With thousands of high school students applying to colleges each year, it is impossible to stand out when everyone is virtually identical – perfect grades and a lot of fluff.

Tell me if this sounds like you: ASB president, club president, varsity captain, tutor, volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, honor society, honor roll, valedictorian. Am I getting warmer?

These activities may look good on paper but they only tell admission officers what you have done rather than who you are as a person. 

It is also unclear which program you’re applying to or what your occupational or academic goals are which is problematic since it defeats the whole purpose of the college admission process: getting to know you.

So it should then come as no surprise when these cookie-cutter applicants are later rejected by selective universities.

Remember the point is to sell your hopes and dreams, not give an interview so don’t just regurgitate a laundry list of your accomplishments.

It is important to note that “fluffy” extracurriculars can be useful when they are used in moderation to emphasize more substantive activities.

For example, if you are applying to a communications program then a related ASB position could be used in conjunction with a public relations internship at the mayor’s office.

The point is to strengthen your application by supplementing major activities with relevant fluff.

Knowing this, how can you improve your visibility and make a lasting impression? Well, I strongly recommend having expertise in one or two areas relevant to the program. 

I want to preface “expertise” by stating it refers to your chosen specialty or primary skill rather than a professional expertise. 

I don’t expect you to have the same knowledge as an expert with a Ph.D., but there is an expectation that you use the four years of high school or two years of community college to hone this skill as much as you can.

This way when it is time to apply, you will already have developed a strong skill set you can refer to in your applications.

Having an expertise will also serve as a historical record of your interests which will prove to universities that you are a serious applicant and this is something you wish to do as an occupation.

It’s Easy as 1-2-3

Step 1: Do your research. Use this opportunity to discover what type of skills or activities are essential to this field. Search the web, watch YouTube videos, or ask someone. If you are having trouble, think about which technical skills or activities all professionals must possess and start there.

Step 2: Narrow your search to highly valuable skills or activities. To do this, consider the costs and benefits of each opportunity and select the one with the most advantages. Keep in mind that this expertise must target all of the major areas colleges look for in an applicant.

If you’re interested in computer science then maybe your expertise could be in coding, programming, ai, machine learning, data mining, or robotics. Remember you don’t have to be a true expert, you just have to appear as one compared to other applicants.

If instead, you’re interested in business then your expertise could be in accounting, public speaking, tax law, marketing, e-commerce, startups, or investments. Find something you are passionate about and seek out those opportunities.

Step 3: Pick an activity or skill you are willing to commit to for a few years. Be selective and choose the one that excites you the most because you will be investing a significant amount of time developing it so make it count. 

Of course, it is unlikely that you will find an expertise on the first try so keep searching until the right one comes along. 

Step 4: Choose your angle. What is your theme? Which major area will you highlight? Just because two people apply to the same program doesn’t mean they have the exact same interests.

If you’re applying to an engineering program you can focus on:

• Academics (i.e., research or lab work) 
• Community service (i.e., after school program to encourage interest in STEM among school girls) 
• Leadership (i.e., president of a non-profit organization advocating for more female representation in STEM) 
• Innovation (i.e., development of a mobile app or device to address real-world problems)

I recommend incorporating all four types, if possible, but select one to be the sticking point in your college applications, essays, and interviews. 

Step 5: Find a mentor. Preferably you should find someone who is already an expert in the field. A mentor will play a critical role in guiding you through your journey and showing you the ropes. You will learn what works and what doesn’t but more importantly you will have someone you can rely on. 

The best way to find a mentor is to reach out to members of your community – join a Facebook group, do a quick Google search, check with your school, or obtain a referral.

Step 6: Develop your expertise. Use all available resources at your disposal and don’t forget to practice, practice, practice. Volunteering at an internship, non-profit, NGO, government agency, private practice, or corporation will be a great way to apply your knowledge and gain experience. 

And remember, as with learning any new skill it will be difficult at first but it will get easier so don’t give up. Good luck!