How to Stand Out from Your Peers When Applying for College
Applying to college in 2026 is more competitive than ever before, with no signs of slowing down. Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to stand out from one’s peers through one simple application. While academics are supposed to be the focal point of an admission process, much more goes into it.
To stand out and build a strong college application, high schoolers often participate in clubs or other extracurriculars. This is one classic way to distinguish oneself, but it is far from the only option. College admissions offices look at a student’s entire profile. One way to stand out is to become a published author. This article looks at how publishing a book can elevate a college application above one’s peers.
What Are Some Common Extracurriculars?
In high school, there are seemingly endless extracurricular activities in high schools across the world. Often, extracurriculars are facilitated through school, but sometimes they can be outside of the school. General categories of extracurriculars include sports, clubs, community service activities, or performance groups. There is truly something for every student no matter their specific interests.
Solo and Team Sports
When a student plays a sport, it shows a college admissions office that they are dedicated. Playing a sport is not easy and takes grit and determination. Further, playing a sport requires one to work collaboratively with either a coach or teammates. Whether on a school basketball team or a soccer recreational league, student athletes distinguish themselves from others.
School Clubs
All schools have clubs for students to participate in; some have more than others. Regardless, colleges like when a student engages with their school community. It shows continued engagement with their peers and school life. These clubs can include academic clubs, student government, and affinity groups.
Community Service
Students who participate in community service activities stand out because they spend their time helping others. This can include volunteering at an animal shelter or nursing home. It can also represent students who work with their communities in other ways. Community service showcases one’s selflessness and willingness to positively impact their community.
Theater and Performing Arts
More creatively inclined students can display their talents through theater, performing arts, and artistry. Participating in these ventures shows the creativity and passion of a potential applicant. Whether acting on stage or helping behind the scenes, this showcases the student’s collaboration and self-expression.
How Do Colleges Weigh Extracurriculars?
When applying for college, academics are often weighed the most. However, academics are not everything. College admissions boards take into account the entire student’s profile. This starts with academics, but includes their extracurriculars and out-of-class activities.
However, these review boards often dig deeper and evaluate a student based on the entire context of their application. For example, if a student has good grades but an unchallenging courseload, that may not be enough. Similarly, if they have a solid academic profile with few extracurriculars, they may come off as uncommitted to their community. It is important for students to have a well-balanced profile.
How Does Writing a Book Makes an Applicant Stand Out?
In the modern age, almost all students know how important clubs and extracurriculars are. That makes it harder to differentiate oneself from their peers. One unique way to stand out when applying for college is to become a published author. It is especially impressive for a high school student to write a book that gets published. Publishing a book requires a combination of all different skills that a student may show with their extracurriculars. Not every teenager can write a book, but those who care will look very impressive in their application.
When your student publishes a book with Cloverly Collegiate, they will immediately stand out from the pack. Our team will provide them with the support they need to work through the publication process. The process begins with the student submitting a one-page outline. Throughout the following weeks, this outline will become a polished book that is published across our networks. Every step of the way, our clients are supported and uplifted to create their best possible final product.