Passion-Directed Focus On College Applications

Parents who over-schedule their children, with the goal of building a resume to impress college admissions officers, should take a moment to pause.  That’s no longer what they’re looking for, according to recent reports. 

“College admissions is not about what your student achieves during high school. It’s about who they’ve become. College admissions officers are captivated by students who own their stories -- students who connect the dots between their values, experiences, and dreams,” according to a recent Forbes article.

 

The role of curiosity is a powerful predictor of academic success, according to educators. Rather than pack their children’s schedules with an array of activities, parents should take note of their children’s passions and encourage them to pursue those specific paths.

“By fostering a curiosity-driven mindset, parents not only support their child’s intellectual growth, but also prepare them to excel in environments where self-directed learning and exploration are celebrated,” according to Forbes.  

This passion-directed focus does indeed result in powerful college applications.  Students whom I’ve worked with in recent years found success by highlighting their targeted interests.  

 

A student seeking to attend a prestigious university to pursue a major in Aeronautical Engineering wrote about his experiences as a student pilot, and his awe when flying in close proximity to an Airbus A320. He shared the immense responsibility he felt to navigate safely in shared airspace, and the personal qualities he developed of patience, determination, and precision.

 

Another college applicant focused on her passion for the environment and the projects she put into action to improve her community. In addition to a multitude of other accomplishments, she successfully applied for grants and secured funding for six water bottle refill stations to be installed throughout her high school.

 

A student passionate about the political process founded and chaired a political club, volunteered as a legislative intern, served as National Editor-in-Chief of a political publication, and worked on a political campaign.

Their curiosity, focus, and determination to make a difference, while succeeding in a rigorous high school curriculum, allowed them all to generate impressive college applications and gain acceptance to the schools that will support them in reaching their dreams. The key is for students to feel empowered to pursue their individual goals and choose the activities and experiences that will allow them to acquire the personal qualities and specific skill necessary for success. 

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362