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Most students applying to U.S. universities use the Common Application, which includes sections for listing your activities and awards. You can include up to ten activities and five awards, covering everything you’ve done from ninth through twelfth grade. For each activity or award, you’ll describe your role, the work you did, and any accomplishments or impact you had. This is your chance to show admissions officers not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve contributed, grown, and made a difference.
American universities value personalization. They want to see the student behind the application and understand whether you are a good fit for their community and educational approach.
So, how can you highlight your soft skills and make your application stand out? Our senior consultant from Ivy Talent, with over ten years of experience in college admissions consulting, shares five key steps to help you do just that.
1. Know Yourself and Explore Your Strengths
The first step, whether you are just beginning high school or preparing your college applications, is to take the time to understand yourself. Many students are unsure about which subjects or fields they want to pursue, even at the university level. Exploring your interests, recognizing your strengths, and reflecting on what truly engages you early on can provide a clear direction for your academic and extracurricular journey. This self-awareness makes it easier to choose meaningful activities, set achievable goals, and ultimately present a strong, authentic application.
Exploration is key. Even if you don’t yet know what excites you, you often know what you don’t enjoy. This process of elimination can help you narrow down your potential interests. For example:
“Xuan, what major do you like?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then what major would you definitely not choose?”
“Biology. I’m not interested at all.”
From that point, you can begin to identify the subjects and activities that truly excites you, making it easier to select experiences that are both meaningful and aligned with your interests. Online tools such as My Next Move, as well as platforms like Naviance and Scoir, can provide valuable insights into your personality, strengths, and potential career paths, helping you make more informed choices.
2. Identify Your Resources
Resources fall into three main categories:
- On-campus resources – clubs, community service activities, school events, etc.
- Off-campus resources – international competitions, research opportunities, internships, etc.
- Personal and family resources – connections, expertise, or support that can help enhance your activities.
For example, if a student is passionate about art and has parents who work in a creative field, they might have opportunities to receive mentorship, access specialized workshops, or participate in projects that help them develop their skills more deeply. Using these unique resources not only allows students to grow in their areas of interest but also adds a sense of personalization and authenticity to their activity portfolio, helping them stand out to admissions officers.
3. Build a Main Focus or “Activity Line”
Once a student has a clear understanding of their strengths, interests, and available resources, the next step is to create a main line of activities that reflects their focus. There are two common approaches:
a. Students still exploring their strengths
For students who are unsure of their key strengths, our consultants provide personalized guidance and help set phased goals. This approach lets students explore a variety of activities and discover what truly interests them before focusing on a main area. For example, a student with strong math skills might start by joining math clubs or participating in competitions. With ongoing support and feedback from our consultants, the student can refine their focus and gradually take on more advanced opportunities that align with their strengths.
b. Students who already know their strengths or interests
For students with a clear area of expertise or passion, the goal is to maximize their potential in that field. For example, a student interested in history could:
- Take advanced history courses
- Create a history-focused website or social media account
- Start a history club at school
- Conduct independent research
- Participate in national or international competitions
- Attend summer programs or online courses
By building a consistent “activity line,” students can show admissions officers sustained interest and meaningful involvement in their chosen area.
A clear main line allows admissions officers to see sustained interest and genuine expertise.
Execution is often where students face the greatest challenges. Two common issues tend to arise:
1. Not knowing where to start – Long-term goals can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps allows students to make consistent progress. Completing these smaller tasks not only builds confidence but also demonstrates persistence and tangible accomplishments.
2. Changing interests or time constraints – Students’ interests may evolve, or they may struggle to balance activities with academic demands. Regular check-ins and adjustments help ensure the plan remains realistic and aligned with the student’s current goals.
For example, a student who initially wanted to pursue accounting might realize they do not enjoy data processing. With timely guidance, the consultant can adjust their activity plan to focus on other areas that still reflect their strengths and interests. This flexible approach ensures students continue to grow and present a strong, authentic profile to admissions officers.
5. Showcase Achievements on the Right Platform
Once you have started your activities, it is important to present your accomplishments in a clear and effective way. Select platforms or formats that best showcase your work and the impact it has made, and include measurable results whenever possible. For example:
- If you create a promotional video, how many people viewed it?
- If you lead a project, what measurable difference did it make?
Applications to U.S. universities are about more than grades and essays. They are an opportunity to demonstrate soft skills, initiative, and personal growth. By carefully planning, implementing, and showcasing your activities, you can meaningfully enhance your application and stand out to admissions officers.
At Ivy Talent, our consultants have more than ten years of experience helping students highlight their unique strengths and soft skills. We work closely with each student to ensure their achievements are presented clearly and effectively, giving admissions officers a complete picture of their abilities, growth, and potential. By focusing on meaningful accomplishments and personal development, we help students showcase the qualities that set them apart.