A lot of emphasis is placed on students’ academic records leading up to the college application process. While grades and extra-curriculars are important, they do not tell your whole story. Colleges also are interested in learning who you are, what values you hold, and how you might enhance their community. There are opportunities throughout the application that allow you to reveal skills and aspects of your personality not captured by lists and stats. Here are five skills to consider highlighting on your college application — and how to do it.
Commitment
A major component to any kind of success is dedication. Students who honor their obligations and remain focused, diligent, and engaged are appealing to colleges. A great way to show commitment is through extended involvement in a particular activity or subject. For example, you could highlight your active participation in the robotics club all four years of high school or your choice to take continue a course of study beyond the minimum graduation requirement. Continuity and a willingness to challenge yourself reveals your ability to work hard and follow through. Commitment also can refer to times when you put forth a significant amount of effort or even sacrifice something to participate in an activity or achieve a goal.
Creativity
The ability to think broadly becomes an increasingly important skill as you move into college and ultimately your career. Finding new ways to problem solve, interpret information, and develop ideas is a sought-after attribute at any stage of life — and in any academic or professional field. While participation in the arts is an obvious way to demonstrate creativity, describing a unique approach to accomplishing tasks can also make the point. When admissions officers read your application, you want to stand out. Creativity is a quality that could set you apart as an individual and highlight your potential. So even if you didn’t have a lead in the spring musical or win a prize at the art fair, you might have worked on coding for an app or suggested a way to raise money or awareness for one of your clubs. These are all examples of the forward-thinking mindset you will bring to their campus.
Initiative
Anyone can come up with an idea, but it’s only impactful if someone is able to transform it into reality. If you’re one of those people, let the admissions officers know. Colleges love to see students who have initiative — whether it’s having a great idea and seeing it through, or creating an opportunity for yourself or classmates when one didn’t exist. Perhaps you spearheaded a fundraiser or community event. Or maybe you worked with a teacher in an effort to learn more about a subject or meet an academic goal. Show your initiative on your college applications by describing projects you began and saw through to completion. Include why you were driven to go beyond what was expected of you. Consider highlighting your initiative within the descriptions of your extracurricular activities. You could include, for instance, that as president of speech team, you organized and hosted a weekend conference for local student orators from local districts. If you accomplished something that showed a major initiative, use the personal statement or supplemental essay to showcase that example.
Good Judgment
It’s always a good idea to demonstrate to colleges that you’re capable of planning ahead, understanding and accepting consequences, and making choices that help achieve your goals. In short, let them know you have good judgment. Avoid the temptation to share a funny anecdote about lessons learned from a time when you use bad judgment. While you could argue it shows humility, you run the chance of casting yourself in bad light. Instead, focus on examples when you demonstrated strength of character when you could have taken the easy way out and let someone else deal with the situation. Perhaps you tutored a classmate or sibling. Maybe you passed up a ticket to an NFL game in order to put the finishing touches research poster. Often, as in these examples of good judgment, other positive qualities — generosity of spirit and commitment to academics — are simultaneously highlighted.
Haven’t always shown good judgment? It’s OK, but it’s important to own it. If you have a disciplinary record, be honest. You can explain the situation in a way that is straightforward but also stresses on how you have learned and grown from the experience.
Open-Mindedness
For some students, college is their first time away from home. It’s a time when you are introduced to many new people, perspectives, and ideas. The diversity found on a college campus is incredible and you can learn as much outside the classroom as in … if you remain open to it. Being open-minded doesn’t mean that you have to agree or adopt every new idea you hear. It means you’re willing to respect other people’s perspectives and value being in an environment where you’re presented a variety of ideas. You can address open-mindedness most easily through your personal essay. Write about times when you were exposed to ideas, beliefs, or environments different from your own. Or take a broader approach and describe how a diverse experience positively affected you. Let the admissions officers know that you appreciate the importance of diversity.
Remember, the college application process isn’t solely centered around GPAs and class ranks. Allow the admissions team to know you through thoughtful open responses and essays. By choosing essay topics that showcase your best qualities, you will help paint a clear picture of who you are and what you can bring to the institution.
AISES FACES
The AISES team is made up of passionate people striving to provide Turtle Island with Indigenous STEM knowledge, resources, programming, and events. Every individual contributes their skills and expertise to support the advancement of Indigenous students and professionals in STEM studies and careers. Meet one valuable team player who is focused on supporting student members, like you.
Anita Pahsetopah-Smith, Chickasaw and Osage
Student Success Program Manager
As the Student Success Program Manager, Anita Pahsetopah-Smith supports the administrative work of the Student Success team within the AISES Programs Department. Specifically, she provides administrative support for the college and career readiness grant programs, initiatives, and the AISES scholarship processes. Pahsetopah-Smith is an integral member of the Student Success team, facilitating the work and impact of Student Success programs and initiatives.
How can the AISES webinar series help student members? How can they access the webinars?
The AISES Student Success webinar series provides student members with support throughout their educational and professional paths. The series can be beneficial in the following ways:
Skill development
The series provides resources that help students develop essential skills for succeeding in college and advancing their careers. The program cover college essay writing techniques, interview preparation methods, and networking strategies as well as essential communication skills. The series provides customized resources that train students to move through academic and work settings with confidence.
Mentorship and Networking
Through AISES, students can access professional networks featuring mentors and peers who share both their cultural backgrounds and interests. These connections can offer guidance, support, and advice, helping students make informed decisions about their education and career paths. Networking provides access to internships as well as job opportunities and collaborative projects.
Cultural support and Community Building
AISES promotes cultural identity and community strength as key elements for student development. Through incorporating Indigenous cultural elements, the series creates a supportive atmosphere where students feel both understood and valued. When students experience cultural affirmation, their confidence and motivation build as they work toward their goals.
The AISES webinar series provides students with essential tools and knowledge for academic success while nurturing their cultural identity. The series can be found here.
What are the top three tips you would share with students preparing for the college application process.
1. Start early and stay organized. Research colleges and learn about their application requirements ahead of time. When you begin early you will find yourself better managing your time and experiencing less stress when the deadlines draw near. Understand what each college offers and how they align with your interests and goals. Attend college fairs and information sessions.
2. Focus on your academics and extracurricular activities. Strive to achieve good grades and take advanced courses whenever you can. Participate in clubs, sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and part-time employment activities that truly capture your attention. Demonstrating leadership positions and sustained involvement in extracurricular activities allows your application to shine.
3. Craft a compelling personal statement. Through your personal statement, you can reveal your personality traits and values along with life experiences that extend beyond academic performance. Dedicate time to understand your unique qualities and how your past experiences have developed you. Let your authentic voice come through in your writing.
Advocate for yourself and know that you have permission to succeed!
