Standing Out: How to Make Your College App Pop as Standardized Testing Fades Away
Earlier this year, Cirkled In CEO Reetu Gupta wrote for Puget Sound Business Journal about one of the far and few between benefits of COVID-19: The end of standardized testing. While the end of cramming for a test that could weigh heavily during the college admissions seems exciting for many, the upended testing system presents a challenge for some students. How can their application stand out above the rest without testing scores that, in some ways, reflect their intellect?
Cirkled In prides itself on helping students tell THEIR stories, beyond a test score. The platform is designed for students to digitally present information that makes them, them. From jobs, to extracurriculars, academics, and everything in between, your profile tells your holistic story.
The question remains—how can you stand out during a pandemic when many opportunities that previously existed are paused for the foreseeable future? Here’s what we think:
Support Your Community During a Crisis
Volunteerism is not about the rewards and personal benefits. However, the pandemic creates opportunities for students, regardless of age, to use their skills to help others. Local food banks, homeless shelters, and other community-based programs are working to support individuals and families who have been impacted by COVID-19. Take the first step by reaching out, understand what they need, and work with an adult to see how you can contribute.
Join Online Extracurriculars
It’s not lost on educators, administrators, and other members of the community that students are missing out on programs typically offered by schools and community centers. As we shift online, check out your town’s Parks and Recreation Department to see if they’re offering virtual activities outside of the regular school day. For example, in Lacey, Washington, the Parks and Rec Department is offering virtual S.T.E.A.M classes and more for all ages. Taking the initiative to join programs when things are anything but normal is a great addition to any college app.
Start an Online Club
Study Club? Book Club? Maybe a Netflix Club. Whatever your interests are, you and your school community are only a click away. Like in-person meetings, set a specific time and agenda. Invite your friends and ask them to share on their social media platforms. Even though it’s virtual, community building is a skill colleges look for.
Don’t let COVID-19 or the pause (or potential end) of standardized testing stop you from bolstering your college application or even scholarships. Most importantly, don’t let anything stop you from being the best student, community member, and potentially college admittee you can be.
