Friday, we looked at the first three ingredients in the recipe for a strong college application. Today, let's take a look at another.
Colleges and universities are interested in putting together a diverse student population. When a college talks about diversity, they are talking about a make-up of students who bring a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and skills. So adding to the diversity of the college campus may include your years of cello playing. Or the perfect score on the math portion of your SAT. Or your intensity, passion, and skill in a particular academic or extracurricular area. So grab a piece of paper. Go and get it, I'll wait.
OK, now that you are back, write down three talents that you have spent time developing. Don't have three? Then write down one. Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you write poetry? Do you excel in math or science or english. Do you play a sport? All of these matter.
Now, how have you used those talents to serve others? How can you use that talent to serve others? Can you tutor? Can you lead a basketball clinic for the kids in your community? Can you organize a food drive to help your out-of-work neighbors? Students who are strong candidates take initiative, look for service opportunities, and show that they use what they know to benefit others. Colleges want to be able to say with pride that "FILL IN YOUR NAME is an alumnus" of their school and "look what they are doing to change the world." Therefore, if you are already changing your community, then chances are, you will later make them proud to call you a graduate of their school.
Now you know why colleges ask you to list your clubs, jobs, leadership, and community service. Don't let this intimidate you. Colleges want to see what you can bring to their campus and what their campus has that will be good for you. It is all part of making sure that the college is a good fit. They are not looking for a long extensive list. They are looking for depth of interest and leadership opportunities taken. If you haven't already, expand your horizons to include development of your strengths! Who knows? One day, some college or university will proudly say, " she/he is one of ours!"
Colleges and universities are interested in putting together a diverse student population. When a college talks about diversity, they are talking about a make-up of students who bring a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and skills. So adding to the diversity of the college campus may include your years of cello playing. Or the perfect score on the math portion of your SAT. Or your intensity, passion, and skill in a particular academic or extracurricular area. So grab a piece of paper. Go and get it, I'll wait.
OK, now that you are back, write down three talents that you have spent time developing. Don't have three? Then write down one. Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you write poetry? Do you excel in math or science or english. Do you play a sport? All of these matter.
Now, how have you used those talents to serve others? How can you use that talent to serve others? Can you tutor? Can you lead a basketball clinic for the kids in your community? Can you organize a food drive to help your out-of-work neighbors? Students who are strong candidates take initiative, look for service opportunities, and show that they use what they know to benefit others. Colleges want to be able to say with pride that "FILL IN YOUR NAME is an alumnus" of their school and "look what they are doing to change the world." Therefore, if you are already changing your community, then chances are, you will later make them proud to call you a graduate of their school.
Now you know why colleges ask you to list your clubs, jobs, leadership, and community service. Don't let this intimidate you. Colleges want to see what you can bring to their campus and what their campus has that will be good for you. It is all part of making sure that the college is a good fit. They are not looking for a long extensive list. They are looking for depth of interest and leadership opportunities taken. If you haven't already, expand your horizons to include development of your strengths! Who knows? One day, some college or university will proudly say, " she/he is one of ours!"
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