How to Build a Personal Brand that stands out in College Applications
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Every year, top universities receive tens of thousands of applications, yet only a small fraction make it through. For instance, in 2024, Harvard accepted just 3.5% of its 54,008 applicants, while Columbia reported an acceptance rate of only 3.8%.[1][2] With so many students boasting stellar grades and test scores, how do you stand out?
This is where personal branding comes into play.
Think about your favourite brand—Maggi 2-Minutes. What makes this brand memorable isn’t just the product but how it’s positioned in our minds: quick, easy, and always there when needed.
As Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer Jill Avery says, “Every time we apply for a job, vie for a promotion, or even try to land a new date, we’re marketing ourselves.”
In a sea of excellence, your brand is your greatest differentiator. But what exactly is personal branding, and why is it crucial for your college application? Let's break it down!
What is Personal Branding?
Personal branding for students is about sharing your unique story, values, and passions with the world. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about standing out and being memorable, leaving a lasting impression long after the admissions officer closes your file.
At its core, personal branding for students answers three key questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you care about?
- How do your experiences reflect these values?
Your personal brand is the glue that connects your essays, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and even your social media presence into one cohesive narrative.
Imagine two students with equally impressive academic records:
Student A:
Tried a bit of everything—built a renewable energy model for a science fair, took piano lessons for a year, joined the debate team briefly, volunteered at events, attended an art class one summer, and dabbled in coding workshops.
Student B:
Focused and passionate about one topic. They led their school’s eco-club, grew membership by 40%, and organised clean-ups collecting 500 kg of waste. They wrote 15 articles on climate change (one published in a local newspaper), helped cut their school’s carbon footprint by 20%, and spoke at three events, inspiring over 300 people.
Who leaves a stronger impression? Student B.
Why? Student B’s application tells a clear story, tying their values and passion for environmental sustainability into every activity. Their personal brand shines through in everything they do, from leading initiatives and writing about climate change to speaking at events that inspire others to take action.
That’s the power of a strong personal brand — it shapes how others perceive you and leaves a lasting impression.
Why Does Personal Branding Matter in Your College Applications?
Personal branding isn’t just about listing grades, essays, and extracurriculars. Admissions officers read thousands of applications — it’s the compelling stories that stand out and stay with them.
When your personal brand is clear, it makes your story:
- Memorable – Your story resonates long after the file is closed.
- Distinctive – It separates you from thousands of equally qualified applicants.
- Authentic – It shows your values and passions through your actions, not just words.
Without a personal brand, your application may read like a disconnected series of achievements. But with a personal brand, you bring everything together into a coherent story that showcases your growth, your passion, and your purpose.
Had Student A channelled their efforts toward a cause they truly cared about, their journey would have naturally formed a clearer, more compelling narrative that highlights their growth and purpose, much like Student B’s.Personal branding helps admissions officers not just understand your story but remember it. And in a hyper-competitive application process, that’s the ultimate goal.
Take the Quiz: Are you building a strong personal brand?
Now, if you’re wondering whether your profile is more like Student A or Student B, we’ve got you covered! Answer these fun, quick questions to find out where you shine and where there’s room to level up. Think of it as your personal cheat sheet.
Ready? Let’s go!
Do your activities connect to a bigger passion or purpose?
- A - Not really; I’m dabbling in a bit of everything.
- B - Yes! Most of what I do ties back to what I really care about
Are you showcasing your unique quirks or talents?
- A - I’m playing it safe.
- B - Absolutely! I fault my silly, quirky talents wherever I go.
Is your application telling one cohesive story?
- A - Not quite—it’s more like random puzzle pieces.
- B - Yes! Every part of my application feels like it belongs in the same story.
Do you have a strong online presence?
- A - Online presence? Do you mean my private Instagram account?
- B - Yes! I talk about my interests on Linkedin, Medium and Substack.
Have you made an impact in your community or school?
- A - I’ve been involved in many things, but I’m not sure if it’s made a big difference.
- B - Yes! I can point to specific things I’ve done that created positive change.
Are you consistently involved in your activities, interests, or extracurriculars?
- A - Not really—I tend to start things but don’t stick with them.
- B - Yes! I stay committed to continuing to grow and improve.
Your Results!
- Mostly A: You’ve got a lot going for you! Now it’s time to focus on what you’re most passionate about, connect the dots, and let your personality shine through. Think quality over quantity!
- Mostly B: You’re on track to building a stellar personal brand! Keep polishing your story, highlighting your impact, and making your unique edge unforgettable.
Actionable Steps to Build Your Personal Brand
1. Explore through elimination and curiosity:
Not sure where to start? Identify what doesn’t excite you, and follow the activities or topics that make you lose track of time. Sometimes, saying “no” to what doesn’t align helps you say “yes” to what truly matters.
2. Identify your ‘Why’:
Every strong story has a purpose, and so should you. Admissions officers want to understand the real you, so it’s crucial to know your "why." Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? What difference do I want to make? Your "why" will guide your choices and ensure consistency in your story.
3. Find your core theme:
Instead of scattering your efforts across multiple activities, focus on a central theme or purpose that ties your experiences together—be it sustainability, leadership, or creative storytelling. This not only guides your choices but also shows what you truly care about: your passion, beliefs, and core values.
4. Build a cohesive narrative:
Ensure your story aligns across all touchpoints—essays, recommendation letters, social media, and interviews. Consistency builds trust and leaves a stronger impression.
5. Embrace your unique edge:
Don’t hide your quirks, failures, or unconventional experiences. What you see as ‘different’ is often what makes you memorable and shows your true, authentic personality.
6. Build an online presence:
Your online presence is a crucial extension of your personal brand. Platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or a personal website allow you to showcase your achievements, express your passions, and build a professional narrative that supports your application. A consistent, authentic online presence not only reflects your values but also highlights your ability to engage meaningfully and thoughtfully in today’s digital landscape, setting you apart from others.
7. Network with purpose:
Reach out to mentors, join online communities, and build connections with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and inspiration.
Your personal brand isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being you. Own your story, let your personality shine, and build a narrative that leaves an impact.
Common myths about personal branding
Myth 1: You need to have everything figured out.
Truth: Personal branding isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showcasing your journey, growth, and what you’re learning along the way
Myth 2: Personal branding is about bragging.
Truth: It’s not about boasting; it’s about telling your story authentically and letting your values and efforts shine through.
Myth 3: Only extraordinary achievements matter.
Truth: Personal branding isn’t just about grand milestones—it’s about the passion, consistency, and dedication behind every step you take.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, personal branding is about showing up as your authentic self—whether on paper, in interviews, or beyond. As the renowned author Tom Peters reminds us, 'You are the CEO of your own life. To succeed today, your most important job is to market the brand called You.'
Take a moment to reflect on your passions and experiences. And if you ever need guidance, our mentors are here to help you shape your story and let it shine authentically.
Reference:
[1] https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/admissions-statistics
