College admissions officers review hundreds of applications each day, so a strong application that stands out among others depends on more than just grades. Many WHS students and staff who have gone through the process emphasize that what truly distinguishes applicants is a balanced mix of academics, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.

   Of course, a student’s transcript still plays a significant role in the admissions process because it offers insight into their consistency and work ethic.

   “I think grades matter a lot because they show colleges you can handle challenging classes,” said junior Eric Cui.

   While many students focus heavily on what they do in the classroom, colleges also place strong value on how they spend their time outside of it.

   “Colleges often look at lots of different characteristics of a student,” said guidance department head and counselor Karen Botcheller. “They’re reviewing extracurricular activities, leadership, growth in academics, essays, and recommendation letters to understand who the student is as both a learner and a community member.”

   Colleges also take notice of students who actively pursue their interests by extending their learning beyond the classroom through independent projects such as research.

   “Last summer I worked on a psychology research project with a professor at Johns Hopkins. I had to learn a lot and put in a lot of effort, but I ended up doing well, even presenting at several conferences,” said senior Cailyn Chien. “I think it was a great opportunity to do something I’m passionate about, and it definitely helped me stand out in college applications.”

   For many students, separating oneself from other applicants comes less from a one-time project about their passion, and more from a long-term commitment to an interest, showcasing consistency and dedication.

   “The main thing I did to strengthen my college application was fencing,” said senior Jonathan Wu. “I’ve been doing it for about six years, and it helped me develop discipline and perseverance at a competitive level.”

   Some students believe that taking as many AP courses as possible is the best way to stand out, even if it comes at the cost of performance. However, counselors emphasize that colleges value authenticity and a well-rounded profile just as much as course rigor.

   “I think students who are most successful in admissions are those who show growth and dedication in areas they truly care about,” said Botcheller. “It’s about being yourself and following your genuine interests rather than trying to do what you think looks impressive.”

   One of the common ways in which this genuine growth can be depicted is through recommendation letters, which offer a deeper view of a student by revealing strengths, development, and character traits that grades alone cannot capture. Teachers at WHS take the responsibility to produce strong recommendation letters very seriously.

   “Usually I write a story about the student that shows how they contribute to the life of the classroom,” said math teacher Claude Valle. “I think sharing the value they bring is effective and really resonates with the person reading the letter.”

   Students can also set themselves apart by using their individual voice, especially in the personal statement. This gives them a chance to share perspectives and experiences that don’t come through in the rest of their application.

   “I’d like to think my entire college essay was pretty unique,” said senior James Moser. “I wrote about building and taking care of my koi pond, which gave me a chance to share a personal story and show how I handle challenges and adapt when things don’t go as planned.”

   Another way students stand out is by showing a clear sense of direction for their future, meaning that their courses, activities, and interests connect to a broader passion or goal rather than appearing random or disconnected.

   “I think focusing on engineering both in school and taking part in programs outside of school helped align my courses and activities around something I was passionate about,” said Moser. “[This has] made a big difference in my college applications.”

    Overall, while each college may focus on slightly different criteria for applicants, the key to a strong application is not just grades but also the passions, relationships, and experiences students cultivate throughout high school.

   “Spending time with friends and having hobbies and interests outside of school shows that you’re less one-dimensional and more socially engaged,” said senior Caleb Curran. “It also makes the college process less stressful and helps you grow as a person, giving you a break from being buried in work all day.”