College Admissions: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Applicant Pool | Brandon Bolds
Brandon Bolds | Education
College admissions can be incredibly stressful and competitive, with thousands of students vying for limited spots at prestigious universities. However, there are several things that applicants can do to stand out in a crowded field and improve their chances of being accepted.
A well-rounded applicant is one of the most important things college admissions officers look for. This means that students should have diverse interests, activities, and accomplishments in addition to strong academic performance. Admissions officers seek passionate students engaged in various areas, including extracurricular activities, community service, internships, and research projects.
Consider taking on leadership roles within your extracurricular activities or community organizations to increase your chances of standing out in a competitive applicant pool. This shows that you have participated in activities and taken the initiative to make a meaningful impact. Similarly, internships and research projects can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and interests outside the classroom.
In addition to extracurricular activities, strong academic performance is critical in college admissions. Admissions officers typically look for students who have taken challenging courses and have performed well in them. This includes core classes like math, science, and English and elective courses in arts, foreign languages, and social sciences.
Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses or dual-enrollment courses at a local community college to demonstrate your academic ability and interest. These courses can be challenging, but they can also demonstrate to admissions officers that you are prepared for the rigors of college coursework.
Another critical factor in the college admissions process is standardized test scores. Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT, and some require SAT subject tests. It is essential to take these tests seriously and prepare for them as much as possible. Consider taking practice tests, enrolling in test prep courses, or working with a tutor to improve your scores.
Finally, one of the most important things that applicants can do to stand out in the college admissions process is to be authentic and genuine in their application materials. Admissions officers can tell when applicants are trying to game the system or present a false image of themselves. Instead, be honest and straightforward about your interests, accomplishments, and goals. This will not only help you stand out, but it will also ensure that you are applying to schools that are a good fit for your personality, interests, and career aspirations.
Standing out in a competitive applicant pool requires a combination of strong academic performance, diverse extracurricular activities, and genuine passion and interest. By taking on leadership roles, pursuing internships and research projects, and preparing for standardized tests, applicants can improve their chances of being accepted to their dream schools. And by being authentic and honest in their application materials, they can ensure they apply to schools that best fit their personal and professional goals.
This blog was previously published on May 5, 2023 at BrandonBolds.org
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One of the ways Brandon Bolds has been able to get involved in supporting education is through sports coaching. He has spent time coaching a youth basketball team, where he helped instill leadership values in the students while building their athletic skills. While coaching a team through the Amateur Athletic Union, Brandon also saw an opportunity to provide extra support for kids in need. He ended up founding a mentorship program for at-risk youth in partnership with the team he was coaching. This helped connect kids with mentors who could invest in them and support them in their education, setting them up for success and providing access to resources. Mentorship is a powerful tool for helping students thrive, and Brandon was proud to be a part of making that happen for local kids.
Outside of coaching, Brandon Bolds has a variety of other personal and professional endeavors that he invests his time and energy into. He has worked several project management jobs in a variety of settings, including working with film and production crews on set design. Brandon has experience managing teams, training employees, and streamlining processes. He’s developed a strong work ethic and is dedicated to pursuing his own professional development.
About the Creator
Brandon Bolds
A skilled professional with a background in Engineering, Brandon Bolds is a professional project manager based in New Orleans, LA where he's working as Project Manager at IATSE Local 478.
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