#college apps

[even-michael]

surviving a saw trap would make a killer college essay

[arienic]

someone (you) must free me from my shackles (finals week) before i am turned to ash and dust (collapse into academic and creative burnout). i can go on like this no longer (two more fucking weeks of this bull) for i have already persevered for months (six days) without the light of the sun and stars (writing and drawing aphmau content) and i fear that i might succumb to insanity (have a mental breakdown) sooner that i'd imagined (in precisely 12 hours because so many projects are due tomorrow)

[study-lizard]

iced caramel latte save me...

okay but actually vitamins & supplements have saved me and caffeine, of course

but i have been taking a stew of magnesium, vitamins b, d & k, adult multivitamin (with iron!), quercetin with bromelain, antidepressants, antihistamines, and of course, a lil caffiene - and it has helped clear up my sickness in like two days [orla was right when she said "we all become our mother in the end"]

anywho! since i now feel better, back on the grind! submitting master's apps, sending emails, figuring my shit out! lets go!!!!!

[moonagedaydreamsofrhiannon]

mourning what could have been (the colleges I considered but ultimately didn’t choose)

[artbyace]

CHAT BIG NEWS my art teacher said my portfolio is good and ready to apply to my top schools :DDD FUCKING CELEBRATING RN

[thelyricthepoetthedreamer]

Girls (Me) When They Have To Write Their College Essays

[the-lesbian-orpheus]

I hate searching for colleges. I’ve never felt more mabel pines coded in my life please make it stop

[ajdrawsig]

i need to get offline and lock in [collegename] won't apply to itself

[eliteprepsat]

Embrace Your Uniqueness–It’s What Makes You Stand Out

Standing out in the college admissions process involves showcasing unique qualities, experiences, and achievements. The point, however, is not simply to impress college admission officers with your accomplishments and achievements–it’s to show how you’ve invested time and energy to make a positive contribution to your community and the people around you. 

Here are some strategies high school students can use to distinguish themselves:

1. Pursue Passion Projects

Deep Dive into Interests: Engage deeply in a subject or hobby that genuinely excites you. This could be anything from scientific research, artistic endeavors, coding projects, or community service initiatives. Joining one of Elite’s LEAD Extracurricular Programs is a great way to explore and build your interests.

Showcase Achievements: Document your progress and accomplishments. Create a portfolio, blog, or website to display your work. Virtually all colleges ask students to list their accomplishments in their college application. In addition, some colleges allow students to submit an optional portfolio to showcase their talents and skills.

2. Leadership and Initiative

Start a Club or Organization: If your school lacks a club that interests you, start one. Aside from demonstrating leadership and initiative, starting a club allows you to dedicate time and energy to something you truly care about.

Lead Community Service Projects: Identify a need in your community and organize a project to address it. This shows commitment and the ability to lead and inspire others. While service projects are oftentimes done in person, you can also utilize technology to address a cause or issue–for example, provide online tutoring, build a website or app to educate the members of the public about a pressing problem and direct them to support organizations working to address that problem, or host a podcast or YouTube channel discussing an important issue.

3. Unique Extracurricular Activities

Develop Skills: Learn and excel in skills that are not typically taught in school, such as coding, entrepreneurship, or foreign languages. If available, obtain a certification that measures your competency or proficiency in the skills you develop. Certification typically involves passing an exam or test from a recognized organization.

Competitions and Awards: Participate and win awards in regional, national, or international competitions, such as science fairs, math olympiads, or writing contests. Showcase what you’re good at, and go as far as you can. Many students continue to participate in various competitions in college, and demonstrating a high level of interest and achievement will help you stand out from other applicants. 

Internships and Work Experience: Seek out internships and work experiences that provide unique insights or experiences related to your interests. These experiences will not only help you stand out from other college applicants but also help guide your choice of college major and possibly a career after college.

Artistic Creations: If you’re inclined towards the arts, create a substantial body of work, such as a short film, a series of paintings, or a novel. Applicants to fine arts, music, film, and theater programs in college are oftentimes required to submit a portfolio of their work.

Innovative Projects: Develop innovative projects that solve real-world problems, such as a tech solution for a local issue or an environmental initiative.

