How do I not be Generic?!

Applying to College
1

Hi-

I am going to be a junior this year. My grades are good, act/sat is good, psat is good, my ec’s are ok. But the problem is that everyone whos applying to ivy league type schools (duke, uva, etc.) can pretty much say the same thing. The only thing that i’m doing a unique internship this summer at a government contracting agency called l3 communications. I am a software engineer who is helping them with various tasks, and am getting paid. I am the only high school intern here; the rest are in college… I am thinking about doing either boys state/nation or the senate page program this year. But other than that, I’m not really THAT different from a lot of other applicants.

My question: What should I do to become different? like should i apply for scholarships, do summer pre college programs, start an organization or something., etc…

2

I’m pretty sure if you have to ask others this question, you’re already straying down the wrong path. Just find something you’re passionate about, and do something to make it better or fix it.

3

You seem to have an excellent resume and solid academics that 90% of colleges would love to have. There doesn’t seem to be anything in your profile that would say you’re not destined for a super successful collegiate career.

But you seem to be locked into the name chase game. Don’t fall into that trap. Been there done that. The college that confers your degree will not determine your eventual happiness or growth as a person.

You’re not generic. Indeed, you’re excellent. Aim for some “dream” schools but be super confident that whatever college is lucky enough to enroll you, you’ll do fine – better than fine. You’ll do great.

4

What’s the percentage of, say, overweight people who realize it and make a meaningful and lifelong change? Does anyone know?

5

Your extracurriculars become unique when you can articulate what from your personality / background / past experiences impacted your decision to pursue those things, and in turn, what the ECs taught you / how they shaped you. The activities become special in the unique context of your life. Don’t do anything with the intention of trying to stand out; adcoms will more likely than not see right through it.