Why Authenticity Matters More Than Building the Perfect Résumé
By the time students begin thinking about college, many have already absorbed years of misguided advice. A TikTok influencer says they need a nonprofit. Another insists they need to do original research. Before long, students begin asking not, 'What am I interested in?' but, 'What will look good for college?’
Students (and parents) are bombarded with fear mongering social media content and anxiety-provoking chatter in their communities - making them feel like they're behind in the process, and that the answer must be to do more. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is providing clear, accurate guidance, and dispelling the many rumors and myths around competitive college admissions. When families understand how college admissions officers evaluate applications, and the role extracurriculars play, it becomes easier to tune out the noise and move forward with confidence.
It’s important to understand that admissions officers are tasked with building a campus community - a place where future scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, and countless others will live and learn together. And that the student who goes on canoe trips with the outdoor adventure club and likes to curl up on a hammock reading a good book brings just as much to a campus community as the student engaging in biomedical research.
So what does this mean for high school students? If the most important thing a student can convey through their application is their authentic self, then high school is the time to explore interests and dive deep into areas that are genuinely interesting and fun. It’s ok to drop the activity that feels like drudgery, and do the thing that brings true joy. And yes - it’s appropriate to make some decisions about extracurricular activities with college in mind, but the high school years should be about much more than building a resume for a coveted spot at a highly selective college.
As a parent, and in my work with students, I've heard plenty of rumors about college admissions. Unfortunately, these rumors often lead students to bite off more than they can chew, or to get involved with things they're not even interested in, just because they think it will look good in the eyes of an admissions officer. The reality is that students who pursue a smaller number of meaningful activities often present a more authentic picture than those who have accumulated long lists of superficial involvements. So rather than asking, ‘What will impress colleges?’, I encourage students to ask: What am I curious about? What do I enjoy? How do I want to spend my time? Those answers often lead to deeper involvement, greater personal growth, a more enjoyable high school experience, and ultimately, a stronger college application.
