Let’s talk about how to stand out—and what it really means to “defend” your application.

 

 First, Defending Yourself: GPA, SAT, Volunteering, and English Proficiency

We’ve talked about this before. When it comes to GPA, SAT scores, English proficiency, and volunteering, these are baseline metrics. Even if you perform exceptionally well in these areas, colleges like Harvard or Yale won’t say, “Wow, a 4.0 GPA? A perfect 1600 SAT? You’re in.” These numbers simply show that you’ve defended yourself well—that you’re academically capable and prepared.

But they’re not what set you apart.

 

Then, Demonstrating Relative Strength

This brings us to the second and more important part: **How do you show you're stronger than your peers—**not in a different arena, but in the same one?

Let me put it simply:
"How well can you compete in the same arena where most students are playing?"

Imagine you're sitting in a room with ten parents. If I mention the name of a particular competition and at least five of them recognize it, that’s the kind of stage where you want to be performing. Success in a widely recognized competition signals real comparative strength.

In short:
Can you win when placed in the same field, with the same tools, as your peers?

Here are some common arenas of competition:

• Math

• Science

• Computer Science

• Social Studies & Languages

I can explain these in greater detail, but the point isn’t to overwhelm you with descriptions. Just review the list and identify which areas you or your child might already be good at. These days, ChatGPT or similar tools can help you explore each competition in-depth, so it’s easy to research on your own.

 

And one more tip: The higher the competition appears on the list, the more weight selective schools tend to place on it.

Real Examples of Comparative Strength

Let me give you some real cases from my students:

• One of our students, a nationally top-ranked swimmer (MCSA), got into Harvard. Why? Because that kind of national-level ranking speaks for itself.
• Another student was ranked 6th nationally in fencing. Yale contacted him directly and offered admission with just a 1510 SAT.
• A violinist who became a semifinalist in the Menuhin Competition—an elite international music competition—was admitted to Harvard, purely based on that extraordinary level of performance.

When you’re that outstanding in your field, you don’t need to “show potential.” You already are the potential.

That’s why I always say: Defend yourself first, then show how you outperform others in the same arena, with the same tools.

You can do that through Olympiads (AMC, Science, Social Studies), research (STEM and non-STEM), competitions, athletics, music, or art.

But What If I’m Just Average?

Now, you might be thinking:

“If only students at the top can show relative strength, does that mean someone like me, who’s just average, has no chance?”

Not at all. Let me break this down:

1. If you’re outstanding, focus all-in on your strength.

Just like the Harvard-bound swimmer or the Yale fencer, if you’re truly excellent at something, don’t get distracted. Stay in your lane and dominate it. That’s enough.

2. If you’re not top-tier, start stacking points anyway.

 

This is the key message I want to get across. You don’t have to be #1 in your school or the country. If you’re even moderately good at something, go for it. Compete. Apply. Show up.

These efforts—big or small—add up like points. And over time, those points can make a meaningful difference in your profile.

3. If none of this resonates with you, that’s okay—focus on telling a different story.

Some students aren’t drawn to competitions, and that’s okay. For those students, we work on building a compelling narrative through personal projects, storytelling, and unique paths.

That said, I do try to push even these students toward Option 2. **Because in my experience, even the most hesitant students have been able to win something—**even just a small award—after entering two or three local competitions. And that builds confidence and momentum.

Final Summary: Two-Layered Approach to College Admissions

Let me wrap up everything I’ve shared so far:

1. Defend Yourself

Your GPA, test scores, and basic credentials prove you’re qualified—but they alone won’t get you admitted. They’re your shield, not your sword.

2. Show Comparative Strength

This is where true admissions power lies. Show how well you perform when placed among others in a shared, recognized arena.

And remember:
Even if your achievements feel small, they matter—especially when stacked over time. These are the “points” that tip the balance in your favor.

This message was adapted from a recent A ONE INSTITUTE webinar.
If you'd like to dive deeper or explore how your student can build their own competitive edge, please reach out to us directly. We're here to help.