In today’s competitive admissions environment, students and parents often wonder: What really stands out to college admissions officers? Is it perfect grades, a mile-long list of extracurriculars, or an award-winning essay?
The truth is, no single element guarantees admission. What makes an impressive college application is how well the various components work together to tell a story of growth, commitment, and readiness. At College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), we help families craft strategic, authentic applications that reflect each student’s strengths.
Here’s what admissions officers really want to see—and how to present it effectively.
The academic transcript still reigns supreme
The most critical element of any college application is the academic transcript. It reveals not just grades, but the level of challenge a student has undertaken over time.
Admissions officers are looking for:
- Rigor: Students who challenge themselves with AP, Honors, IB, or dual enrollment courses
- Consistency: A solid GPA or a clear upward trend over the years
- Context: Performance relative to what was available at the high school
A strong transcript signals that the student is intellectually curious and ready for the academic demands of college. It’s not just about achieving straight A’s—colleges want to see that students took advantage of the most rigorous courses offered and pushed themselves to grow.
CBRG helps students plan their high school coursework strategically, ensuring their transcripts reflect both ambition and balance. Our advisors review each client’s schedule annually to ensure academic competitiveness aligned with college goals. We also advise on when to push for challenge and when to maintain GPA stability.
A compelling and cohesive personal story
Your student’s application should tell a story—one that reflects who they are, what they care about, and how they’ve grown. This narrative is woven through the personal statement, activity list, and letters of recommendation.
What makes a story compelling?
- Authenticity: Real voice and personal reflection
- Focus: A clear theme or journey that connects the dots
- Depth: Insights into motivations, values, and challenges overcome
Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year. The ones that stand out are personal, specific, and emotionally resonant. A student doesn’t need a dramatic life event to be compelling—writing with vulnerability, curiosity, and intention is what leaves an impression.
CBRG works with students to brainstorm and revise powerful essays that align with the rest of the application. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” essays. Instead, we coach students to find their voice and build a story colleges will remember. This coaching often includes multiple drafts and detailed feedback to polish content and tone.
Deep and sustained involvement in a few key activities
More is not better. Admissions officers prefer to see students deeply involved in a handful of meaningful activities rather than spreading themselves thin.
What stands out:
- Leadership roles or initiative: Starting a club, organizing an event, or leading a team
- Passion projects: Independent research, nonprofit work, or creative achievements
- Community engagement: Volunteering that shows empathy and commitment
Depth and continuity matter more than breadth. A student who has participated in the same cause or organization for years—and has grown their role or impact—will impress more than a student with a long list of one-off activities.
CBRG helps students build and refine an activities resume that emphasizes depth, impact, and personal relevance. We provide checklists and prompts to help students write strong activity descriptions for the Common App and beyond. We also help students identify gaps and explore new opportunities earlier in high school.
Strong letters of recommendation
Recommendations provide an external perspective on the student’s character, academic engagement, and potential.
Effective recommendations:
- Are specific and personal: They include anecdotes and detailed observations
- Highlight unique strengths: Especially those not evident from grades alone
- Show growth or resilience: Teachers who can speak to a student’s journey stand out
Admissions officers value letters that offer insight into how the student contributes to the classroom environment or supports peers. These letters humanize the application.
CBRG advises students on how to choose the right recommenders and provides templates to guide their conversations with teachers and counselors. We encourage students to provide context and gratitude when making the ask, and to give recommenders plenty of time and resources to write a great letter.
Strategic demonstration of interest
Many colleges track whether students show genuine interest in attending. Demonstrated interest can factor into admissions decisions at some institutions.
Ways to demonstrate interest:
- Visit campuses or attend virtual tours
- Open emails and engage with outreach
- Connect with admissions reps at events
Some colleges even consider email opens and click-through rates in their applicant tracking. Demonstrated interest can tip the scales in favor of an otherwise borderline applicant, especially at small to mid-sized private colleges.
CBRG incorporates demonstration of interest strategies into each student’s college list plan, especially for schools known to value it. We help students keep track of these touchpoints in a college planning tracker.
Optional but impressive: Supplemental materials and talents
Some students have unique talents or experiences that are best showcased through optional materials.
These may include:
- Artistic portfolios
- Research abstracts or published work
- Entrepreneurial or tech projects
While optional, these materials can set a student apart—if they’re relevant and high quality. For example, a student applying to an engineering program might submit a short video of a self-built invention; an aspiring writer might include published poetry or blog content.
CBRG helps evaluate whether and how to submit supplemental materials to ensure they enhance rather than distract from the core application. We review materials for polish, relevance, and strategic fit, and we advise on optimal formats and file types.
Bonus: What doesn’t impress admissions officers
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to highlight. Admissions officers can spot inauthenticity or over-polished applications.
Things that don’t impress:
- Generic essays: Broad, impersonal writing that could apply to anyone
- Overloaded activity lists: Quantity without impact
- Name-dropping or prestige-chasing: Applying to a school just for its rank
- College Applications with mixed messages: Lack of a clear theme or focus
A common mistake is trying to be everything to everyone—overstuffing the application to impress rather than to express. Colleges are looking for coherence and clarity. They want to see a student who knows themselves and can articulate their path forward.
CBRG’s structured approach keeps students focused on presenting an application that feels coherent, credible, and authentic. We coach families on how to align each piece of the application around the student’s story, strengths, and future goals.
Frequently asked questions about creating an impressive college application
Grades and course rigor come first. However, strong extracurriculars that support a student’s interests and growth are also critical.
Yes. Work experience demonstrates responsibility, time management, and initiative—all valuable traits in an applicant.
Leadership is about influence and action, not just titles. Starting initiatives, mentoring peers, or organizing events count as leadership.
Only if it’s a fit academically, socially, and financially. CBRG helps families assess options beyond name recognition.
Test-optional means test scores aren’t required, but strong scores can still help. CBRG guides families on whether to submit scores.
Look for alignment between the student’s essays, activities, and recommendations. CBRG helps families refine their narrative throughout the process.
Absolutely. A standout essay can provide context, demonstrate maturity, and make a student memorable.
Build a College Application That Stands Out for the Right Reasons
CBRG’s team of counselors and advisors work with students one-on-one to create applications that are impressive because they are strategic, authentic, and personalized. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help your student put their best foot forward.