If nine students get A’s in English class, how can one get a much stronger letter of recommendation than the others?
How can a private counselor with the same or even less experience than her competitors get twice as many referrals?
If 10 other applicants have similar grades, test scores, and qualifications, how does one get offered admission to a highly selective college?
The answer is often that the person did something bigger than the work itself.
One A student consistently raises her hand, asks good questions, looks engaged in class, and otherwise demonstrates on a daily basis just how much she enjoyed reading, writing, and talking about literature.
One private counselor injects positivity into every interaction, calls occasionally just to check in, and makes every family feel like they’re his only client.
One applicant thoughtfully used her application to share what was most important to her and to help the college get to know her better. She did so in a refreshingly confident, honest, and self-aware way without regard for polish or packaging.
There are lots of people who can do the work. But what impact or impression are you making during your interactions that’s actually bigger than the work itself?
That’s what makes a difference, makes people remember you, and makes you stand out.