Students have to play two different but equally important roles in college.
First, you’re a student (college is school, after all). Colleges want to know that you’re not just capable of handling the academic demands, but that you’ll also be an engaged, enthusiastic learner. That’s why schools ask applicants to submit transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation from teachers—to assess how well you can play the role of a college student.
But you’re also going to be a member of a community. And for that, there are lots of different roles that you can fill.
Will you be a good roommate? Will you bring an interesting background and perspective to campus? Do you have the initiative to find the groups, causes and organizations where you can contribute time and energy? Will the students around you feel like their college experience is more interesting with you there?
That’s why colleges look at your activities and how you spend your time outside of class. It’s why they ask you to write essays and do interviews. It’s why those colleges that can take the time to do so want to get to know the story of the student behind the grades and test scores.
Prepare for your role as a student by taking challenging courses, committing yourself to your studies, and following your natural curiosity to learn things that interest you. Prepare for your role as a member of the campus community by committing yourself to activities you enjoy, making an impact, and being a good friend, fellow student and citizen. You’ll almost certainly land a role at a college where you can be happy, whether or not the school is a famous one.