You Don’t Stand Out by Following the Crowd
How to Help Your Teen Shine in College Applications
When it comes to college applications, one piece of advice often given is to “stand out.” But what does that actually mean? Is it just about achieving high test scores, volunteering, or joining every club? Not quite. Standing out doesn’t mean doing more of the same; it means doing something different. And sometimes, the key to standing out lies in combining seemingly unrelated skills and interests to create something truly unique.
If your teen is passionate about getting into a top college, the goal shouldn’t be to follow the crowd but to forge a distinctive path that highlights their individuality. Let’s explore how this works, why it matters, and what examples can inspire your teen to craft their own “spike”—a term often used in college admissions to describe a unique and focused area of expertise or passion.
The Power of Combining Unrelated Skills
One of the most inspiring examples of creating a unique path is Dr. Rose Tang, a neurologist and ophthalmologist based in Houston, Texas. What sets Dr. Tang apart in her field is her dual expertise in both neurology (the study of the brain) and ophthalmology (the study of the eyes). While these disciplines are distinct, Dr. Tang found a way to integrate them in a way that’s reshaping patient care for people with vision-related neurological issues. Her unique combination of interests not only carved out a niche for her in medicine but also created a career that feels authentic to who she is.
This principle of blending skills applies just as well to college applicants. For teens, it could mean combining an interest in coding with a passion for music to create innovative music software or merging a love of creative writing with an interest in environmental science to write compelling narratives about climate change. The key is not to try to be everything to everyone but to focus on the intersection of their skills and passions.
Examples of Teenagers Who “Spike”
Colleges are always on the lookout for students who bring something fresh to the table. Here are a few examples of teens who stood out by following their unique interests rather than the crowd:
1. The Robotics Musician: One student loved robotics and classical music. Instead of choosing between the two, he built a robotic orchestra that could perform symphonies. This project not only showcased his engineering prowess but also his creativity and passion for the arts.
2. The Environmental Activist Artist: Another teen channeled her concern for the environment into creating sculptures from recycled materials. Her portfolio of eco-art earned her attention for both her talent and her dedication to sustainability.
3. The Skateboarding Physicist: A physics enthusiast who also loved skateboarding found a way to combine these interests by studying the physics of skateboarding tricks. His unique experiments and videos made physics approachable and earned him recognition at science fairs and from colleges.
These students stood out because they focused on doing something unique, something that only they could do based on their interests and abilities.
The Problem with Following the Crowd
Too often, teens feel pressure to check all the same boxes: join student government, captain a sports team, rack up service hours, and aim for perfect grades. While these achievements are commendable, they don’t necessarily make a student memorable in a sea of similar applications. When everyone is doing the same things, it’s hard to stand out.
Admissions officers are not looking for cookie-cutter candidates. They want to know who your teen really is and what they can contribute to the college community. This is where having a unique “spike” comes into play. A spike isn’t about being well-rounded in everything; it’s about excelling and being deeply engaged in something specific.
How Moms Can Help Their Teens Find Their Unique Path
As a mom, you play a critical role in helping your teen discover their “spike.” Here are a few tips to guide them:
1. Encourage Exploration: Allow your teen to try out different interests without fear of failure. It’s through exploration that they may find surprising combinations of passions.
2. Highlight Their Strengths: Pay attention to what your teen excels at and enjoys. Is there a way to combine their talents in a creative or unexpected way?
3. Celebrate Uniqueness: Remind your teen that it’s okay to stand out by being different. Encourage them to embrace their quirks and passions rather than trying to fit a mold.
4. Support Focused Projects: Help your teen choose projects or activities that align with their interests and can lead to meaningful achievements. Quality matters more than quantity.
5. Build Their Story: Colleges want to see a coherent narrative in an application. Work with your teen to articulate how their unique combination of interests defines who they are and what they hope to achieve.
The Takeaway
Standing out in the college application process doesn’t mean doing what everyone else is doing—but better. It means doing something different, something authentic to who your teen is. By encouraging them to explore their passions, combine their skills in creative ways, and embrace their individuality, you can help them craft an application that truly stands out.
So, remind your teen: You don’t stand out by following the crowd. You stand out by being yourself—uniquely, boldly, and unapologetically.
