What I often recommend is that students start thinking about what, out of everything they have done, they’ve enjoyed the most. Ideally, it should be something you’re passionate about. It doesn’t have to be the thing you’re best at – but what did you enjoy the most, spend a lot of time on, etc. Maybe it’s one of the volunteer assignments you’ve had. Maybe it’s that tv station. And use that in your essays.

Also think about anything that you did excel at. Did you advance within the tv station, or end up leading groups as part of your volunteer work? Again, perfect for an essay.

Thing is, Columbia and schools like it do reject people with perfect grades and etc. However, they also admit people with less-than-perfect grades, because they feel that student will add something to the class. You’re trying to bring out personal factors and character – things beyond the stats.

So, think now – how can you show them that you are special, wonderful, and perfect for their school? Because you are – you just need to convince them of that!

But again, also pick some strong second-choice schools, to which you’ll also apply and which you’d like to attend. If you like Columbia, for example, you may also like Northwestern, U Chicago, Boston University, Duke, Georgetown, Boston College, or NYU.

RIght now, you’re a maybe. Think about all those activities you’ve done. Is there anything in there you could highlight? Might sound impressive.

One thing that leaps out at me is the 1st place in Scholastic Art competition for 2 yrs. Definitely emphasize that, particularly if you’re doing Art History.

Are you ranked in Tennis or Volleyball? Any interesting projects you helped out on at the TV station?