How Does Your Teen Stand Out? They Need a Story and Strategy

Parents, I hear this question all the time: How does my child stand out in the college admissions process?

It’s a valid concern. The competition is fierce. Everyone has good grades. Many have solid extracurriculars. So, what makes your teen different?

The answer: They need a story and a strategy.

The Power of a Story

Every student has experiences that define them—whether they realize it or not. But too often, students and parents overlook these defining moments when applying to college. Instead, they focus on listing achievements rather than telling a compelling story.

Let me give you an example. I recently met a student who loved chess. Now, chess in itself isn’t unique, but his perspective on it was.

He saw chess as a reflection of his life—each piece representing a different aspect of his world. His athletic journey? A knight. His artistic side? A bishop. His personal relationships? A rook. He even spoke about sacrifices in chess mirroring the sacrifices he’s made in life.

That’s a story colleges remember. It’s personal. It’s authentic. And it helps admissions officers see who he is beyond just the numbers.

Your teen has a story too. The key is helping them uncover it.

The Importance of Strategy

While an intense personal story is crucial, it’s not enough on its own. Your teen also needs a strategic approach to college admissions.

1. Choosing the Right Colleges

Many families focus on big-name schools, but the truth is not all universities are the right fit. Within larger universities, there are different schools and programs. For example, Cornell University isn’t just one college—it has an Industrial and Labor Relations School, a School of Engineering, an Arts and Sciences College, and more.

Where does your teen fit best? Their story should align with the school or program they’re applying to. If they love writing, applying to a school’s journalism or creative writing program is smarter than a general liberal arts application.

2. Aligning Extracurriculars with Their Story

Colleges love students who demonstrate deep commitment. If your teen’s story revolves around their passion for social justice, their extracurriculars should reflect that. Instead of joining a dozen random clubs, they should be involved in activities that reinforce their interests.

3. Crafting Standout (and Strategic!) Applications

Essays, recommendation letters, and even how your teen lists their activities can make or break their application. A strong strategy ensures their application tells a cohesive, compelling story across every element.

Parents, here are your next steps!

Now that you understand the importance of a story and a strategy, the next step is implementation. But we know this process can be overwhelming—which is why we’ve created The College Application Action Plan (CAAP).

CAAP helps parents and students:

• ✅ Identify their unique story
• ✅ Build a smart, strategic college list
• ✅ Craft compelling applications that stand out
• ✅ Reduce stress and feel confident in the process

If you’re ready to ensure your teen has the best chance of getting into the right college, join The College Application Action Plan today.

📅 Sign up now! collegeapplicationactionplan.com

Let’s make sure your teen doesn’t just apply to college—they stand out.