<p>I would maybe propose the word “unimpressive” instead of “boring.” Splitting hairs maybe but avoiding “boring” kind of suggests every applicant has to present something quirky and exciting, or even original. There are 1600 incoming freshmen and many of them did debate and model UN, they did biology research or were in some kind of national science competition. These things are tried and true. But maybe Debater A succeeds over Debater B because he built up a pitiful team to state level and his recommender lauds him for it; maybe researcher A studied a dry subject and made it come alive in his essay.</p>
<p>Applicants should know that what you do is only the beginning. Consider how you do it and how you present it in your application.</p>