Frequently Asked Admissions Questions, Part 2
Frequently Asked Admissions Questions, Part 2
Here’s the next installment from our vault of frequently asked admissions questions. Although every student’s process is unique, there are many common themes and concerns that arise. We hope these reference points help as you work on your applications. On to the advice!
My school doesn’t have many clubs. How can I demonstrate leadership?
Some opportunities are found; most are created. Rather than looking for ways that others have demonstrated leadership in the past at your school, develop your own! That might mean starting your own club or finding activities entirely outside of school to get involved with.
Remember, admissions officers are less concerned with where your leadership takes place and more interested in how. Think about a problem that you’re passionate about – perhaps the environment, or social justice, or literacy. What steps can you take to educate yourself about the issue? What steps can you take to educate others and positively impact that issue? In answering these questions, you will begin to identify unique opportunities to lead.
Does community service look good on my college application?
Each year we speak with students who consider engaging in community service opportunities to boost their activities lists. While this is admirable in theory, savvy admissions officers can gauge how deep your connection to your activity truly is.
To be clear, it’s always great to give back and serve others. Making local improvements is a valuable and commendable action. However, for the purposes of admissions, it’s more important that you pursue your passions – whatever they be. The one-off service activity is not going to move the needle on your admissions prospects. If you would rather spend that time cultivating another talent or intellectual passion, you should.
The most important factors to how your life outside of the classroom is viewed are quality time spent, evidence of leadership, and uniqueness of the opportunity. Service is not inherently weighed more favorably than sports or having a job or theater. Focus on pouring your full self into the things you love and don’t worry about a specific checklist.
I really want to write about my political beliefs. Is it worth the risk?
This is a question you will ultimately have to answer for yourself. But you are right to assume that there is an inherent risk to choosing a political (or religious) topic for your personal statement. Especially if your beliefs are outside of the mainstream, it’s easy to isolate your reader. And even if they share your sentiment or respect your reasoning, if you come across as “preachy” or self-righteous you will likely not find success with your essay.
Remember that your goal is to make someone who doesn’t know you want to advocate for you. Do you really feel like explaining your political beliefs will give you the best opportunity to do so? There is likely something more personal and unique to you that will create a better story.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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