What Makes A Good College Application? Show. Don’t Tell.
When it comes to college applications, many students think they need to list their achievements and qualities: "I’m a leader," "I have overcome challenges," "I am passionate about learning." But admissions officers don’t want to be told these things—they want to see evidence of them in your application.
A strong college application demonstrates maturity, growth, resilience, and curiosity through the story it tells, rather than simply stating those qualities outright. In this guide, we’ll explore how students can craft an application that shows—not just tells—who they are, leaving a lasting impression on admissions officers.
1. Essays: The Heart of Your Application
The personal statement is one of the best opportunities to showcase maturity, resilience, and curiosity without directly stating those qualities.
How to Show (Not Tell) in Your Essay:
Instead of saying: “I’m a resilient person.”
Show it through a story: Describe a moment where you faced a challenge and how you navigated it.
Example:
Weak (Telling): “I had to take care of my younger siblings while my parents worked, and it made me more responsible.”
Strong (Showing): “Each evening, I transformed our tiny kitchen into a classroom, where I taught my siblings multiplication using cereal boxes and sticky notes.”
Instead of saying: “I love to learn.”
Show it through action: Describe an experience where your curiosity led to discovery.
Example:
Weak (Telling): “I am passionate about science and want to be a doctor.”
Strong (Showing): “I spent my weekends shadowing ER nurses, where I saw the intersection of medicine and human connection. One night, a patient who spoke only Spanish needed help, and though I struggled with my limited vocabulary, I used gestures and the few words I knew to reassure her.”
Practical Tips for a Strong Essay:
Use vivid details. Show the reader what happened with sights, sounds, and emotions.
Tell a story. A great essay has a narrative arc—an experience, a challenge, a realization, and growth.
Avoid clichés. Phrases like “I learned the value of hard work” are forgettable. Make your story unique to you.
For more guidance on the essay - Check these out!
2. Activities Section: Depth Over Breadth
Admissions officers don’t just look at the number of activities you list—they look at depth, impact, and leadership.
How to Show Growth and Leadership in Activities:
Instead of saying: “I was the president of the Science Club.”
Show your impact: What did you do?
Example:
Weak (Telling): “I was the leader of my school’s Science Club.”
Strong (Showing): “I secured funding for lab equipment, organized an annual STEM fair, and mentored younger students—growing club membership by 40%.”
Instead of saying: “I worked part-time at a restaurant.”
Show maturity and problem-solving skills:
Example:
Weak (Telling): “Working at a restaurant was hard, but I learned responsibility.”
Strong (Showing): “When short-staffed on a Saturday, I quickly learned to handle multiple orders, communicate with the kitchen staff, and diffuse customer frustrations—turning chaos into teamwork.”
How to Strengthen Your Activity Descriptions:
Use action verbs (led, created, implemented, initiated).
Show impact (grew membership, increased revenue, started a new initiative).
Highlight personal growth (developed problem-solving skills, gained confidence in public speaking).
3. Letters of Recommendation: Helping Others Show It for You
A well-written letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor can provide credibility to your growth, resilience, or leadership in ways you can’t say about yourself.
How to Get Stronger Letters:
Choose recommenders who know you well. A heartfelt letter from a teacher who has seen your development is better than a generic one from a prestigious professor. If a teacher clearly knows you and describes you as “hardworking” or “mature,” it means more.
Provide context. Ask them if they would like to ask you anything as they prepare their letter. Give your recommender specific examples of your growth, curiosity, and perseverance.
Ask for letters early. Teachers and counselors get busy—ask at least one month in advance and provide key details about your achievements.
4. The "Additional Information" Section: A Hidden Opportunity
Many students overlook the "Additional Information" section in the Common App, but it’s a great place to show your resilience and maturity when an essay or activity section doesn’t fully capture it.
What to Include in the Additional Information Section:
Personal circumstances (family responsibilities, health challenges, financial hardships).
Unusual learning experiences (self-taught skills, online coursework, research projects).
Context for GPA or test scores (illness, school disruptions, major personal challenges).
Example: If a student had to take on a part-time job that affected their grades, this section can explain the challenge and show how they managed it.
5. Final Tips: Making Every Piece of Your Application Count
Think Like an Admissions Officer. Would this application make you remember the student? What does it reveal about them?
Be Strategic. Each part of your application should reinforce key themes about who you are.
Consistency Matters. Your essay, activities, and letters should all tell a cohesive story about your growth, values, and aspirations.
Cogi InSight: A strong college application demonstrates—not just states—your maturity, growth, resilience, and curiosity. By telling authentic stories, showcasing impact, and allowing others to vouch for you, you create an application that stands out in the admissions process.
Additional Things You Can Do:
Review your application: Are you showing—rather than telling—who you are?
Get feedback: Ask a mentor or teacher if your application demonstrates your best qualities.
Revise strategically: Every word should contribute to a compelling, memorable application.
By following these strategies, you’ll give admissions officers a reason to say yes, because your application will show who you are and what you've accomplished through the story it tells.