Cultural Contributions: Engage deeply with your cultural heritage or contribute to the cultural life of your community. Colleges want to build a class of students from diverse backgrounds, and demonstrating meaningful involvement in your community will allow colleges to see how you can contribute to the cultural life on campus.

4. Academic Excellence with a Twist

Advanced Coursework: Take advanced, honors, or college-level courses in subjects of interest. But don’t stop there: apply this knowledge in an activity or project to show its relevance and significance to your life. Enrolling in for-credit honors, AP, and dual credit courses through Elite is a great way to develop your intellectual interest during the summer and school year.

Unique Research Projects: Conduct independent research under the guidance of a mentor or through a research program. Colleges provide opportunities for students to engage in independent research as well as research with professors. Participating in research projects in high school will allow you not only to deepen your understanding of a subject you’re interested in but also to get a head start on research activities in college. 

5. Exceptional Letters of Recommendation

Build Relationships with Mentors: Form strong relationships with teachers, coaches, or other mentors who can write compelling, personalized letters of recommendation. Simply doing well and getting a good grade in the class is not enough, however–you should demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject through discussions and application of the information and ideas you learn in class.

6. Compelling Personal Statement

Tell Your Story: Write a personal statement that communicates who you are, your passions, and your unique perspective. Make it memorable and authentic by including stories or experiences that highlight your unique qualities and how they have shaped you. If you’re considering sharing personal stories of overcoming significant challenges or adversity, focus on your personal growth in overcoming the challenge, not simply on the challenge itself.

Final Thoughts

To stand out in the college admissions process, you should focus on the things that are truly important to you and demonstrate your values and interests. Not only will you be able to enjoy what you’re doing but you will also answer the key questions colleges ask when they review college applications:

How are you changing your world–whether it’s your family, school, or community–for the better?

How will you contribute to and engage with the other members of our college community in the classroom, in the residence hall, and on campus?

[rizzinator]

[ellies-rambles]

i wanna get my college apps and newspaper article out of the way but that's DIFFICULT why can't i just watch defunctland and yesterworld all day

[readmarxz]

Okay imma need someone to explain to me why the common app relative information section is literally an interrogation, cause why tf do you have to know when my family bought our house?!

[multi-fandom-magic]

Trying to make practically last-minute edits to my supplemental essays for college applications. And the earliest deadline I have is Early Action, due in 3 days.

[sandwhich-lady]

Me when reading over my college essays that I wrote at 1 am:

✨🎵It's not entirely shit🎶✨

[berrycloudcake]

Her Highness's Glum Day, 17th of March Year 2025

I am afraid that the masses do not recognize my genius, because the only other option is that I am truly stupid (which is unacceptable).

Of the ten colleges I have graced with my time, four have responded. Two have readily accepted me into their institutions, meaning they are too eager and beneath me. The other two have brazenly denied me, placing me on their so-called 'waitlist', which is in reality the list of unfortunate souls they torture with false hope.

In truth, her highness has been in a state. Of these two schools one should've welcomed me with open arms (the other was a distant dream, I cannot complain). If even that swamp of a 'school' does not want me, then who will? Her Highness may have all six remaining colleges respond this week, what will she do if they all send her such messages?

The rest of her school's are near impossible, even had she gone in with a glowing mindset untainted by last week's failures. I am unsure what to do if none do accept me. No matter, I shall have the answer next week when it happens. Except it certainly does matter, but what would worrying do for me anyways? Her highness is above such things, she tells herself.

In lieu of happier news, I shall announce that I have finished certain novels bestowed upon me by mine teacher. I have not read in years, but even these novels are quite an accomplishment to me at this stage. Next, I hope to read Oscar Wilde. Her Highness will admit that she is incredibly stupid when it comes to literature and since this is her first time divulging, she will allow herself to sound like an utter fool (for now).

Perhaps tomorrow will be better, albeit I do not believe any results will be reported tomorrow, or even the day after. Although perhaps that is for the best. I cried many tears after those two waitlists, my eyes must be given a rest.

Signed, Princess Failure II

[literallynotaneigthgrader]

Hnnng college applications suck dick, licking some high-ranking college’s boots just to most likely not go there is going to be the death of me.