What makes a student stand out in college admissions today? If you ask five different people, you might get five different answers: grades, test scores, leadership, community service, internships. But beneath the noise, there’s a quiet revolution happening. And it's changing everything.

Not too long ago, students were told to do it all. Be a “well-rounded” applicant. This meant joining a wide variety of clubs, sports, and service activities, stacking achievements like trophies on a shelf. If you could show you were good at everything, the thinking went, you’d be a competitive applicant.

And for a while, that formula worked.

But college admissions doesn’t stand still. It evolves just like the world around it. As application numbers have soared and digital tools have made comparing students easier than ever, admissions officers are no longer just asking, “What did this student do?” They’re asking something more subtle and far more revealing: “Who is this student becoming?”

That shift in question has created a noticeable pivot in what colleges are looking for.

Instead of celebrating the generalist, they’re often drawn to the specialist. A student who’s spent four years exploring one meaningful topic, one personal question, or one social issue might now stand out more than someone who tried to cover every base. The “spiky” student, a term admissions professionals sometimes use, is the one who brings a unique angle, a strong sense of self, and most importantly, a clear why behind their choices.

In many ways, admissions has moved from checking off boxes to following a trail of curiosity.

Of course, academic excellence still matters. Test-optional doesn’t mean academic-optional. Rigor and performance in the classroom are foundational. But they’re no longer the final word.

So what does that mean for students preparing now?

It means it’s time to stop building a resume and start building a story.

Let’s be clear. This doesn’t mean you need to have a perfect narrative or a life-changing mission before age 18. What it does mean is that colleges want to see direction. A student who’s willing to dig deep, take initiative, and follow their interests—even imperfectly—signals something powerful. It shows a readiness for college and for life beyond.

That’s where passion quietly enters the picture.

In recent years, there’s been growing talk about “passion projects.” But not the kind where someone simply starts a club to add it to their application. We’re talking about self-driven efforts rooted in genuine interest. A student who starts a podcast on youth mental health. A teenager who teaches coding to local kids. Someone who writes short stories inspired by their grandmother’s immigration journey. These aren’t just resume items. They’re windows into who a student is and who they’re becoming.

More importantly, these projects give students something that can’t be taught in a test-prep course: a story that’s uniquely theirs.

Colleges aren’t looking for perfect kids. They’re looking for students who are curious, intentional, and courageous enough to follow an interest, even when there’s no clear roadmap. That’s what makes a story compelling.

As the college admissions process continues to evolve, one truth remains. Trends will come and go. But authenticity, purpose, and personal growth will always stand out. It’s no longer just about who did the most. It’s about who meant the most with what they did.

And in that shift lies a powerful opportunity for students. Not to try and be everything, but to become themselves. Boldly, clearly, and unapologetically.

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Author Biography

Michael Oz is an experienced High School College Counselor and administrator with over 17 years of experience in supporting students through the college admissions process. He specializes in helping students uncover their academic passions and craft meaningful stories that align with their goals. In his administrative role as Head of High School at FSA, Mr. Oz also focuses on creating a school environment that fosters curiosity, student engagement, and personal growth—preparing young people not just for college, but for life beyond it.