As the 2024 college applications season ends, I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve spent my time over the past four years. Writing my Common App essay and filling out my activities section has allowed me to examine my high school experience more closely. Throughout this process, I’ve understood how much the education system is hyper-focused on student statistics—grades, GPA and standardized test scores.
During high school, there will be a time in which you worry about your grades. That is inevitable. From the first day of freshman year, the pressure to have the best academics was all I felt. However, my response to the pressure and stress surrounding me was all that mattered. I spent most of high school convinced the numbers and letters in PowerSchool were all that mattered in my education and while grades are undoubtedly important, they are not the only sign of success. My biggest regret is not understanding that until my senior year. Curating afternoons and weekends filled with extracurriculars will help you better understand the different professions available, and unexplored hobbies will even help you develop connections with people who can open doors post-graduation.
By the time senior year hits, most college counselors will inform you that they look at applications holistically—the whole person and not just their grade or score. A number cannot define talent. There is so much more to someone than a few numbers; many colleges know this. Skills like creativity, problem-solving, leadership and kindness are just as valuable and usually can not be reflected in your class roster or grades on a test. Developing extracurriculars filled with passion and excitement helps college admissions understand who you are and what values you believe in.
It often feels like your statistics are the only things that matter, which is why redefining success is essential. Understanding that holistic application processes are the norm will be crucial to urge friends and peers to do what they want—not just because it “looks good.” Sharing your story in your essays, highlighting your favorite activities that spark passion and elaborating on how you’ve contributed to your community will paint a vibrant, detailed picture of who you are and how you have learned over the years.
For underclassmen: pursue what interests you most. This can be challenging, as it feels nice to have the best grades and see the results on paper, but trying new things and failing here and there will teach you more than your latest AP Environmental Science test score. Your post-graduate plans will reflect the passion and experience you learned in high school, so create experiences that excite you for what’s to come.