When I was 28, Shawn Felton (Former Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell University) gave me an unforgettable piece of advice.
I was a few years into the College Admissions industry, and had been running myself ragged trying to achieve the best strategy. But, like most beginners, I was making a lot of mistakes:
Mistake 1: Writing Essays on Top Achievements or Sob Stories
Mistake 2: Not Demonstrating Interest and Overloading on Activities
Mistake 3: Figuring Out What the Admissions Committee Wants
Mistake 4: Emphasizing Perfect Grades and Test Scores
Mistake 5: Overlooking Fit and Culture
Mistake 6: Thinking "I Can Do This Last-Minute"
Until one day, Shawn Felton said to me:
"Be Authentic and Showcase Your Unique Story"
My entire perspective changed.
Of course there was more to this quote and our discussion, but here's what I did differently moving forward:
Reflect on Your Personal Story: Think deeply about what makes you unique—your background, challenges, passions, and goals. Use your essays, personal statements, and interviews to tell a compelling story that highlights these aspects of who you are.
Choose Your Activities Wisely: Focus on extracurricular activities that truly interest you rather than trying to tick all the boxes. Demonstrate commitment and leadership in a few areas rather than superficial involvement in many.
Be Honest and Genuine: Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be sincere about your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and dreams. Authenticity often stands out more than perfection.
Show You're More than Just Letters and Numbers: Admissions committees consider a range of factors, including extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, personal qualities, and demonstrated interest. They seek well-rounded students who have a “spike” — an exceptional talent or passion in a specific area.
Demonstrate Fit: Research each college thoroughly and explain why you are a good fit for their program and campus culture. Show that you’ve thought carefully about why you’re applying to that specific institution.
Stay Organized and Start Early: Keep track of application deadlines and materials. A rushed application can lack polish and depth, reducing your chances of making a strong impression. Start early to give yourself ample time to reflect, revise, and refine your entire application.
Ultimately, the goal is to present a cohesive, authentic, and compelling narrative that helps the admissions committee see not just what you’ve done, but who you are and how you’ll contribute to their community.