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If there’s one piece of advice I wish every student knew when starting their college applications, it’s this: you need a narrative.
I don’t mean a dramatic life story or a laundry list of accomplishments. I’m talking about a clear, authentic through-line in your application — a sense of who you are, what matters to you, and where you’re headed in the near future. Colleges aren’t just looking for students with great grades who’ve done a bunch of impressive things. They’re looking for students who show direction, purpose, and curiosity about the world. That’s where your narrative comes in.
Your narrative is the big-picture theme that ties together your experiences, interests, and goals. It’s what makes your application feel cohesive instead of random. Think of it like a story you’re telling about yourself — one that instantly makes sense to someone who's never met you.
Admissions officers are reading thousands of applications from students who have good grades, high test scores, leadership positions and impressive resumes. It is really easy for top students to blend together and for school accomplishments to be hard to distinguish. In this competitive landscape, it's incredibly easy for even the most accomplished students to blend together, their achievements becoming indistinguishable. This is where a strong narrative becomes your secret weapon.
A compelling narrative helps your application stand out from the crowd. It allows an admissions officer to form a connection with you, understanding who you are far beyond the statistics on a page. It's the difference between being just another applicant and being a memorable individual with a clear sense of self.
It’s also the lens through which your entire application is evaluated. Your essays, activity list, recommendation letters, and even the classes you’ve taken should all reinforce your narrative in some way. When executed effectively, this makes your application feel intentional and polished, without appearing forced or artificial.
Most students don’t realize they already have one — it just hasn’t been named yet. Start by asking yourself:
Look for patterns in your answers. Are you drawn to social justice? The arts? Problem-solving? Mentoring others? That’s the start of your narrative.
Pro tip: your narrative doesn’t have to be perfectly polished at this stage of your academic journey. You’re allowed to be curious and evolving. What matters is that your application communicates why you’ve done what you’ve done so far, and what excites you about what’s ahead.
A strong narrative isn’t about being the “perfect” applicant. It’s about being a thoughtful, authentic one. Colleges are looking for real students, not manufactured résumés. If your story is genuine and you tell it well, it will resonate.
If you're feeling stuck and have no idea where to begin, or if you're struggling to connect the dots of your experiences, remember that counselors like me are here to help. Crafting your story is one of my favorite parts of this process, and I'd be happy to help you find yours. Feel free to reach out.
If there’s one piece of advice I wish every student knew when starting their college applications, it’s this: you need a narrative.
I don’t mean a dramatic life story or a laundry list of accomplishments. I’m talking about a clear, authentic through-line in your application — a sense of who you are, what matters to you, and where you’re headed in the near future. Colleges aren’t just looking for students with great grades who’ve done a bunch of impressive things. They’re looking for students who show direction, purpose, and curiosity about the world. That’s where your narrative comes in.
Your narrative is the big-picture theme that ties together your experiences, interests, and goals. It’s what makes your application feel cohesive instead of random. Think of it like a story you’re telling about yourself — one that instantly makes sense to someone who's never met you.
Admissions officers are reading thousands of applications from students who have good grades, high test scores, leadership positions and impressive resumes. It is really easy for top students to blend together and for school accomplishments to be hard to distinguish. In this competitive landscape, it's incredibly easy for even the most accomplished students to blend together, their achievements becoming indistinguishable. This is where a strong narrative becomes your secret weapon.
A compelling narrative helps your application stand out from the crowd. It allows an admissions officer to form a connection with you, understanding who you are far beyond the statistics on a page. It's the difference between being just another applicant and being a memorable individual with a clear sense of self.
It’s also the lens through which your entire application is evaluated. Your essays, activity list, recommendation letters, and even the classes you’ve taken should all reinforce your narrative in some way. When executed effectively, this makes your application feel intentional and polished, without appearing forced or artificial.
Most students don’t realize they already have one — it just hasn’t been named yet. Start by asking yourself:
Look for patterns in your answers. Are you drawn to social justice? The arts? Problem-solving? Mentoring others? That’s the start of your narrative.
Pro tip: your narrative doesn’t have to be perfectly polished at this stage of your academic journey. You’re allowed to be curious and evolving. What matters is that your application communicates why you’ve done what you’ve done so far, and what excites you about what’s ahead.
A strong narrative isn’t about being the “perfect” applicant. It’s about being a thoughtful, authentic one. Colleges are looking for real students, not manufactured résumés. If your story is genuine and you tell it well, it will resonate.
If you're feeling stuck and have no idea where to begin, or if you're struggling to connect the dots of your experiences, remember that counselors like me are here to help. Crafting your story is one of my favorite parts of this process, and I'd be happy to help you find yours. Feel free to reach out.
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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