The Surprising Truth About What Colleges Actually Want
I hear it every week from parents and students:
“What should my teen be doing to get into college?”
It’s a natural question. College admissions feels like an endless storm of advice, viral TikTok “hacks,” and well-meaning lists of “must-do” activities. Families worry that if they don’t check all the boxes, doors will close.
Here’s what I’ve learned after nearly two decades of guiding students through this maze: the question itself is backward.
Colleges aren’t looking for what you do—they’re looking for who you are.
And that’s both liberating…and scary. Liberating because students have more freedom than they realize. Scary because it means there’s no single formula, no magic résumé, no guaranteed shortcut.
What Really Makes a Student Stand Out
Let me tell you a secret most families don’t hear: admissions officers are people. They’re reading hundreds—or thousands—of applications that look very similar on paper: high GPAs, AP classes, summer programs, volunteer hours. What catches their eye are moments that reveal character in action.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
A student who spent weekends organizing a tutoring circle for younger kids—not because it looked good, but because they hated seeing peers struggle.
A teen who took apart an old computer just to understand how it worked, later teaching themselves coding for fun.
A student caring for younger siblings while also helping neighbors learn English, quietly building resilience, empathy, and leadership.
Notice a pattern? None of these are “activities for college.” They’re genuine engagements—driven by curiosity, care, or creativity. And that authenticity is what admissions officers remember.
The “Secret Sauce” Families Miss
When I work with students, I often hear them obsess over the wrong things: the perfect internship, a polished resume, or a new extracurricular trend. They think their worthiness is measured by activities, awards, or programs.
Here’s the insider truth: it’s not about doing more. It’s about being more fully yourself and letting that show.
Think of it like a story: you don’t need to manufacture plot twists or add extra characters just to impress an editor. You need to tell the story only you can tell—in your voice, with your experiences, and with honesty.
How Parents Can Help (Without Micromanaging)
Parents often ask me how they can support their teen. Here’s what actually works:
Notice the sparks: What excites your teen, even in small ways? A project, a class, a hobby? Help them pay attention to it.
Encourage reflection: Ask “What did you learn?” instead of “What will look good on applications?”
Let them quit: Depth beats breadth every time. Dropping an activity that no longer resonates frees energy for what truly matters.
Normalize risk and failure: Colleges notice resilience and curiosity more than perfection. Learning from mistakes is a superpower.
Highlight everyday leadership: Leadership isn’t just president of a club. It can be running a tutoring session, managing a family responsibility, or leading a group project.
When students focus on these things, their experiences naturally demonstrate traits colleges value: curiosity, generosity, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to community.
The Takeaway
The biggest lesson I share with families is this:
You don’t need to become someone different to get into college. You need to become more of who you already are.
That’s why the most memorable applications aren’t filled with every activity imaginable—they’re full of moments of authenticity, curiosity, and impact. And that’s something no formula can teach.
Let’s get to college.
At Get It Write College Advising & Essay Counseling, I specialize in helping students navigate the complex terrain of college admissions. With a personalized approach and a commitment to your success, I provide the insights and strategies needed to build a balanced college list that aligns with your unique aspirations.
Don't leave your college journey to chance—connect with me today. Let's work together to unlock a world of possibilities and set the stage for a transformative college experience. Your future is waiting, and I'm here to ensure you reach it with confidence and clarity. Get in touch now and let's make your college dreams a reality!
That way, you’re sure to Get It Write.
