It all comes down to building a consistent and holistic application (Representational image)
The first step towards differentiating oneself is to cultivate self-awareness. Knowing your likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations will help you identify colleges that best suit your needs and goals.
A quick look at the admissions statistics for Ivy League colleges shows just how difficult it is to get into one. Each year, only a fraction (4-8 percent) of applicants are accepted into these schools. Their admissions criteria test everything from a student’s academic performance and involvement in extra-curricular activities to their ability to think critically and engage with society. While the application process can seem notoriously complicated, the key to cracking the code is deceptively simple: Differentiate yourself.
build self-awareness
The first step towards differentiating oneself is to cultivate self-awareness. Knowing your likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations will enable you to identify colleges that best suit your needs and goals. Furthermore, self-awareness is key in crafting a compelling personal narrative through your essays. Don’t wait till you go to 11th grade. Starting as early as 9th grade can make the application process much less daunting and increase your chances of gaining admission.
be action-oriented
However, being self-aware is not enough. The next step is to take action. Get involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer with an NGO, apply for an internship, or seek a leadership role. Whatever you do, don’t spread yourself too thin. More importantly, don’t copy what someone else did. Just because it worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Be true to yourself, choose what you love and do it well. While you’re at it, don’t be afraid to be bold and outrageous. Follow your instincts, break large projects into smaller parts, create a timeline, and commit yourself to the task at hand. The impossible will soon become possible.
focus on academics
While you pursue activities outside the classroom, don’t leave academics behind. Must have a stellar report card. Some mistakes are forgivable, but you should make sure that you are right up there with the top 5-10 performers in your class. For standardized testing, take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to choose the test that’s right for you. You may also want to consider taking an AP exam to demonstrate your academic ability.
Build a consistent and holistic app
In the end, it comes down to building a consistent and holistic application. Use each part of the form wisely, including the Activity List and Additional Information sections. While writing the supplementary essay, make sure that you read the question carefully and answer it directly. If you find yourself talking about the same experiences over and over again, you are doing something wrong. switch it up. Think of each question as an opportunity to showcase a particular aspect of your personality. Invest your time and energy in developing a meta-narrative, a story that encompasses all other stories, to create an image of a specific whole. Don’t forget to proofread.
– Written by Rahul Subramaniam – Co-Founder & Managing Director, Athena Education
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