…than improving your qualifications does.
Applying to unpopular majors, repeatedly emailing admissions officers, relying on connections, applying early decision just because you heard the acceptance rate is higher, sending a letter of recommendation from an alum who knows your family, including a picture of yourself in the school’s colors, sending additional materials colleges don’t ask you to send, mailing a box of cookies to the admissions office…those are all gimmicks. And gimmicks don’t work.
If you want to improve your chances of admission, challenge yourself in school. Find subjects that interest you and excel in them. Show your teachers that you are an engaged and interested student. Find activities you love and make a real impact in them. Apply to the right colleges. Present yourself honestly and openly. Be happy, confident and excited about the opportunity to go to college.
That will work better than any gimmick.