I often find myself reminding students to spend time on the things they love, and this article is a good reminder of why that advice matters. Too many teens feel pushed to brand themselves before they have had the chance to figure out who they are. When “unique” becomes a formula, it stops being unique. Students who lean into their genuine interests usually stay involved longer, go deeper, and develop skills that are hard to manufacture.
Another point that rings true is that real impact is usually slow, local, and a little unglamorous. Running a tutoring program for two years or rebuilding a club so it survives after you graduate may not sound flashy, but it is the kind of work that actually helps people and builds real skills. It is also much easier to sustain when it connects to something a student truly cares about.
Of course, selective admissions still require students to present their experiences clearly and compellingly. Contribution and strategy are not opposites. The sweet spot is authentic involvement, grounded in real interests, paired with thoughtful storytelling about what changed because you were there. Doing what you love is not a liability in admissions. It is often what makes an application feel real.
If more students focused on meaningful work they enjoy and on making something better for others instead of collecting titles, they would likely be stronger applicants and happier humans. Happier humans tend to build better communities and better campuses. Not a bad outcome from simply starting with what you love!
Link to Article from Education Next: The Hidden Conformity of Standing Out
Students seeking admission to selective schools face the dilemma of trying to get noticed for identical distinctions
By: Milo Linn-Boggs