As spring comes around, the college application process is coming to a close with decisions releasing soon. Those who choose to go to a four-year university are required to submit applications to showcase their high school achievements and personal qualities to demonstrate their aptitude for the school. As years go by, acceptance rates continue to drop significantly, and as more students apply to universities, it is nearly impossible to predict acceptance. 

In recent decades, college admissions have narrowed their yearly selection of student applicants. The established competitiveness around university admissions have compelled many students to apply out of state or consider different options like community college.  As the percentages in acceptances drop every year students start to steer away from universities and explore other paths after highschool.

“It has become increasingly competitive to the point where simply having high-level accomplishments will not guarantee admission at most universities,” FHS senior Lokesh Kodam said. 

So if colleges are no longer looking for perfect scores and grades, how can a student stand our to college admissions counselors?

 “Students have to be changemakers in their communities,” FHS Guidance Counselor Eric Medeiros said. “Students really have to take initiative and try new things as it’s not enough anymore to just be president of a club that already exists, create a new club.” 

Working hard on academics may be important, but in addition, demonstrating growth throughout high school is just as crucial. Colleges hold applicants to extremely high standards as admissions strongly consider signs of growth, character and leadership. “The most stressful part is just writing the supplemental essays because we’re young and it can be hard for students to organize the moments of their life into ways that properly answer the prompts,” Kodam said. 

Many students struggle to put their most significant moments and achievements into words. Medeiros recommends starting earlier on in high school to take initiative and utilizing the opportunities around you. Having experience with community work, getting involved in school activities, and keeping busy will showcase strong skills that colleges seek.

“Generally students who become good candidates start with something small, they get involved somewhere, find a volunteering program that they really like, we have so many different opportunities in the Bay Area, not just at Fremont, but in the community,” Medeiros said. “You become a great candidate because you’ve done all these activities.” 

 While making the most out of high school, trying new things and taking initiative is a crucial part to showing growth. 

“It’s not about finding something massive right now, you just find something small that you like and go one step at a time.” Medeiros says. So starting with small opportunities like volunteering can lead to greater opportunities. 

The thought of college can be stressful, but a crucial part of staying on track is being consistent with community work and growth in character. Building a portfolio will help to open up more opportunities for colleges and create content for potential supplemental or insight questions. As acceptance rates go down, finding a way to take initiative in your community and stand out is an important factor to standing out to college admissions.