Circling back to agree that it is not about “pretending” to be something other than what/who you are, but about finding a “narrative” that makes sense of who you actually are. My kid who “over achieved” in terms of merit, had a clear story about himself, as shown through his deep involvement in art and athletics both inside and outside school, and could mine his experiences to show how he would be a desirable classmate, roommate, student, peer.