It’s rare for a list of activities or awards alone to make an applicant stand out.  That’s why when you present yourself to colleges in applications, essays, and interviews, you should share the stories behind what you’ve done.  Your stories show off your curiosity, initiative and likeability.  And they make you memorable. 

It’s hard not to remember (and like) a kid who shares things like,

“When I auditioned for the play my sophomore year and was not chosen for any parts, I volunteered to work the lights, just so I could stay involved.”

“When my soccer team needed new uniforms, I set up a car-wash fundraiser for which we secured sponsorships.  We raised $1200.”

“I really got into physics and especially enjoyed our projects.  I spent a lot of time after school working with my teacher to perfect my 'object projector' and even read additional books about catapults to learn as much as I could.  My project eventually took second place in the science fair.”  

“I love Spanish.  I like to annoy my friends by playing the Spanish station on my radio when I’m driving, and I often refuse to speak English to them, just so I can practice my Spanish.”

“The staff at the local bookstore probably thinks I am a depressed mental patient.  I buy a lot of self-help books like Prozac Shmozac, Love is the Drug.    But they don’t need to worry.  I’m not depressed.  I’m just fascinated with psychology.  And I think I want to be a social worker when I graduate from college.”

When you share them with enough detail, you’re the only one who can tell them.  And that’s what makes you stand out.