How to stand out on your college application: 5 tips from our counselors
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If you’ve been worrying about how to stand out on your college application, take a breath. With the right support, it’s not only achievable—it's far less overwhelming than it may seem.
At EF Academy, our University and Academic Counselors (UACs) work one-on-one with students from day one. Their personalized support gives students a real edge—not only in crafting standout applications and demystifying the whole process, but in shaping a high school experience that's meaningful, well-rounded, and truly their own.
Watch the video below to meet two of our counselors and hear how our guidance program sets students up for success. Then, scroll down for five expert tips on how to stand out on your college application—and see how our UACs support you with every single one.
1. Be your authentic self
If you’re trying to figure out how to stand out on your college application, start by looking inward. Colleges aren’t just hunting for perfect test scores, they want people who will add something special to their community. More importantly, you deserve to find a university where you'll thrive and be personally fulfilled. That’s why your application should be a true reflection of you—your interests, your personality, and your values.
Our UACs help students build that story from day one. Because each counselor works with a small number of students, they’re able to build strong, meaningful relationships and truly understand what motivates each one. This personalized approach allows UACs to guide you in choosing courses and extracurriculars that reflect your interests and goals. By senior year, you’ll have a cohesive and compelling narrative that will make it easy for universities to see why they’d be lucky to have you.
2. Dig into each university’s details
It might be tempting to send the same application everywhere, but every school has its own values and priorities. Showing you’ve done your research can make a big difference. That means digging into what programs and activities each school offers and tailoring your essays and responses to demonstrate how your interests and goals align with theirs.
At EF Academy, our counselors go above and beyond to make this process easier. Each year, we host more than 100 college and university representatives, allowing students to ask questions, learn about programs, and even form connections with admissions officers—well before application season begins. We also organize campus tours and encourage students to check out college fairs and info sessions. And if traveling isn’t an option, don’t worry—your counselor will help you research online or connect you with alumni.
3. Highlight your extracurriculars
Your extracurriculars say a lot about you—they show what you care about, how you spend your time, and what kind of impact you might make on a college campus. Whether you’re interested in sports, robotics, community service—or even something as unique as LEGO club—we’ll help you explore your passions, deepen your involvement, and communicate its impact on your application.
For example, Kyle K., one of our UACs, recently worked with a student who loved LEGO Club but didn’t think it was “serious” enough for her application. However, Kyle helped her see that her passion for LEGO was actually a great way to showcase her creativity, problem-solving skills, and originality. And of course, a unique interest goes a long way in helping an application stand out. As Kyle put it, “Schools want to see cool students doing cool things.”
4. Make your personal essay personal
Your personal essay is one of the few places where you get to speak directly to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to say: “Here’s who I am and why I belong at your school.”
Because your UAC gets to know you so well, they’re perfectly positioned to help you craft that story. They’ll help you brainstorm, outline, revise, and polish your essay until it truly reflects your voice and message.
UAC Sara teamed up with a student who wrote about the meaning behind her name. At first, she was hesitant to write anything too personal, but with support from Sara and her teachers, she kept revising—digging deeper each time. In the end, she crafted a powerful essay that became the heart of her application. “She ended up getting into so many universities that her biggest challenge was deciding which one to attend,” Sara says. “That’s what we love to see—not universities choosing our students, but our students choosing their universities.”
5. Secure stellar letters of recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation gives colleges a genuine glimpse into your character, work ethic, and potential. But that only happens when the referrer knows you well.
At EF Academy, our teachers aren’t just instructors—they’re also advisors, club leaders, and coaches. This lets you form meaningful relationships with them throughout your high school experience, and lets them see you grow in and outside the classroom. As a result, they can write truly personal letters that reflect your full personality and promise.
Similarly, your UAC can also write a powerful letter of recommendation, having worked closely with you over the years. They’ve seen your challenges, growth, and achievement firsthand. When they write about you, it’s not just based on a quick form or brief chat—it’s grounded in a meaningful, ongoing relationship.
You’ve got this—and we’ve got you
Learning how to stand out on your college application takes time, strategy, and support—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our University and Academic Counselors see it as a genuine privilege to help students through this exciting, emotional, and often nerve-wracking time. “There’s a university out there for every student,” says Sara. “And it’s my job to help you find—and get into—yours.”
If you're ready to turn your university dreams into a reality, come join our community! EF Academy graduates have a 99% university admission rate, with 92% gaining admission into their first- or second-choice schools.