes you different.

Takeaways

• Colleges want to see what makes you special beyond just your grades and test scores, so focus on showing your unique strengths and interests.
• Participating in a few meaningful extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles, and creating or joining unique projects can really help you stand out.
• Writing an honest and specific personal statement, getting thoughtful letters of recommendation, and showing you researched your target colleges all help paint a clear picture of who you are.
• Staying organized, keeping a positive online profile, and tackling real-world challenges help admissions officers see your character and initiative.
• If you want personalized advice on how to stand out to colleges, consider joining AdmissionSight’s private consulting program for expert tips and guidance every step of the way.