Making your university application stand out

Applying to study abroad can be a daunting process. Whether it is having to gather all the necessary documentation on time, writing your statement of purpose (SOP), or the plethora of other steps required.

When you take into consideration the hundreds of thousands of people who apply every year for undergrads, it is crucial to make your application stand out among the rest. Coupled with the fact that application processes and priorities vary from country to country, even changing up from university to university, it is vital to have things figured out before you set out on the journey of going abroad.

So, in order to better gauge an understanding of what to keep in mind when applying, we sat down with Education Hub, an organisation known for providing unique and innovative study abroad solutions.

According to Education Hub, a standout college application has several key qualities that make it noticeable and appealing to admissions officers. Some of common factors that make an application stand out are:

Academic excellence

A high GPA, challenging coursework, and excellent standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) can go a long way towards showcasing why you're an ideal applicant.

Unique personal statement

Admissions officers are always interested in understanding your background, experiences, and values and how they have shaped your aspirations. Therefore, having an authentic personal story in your application essay or personal statement can make you stand out to the admissions officer by showcasing your genuine and unique perspective.

Extracurricular activities

Demonstrating a passion for activities such as sports, clubs, community service, arts, or leadership roles can showcase your well-roundedness and time management skills.

Letters of recommendation

Strong and supportive letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers can provide additional insight into your character, achievements, and potential as a student. 

Demonstrating Interest

Showing genuine interest in the college or university by attending campus visits, virtual events, or contacting admissions representatives can indicate that you have thoroughly researched the institution and are genuinely interested in attending.

Previous achievements
Highlighting significant achievements, awards, or recognition in any field, whether academic, artistic, athletic, community-oriented, etc. can demonstrate your initiative and talent and set you apart from other candidates.

Interviews
If the university offers interviews, take advantage of the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that highlight your personality, interests, and how you fit the institution.

Alongside these, it's also essential to meet the basic admission requirements of the institution in question and ensure that your application is well-organised, error-free, and submitted on time.

Now, a second element that makes the overall application process difficult is the short timespan available when applying. On that front, Education Hub also provided a priority-based list to help you understand what needs to be done first. Here is a list of items that need to be handled from most important to least important:

Transcripts

Your academic performance, including GPA and course curriculum, is often the most critical factor in your application process. Admission officers want to see evidence of your ability to handle challenging coursework and perform well in your studies.

Standardised test scores (if required)

Depending on the educational level (undergraduate or graduate) and the institution's requirements, a good score on standardised tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT can significantly enhance your application.

Statement of purpose

This gives you the opportunity to showcase how your motivations and aspirations fit with the programme and university. The admission team also uses the SOP to understand and assess the writing and communication skills of the applicant.

Letters of recommendation

A glowing recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers also provide an insight into your character, abilities, and potential.

Extracurricular Activities

Demonstrating involvement in extracurricular activities can enhance your application and showcase your ability to manage time and interests effectively.

Relevant work experience/internships

For graduate programmes or professional degrees, relevant work experience can be valuable. It demonstrates the practical application of your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.

Portfolio

Some programmes require additional essays or portfolios to assess specific skills or interests. Tailor these materials to showcase your strengths in the desired areas.

Research or publications

For graduate programmes and research-oriented programmes, prior research experience, publications, and journals can significantly support your application.

If all of this sounds a bit tedious to do by yourself, Education Hub can assist students on almost every step of the way to both finding the right university as well as applying to it.

Some of the services Education Hub offers are Pre-Screening and Programme Selection, Admissions Counseling and Documentation check, Personal Statement Assistance, Application support, Payment Guidance, Mock Interviews, Visa Guidance, Flight Booking, Pre-Departure Briefing, Accommodation Arrangement, and Post-Acceptance or Enrollment Support.