Updated: Monday, November 04, 2024
Students who are eager to stand out on their college applications can’t overlook the importance of demonstrating creativity. Based on a recent Adobe study, 95% of admissions decision-makers believe in the value of creative skills. Despite this, only 20% of the same group report that students demonstrate their creativity “very well” on college applications and nearly 70% of students don’t know where to showcase these skills on their college applications.
If you’re looking to beat these odds and set yourself apart from the pack, keep reading to learn more about some of the top ways to demonstrate creativity in your college applications.
If you’re passionate about a creative field and have honed your skills extensively, you might want to consider submitting an arts supplement. Many colleges, including all of the Ivies as well as Duke and Stanford, give applicants the opportunity to submit an optional arts supplement with their application. Depending on the art form you are pursuing, this supplement can take several different forms such as a portfolio of your photography or a video of your most recent dance performances. Be sure to include any awards or recognition you’ve received for your craft, such as a publication in a local newspaper or a title at a music competition.
When it comes to listing your extracurricular activities, don’t forget to include any pursuits that demonstrate creativity. Review your high school experiences holistically and identify any clubs, volunteer work, and internships with a creative angle. Think beyond writing for the school paper or playing in an orchestra (although these are also great examples of creative extracurricular activities!) Whether you volunteer at a local art museum or have previously worked as a graphic design intern, there are a host of different extracurriculars than can demonstrate your creativity.
In addition to calling attention to related extracurriculars, make sure your essay and short answer questions further demonstrate your creativity. Quirky essay prompts can be a particularly good opportunity to let your creative side shine. Instead of writing what first comes to mind, take some time to brainstorm multiple responses to the question and make sure your answer highlights your personality and what sets you apart.
When it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation, consider asking a teacher who has witnessed your creative skills firsthand. Some good options might include an art or music teacher at your high school or your dance team coach. If you’re not sure who to ask, recall some of the work you’ve produced that you’re most proud of and try to brainstorm a list of mentors you admire specifically for their creative skills.
Your personal statement is another fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your creativity and give admissions officers a sense of your unique voice. Regardless of the essay prompt you choose, make sure your approach highlights your personal outlook, writing skills, and desire to make your own mark on the world. Brainstorm several different essay options and continue to revise your draft until you have a piece that you are truly proud of and something that embodies what you stand for.
Whether you’re an aspiring art major or not, demonstrating creative skills can be a significant asset that is likely to help you stand out to college admissions officers. If you’re in the midst of compiling your college applications and unsure about how to highlight your creative side, our team of college admissions experts can help you put your best face forward.
With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.
When is it appropriate to send a thank-you note or email when applying to college? Students are likely to meet a variety of admissions officials when visiting colleges and attending college fairs, and while it’s not required, it’s a good practice to send a follow-up thank-you note.
Scholarships are a win-win: students can help reduce the costs associated with attending college while also adding to their resumes. As a bonus, the vast array of scholarship options means there is truly an opportunity for every student. However, it can be challenging to know where to find the right scholarships, and the process of applying for them on top of your college applications can seem daunting.
While the application process will vary depending on the scholarship you are pursuing, there are some tried-and-true tips that can help students stand out from the pack. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to craft a compelling scholarship application.
How Important are Supplemental Essays?
We all know the personal statement is a huge part of the college application, but how important are those extra supplemental essays? For many students writing fatigue can set in and they don’t spend as much time working on those – especially as application deadlines loom. So how important is it to spend time on those supplements?
