How to stand out easily/create a failed simulation effect?

[iJoker]

<p>I’m interested in a bio major, and I’m also talented in public speaking. I’ve also done work/research at a lab. How do I stand out from other Stanford applicants, which also have perfect test scores and decent gpas? What could I do? Ideas?</p>

[philip54]

<p>[Study</a> Hacks Blog Archive How to Get Into Stanford with B’s on Your Transcript: Failed Simulations & the Surprising Psychology of Impressiveness](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2010/03/26/how-to-get-into-stanford-with-bs-on-your-transcript-failed-simulations-the-surprising-psychology-of-impressiveness/]Study”>How to Get Into Stanford with B's on Your Transcript: Failed Simulations & the Surprising Psychology of Impressiveness - Cal Newport)</p>

<p>

Like many students, your instinct on first hearing about the failed simulation effect was probably to think to yourself: “What could I do, like Steve or Kara, that will generate this same reaction?”</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the chances are slim that you’ll come up with a good answer.</p>

<p>Here’s why: If you’re able to think up an activity that will generate this effect, then, by definition, you were able to simulate the steps required to complete the activity — otherwise, it wouldn’t have come up as a possibility. If you’re able to simulate these steps, then it’s likely that other people could simulate them as well. The result: the activity will not generate the effect."

</p>

[iJoker]

<p>That is precisely why I decided to ask the Stanford forum, which is presumably fraught with unique and creative individuals, to assist me with this difficult task.</p>

[fledgling]

<p>Hmmmm, perhaps you could try coming up with something that will be highly beneficial to medicine and then try and get it patented. I read about this kid who developed a highly effective way of making a surgical stitch – nothing too complicated. You could try thinking along those lines…</p>

[wulfran]

<p>Warning: acidic post.</p>

<p>Haven’t you noticed that the people in that article were doing things that they liked and then sort of fell into the OOH, AHH factor?</p>

<p>

When you dig deeper, Kara’s path to this accomplishment was much like Steve’s — serendipitous occurrences developed, over time, into something inexplicable.

</p>

<p>I’m sorry, but we can’t provide you with serendipitous occurrences. That would be… let’s see… luck.</p>

<p>The thing about a failed simulation effect is that it makes it look like there is absolutely no way this person isn’t qualified to go anywhere and be really epic all over the place. If we just tell you what to do, then that’s half the point away. The creativity is gone, along with the OOMPH. You’re no longer so qualified, and I feel like you don’t deserve the effect.</p>

<p>You want a failed simulation effect? Go try and come up with one yourself. Or you could, you know, do what you enjoy, be really good at that, and try to make your own luck. Like they did.</p>