How to Stand Out in College Applications: 18 Tips From an Admissions Insider

Contents

1. General ways to stand out in college applications
2. How to stand out in the Activities Section
3. Making an impact in the “Why our college” section
4. Final thoughts on standing out
5. Still figuring out your college list?

The college application process can feel like a mountain of stress—transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, test scores, and campus visits all piling up, making it easy to feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry. As a former Director of Admissions at Tulane University, I’ve got you covered. With the right approach, you can turn this chaotic process into a smooth journey toward your perfect school.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from crafting a standout activities section to nailing the optional essay and even choosing the right email address for college correspondence.

So take a deep breath, set aside that third cup of coffee, and let’s dive in. With these expert tips, you’ll tackle your applications with confidence and ease.

General Ways to Stand Out in College Applications

Let’s start with some big-picture advice for your applications.

Use the optional statement to your advantage
If the application asks why you’re applying, give a thoughtful, well-researched answer. This shows admissions officers you’re genuinely interested in their school.

Even if there’s no specific prompt, consider sending a short paragraph explaining your interest. That extra effort could be the deciding factor in your admission.

Engage with the schools you’re applying to
No, I don’t mean proposing marriage—just do your homework on each college to see if it’s the right fit. We love applicants who show real interest.

If possible, visit campuses. It helps you get a feel for the environment and make smarter application decisions. But don’t stress if you can’t—financial limitations happen. Just find other ways to connect, like virtual tours or emailing admissions with thoughtful questions.

Clarify anything that might raise questions
If your grades dipped one semester due to personal struggles, tell us. Or if you worked tirelessly in AP Calc but still ended up with a C, explain that too. The “Additional Information” section is perfect for this.

Also, clean up your social media. At Tulane, I’ve had to revoke acceptances over inappropriate posts. Don’t let that be you.

Pick an essay topic you love
Admissions committees can tell when you enjoyed writing your essay—and those stand out. You don’t need a tragic backstory or world-changing revelation. Just be authentic.

Don’t overload your application
Top schools get thousands of applications. Sending extra essays, four-page résumés, or stacks of recommendation letters won’t help. Be concise—quality over quantity.

Highlight your job (yes, even if it’s at Subway)
Working 15 hours a week as a Sandwich Artist is just as meaningful as playing varsity sports. Don’t downplay it—own it.

Showcase multiple strengths
If your entire application screams “basketball,” mix it up. Spread your passions across different sections so we see the full picture of who you are.

Focus on what excites you
We care less about what you do and more about how you do it. What drives you outside the classroom? Send a clean, one-page résumé highlighting your top three or four passions—no need to list every blood donation.

Standing Out in the Activities Section

This section shows your interests, skills, and impact beyond academics. Here’s how to make it shine:

Prioritize your activities
Lead with your biggest passion, then list the rest in order of importance. Grab our attention right away—just like with your essay’s opening line.

Balance service trips with local involvement
Service trips abroad are great, but if your entire list is just Fiji and Costa Rica, it can seem privileged. Include local projects or jobs too.

Quantify your achievements
Use numbers whenever possible. Saying you “grew the Queer Student Alliance by 100 members” is stronger than “made it more popular.”

Don’t skip quirky hobbies
Coin collecting with your grandpa? Knitting? Reading 15 books for fun? These unique details can make you memorable.

Spell things out
Avoid abbreviations—assume we don’t know every high school club acronym.

Nailing the “Why Our College” Section

This “optional” essay is your chance to show genuine interest. Here’s how to ace it:

Tell a specific story
Generic answers won’t cut it. Mention a campus tour, a virtual event, or something that made you think, This is the place for me.

Name-drop (the right way)
Did a cousin or TikTok influencer rave about the school? Mention them! (Just avoid wealthy alumni name-drops.)

Make it school-specific
If your essay could swap “Tulane” for “USC,” it’s too generic. We’ll notice.

Focus on the school, not just you
This isn’t another space to list achievements. Explain why this college is the perfect match for you.

Final Thoughts on standing out

You’ve got the tools—now it’s your turn to shine. Your story matters, and admissions committees are eager to hear it. Go write your chapter, one compelling essay at a time.

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