The WOW Factor: 7 Ways to Stand Out in College Admissions

[@SupertutorTV]

Need extra practice for the ACT? 🧐Get the help you need from professional tutors! Sign up for classes today supertutortv.com/the-best-act-prep-course-ever/ 🤑Click here for free math sheets supertutortv.com/free-resources/ Want to read about 7 ways to stand out instead of watch? Check out the blog for this video: supertutortv.com/college/the-wow-factor-7-ways-to-stand-out-in-college-admissions/

[@ashwinthampi3189]

College: we really need you to pay $24k tuition, that’s the lowest we can go :-/ Me: what if I can throw this ball far af College: LMAO that’s lit, here’s 100% off

[@winstonzheng8882]

lol

[@claudeodick]

Lmao

[@biaquerferias]

I can’t tell if it makes it more democratic or not

[@leandropatrick5364]

It would be my dream

[@akumanoko1158]

Ladies and gentlemen… college.

[@evakraus64]

All these wow factors are making me realize I don’t have any wow lmao

[@aSquaredRush]

First comment

[@elizabethjoseph8750]

I feel you bruh!

[@DragonKidPlaysMC]

I have taught myself Linear algebra, Multivariable Calculus and Single variable calculus and recently started learning python does this count?

[@arianacastro3250]

Drag ok (?) good for u👍🏻

[@user-dc5kc4gl5p]

Drag i think so

[@knowledgeiskey1319]

Hey guys, If you are wondering who I am, I'm Emma. Ive been watching college videos since 11pm and it is currently 9am. My brain is mush.

[@micaylagoyne7673]

Same

[@fish-fy5sh]

lol. ive been watching college videos for 2 years. my motivation is non existent

[@shogunmickey]

@@fish-fy5sh lol , i know that feel

[@farhanniloy7552]

@@knowledgeiskey1319 Hey, i need some help. I am an International student.

[@JustAnotherLokiStan]

@@fish-fy5sh that shows a lot of motivation, though. You wouldn't be watching college videos consistently if you didn't have a goal :)

[@audreyguo13]

1. Proven Excellence - amazing in one category 2. Original Projects - creativity, entrepreneurship, etc. 3. Adulting - uncommon jobs like writing articles for newspapers 4. Making Headlines - become a famous KZbinr or Instagram influencer, star on the Ellen show, have press coverage 5. Quirky, Random, and Cool Activities - any weird or atypical thing you do 6. Clear Leadership - president of the student council, anything that shows leadership 7. Incredible Grit - pursue through tough times

[@elle6449]

The target guy, he was on the Ellen show, he had a job, he was so quirky and he had incredible looks. He is what I strive to be

[@muhammadzeeshan303]

Number 7 and number one matter

[@muhammadzeeshan303]

And 2 as well

[@mango11119]

I dedicate roughly an average of 2 hours per week to writing stories because it is just my passion and I love it but it's completely unrelated to my future major which is history. Obviously I know about writing contests and will try some. But would just my time simply righting every week be included in my app? No leadership no recognition just a passionate hobby? I'm basically sure it would not be included right

[@young-millionaires]

@@mango11119 You could publish them, and also writing contests. If you win a big one, you would probably appear in a local magazine...

[@yezzenalrawi3367]

She said "best in your state," then put up a picture of Syria the country lol 2:44

[@MortimerSmurry]

"synchronized swimmer" - picture of regular swimmer

[@denizkavi]

I mean it is a nation state so it's technically correct.

[@eliserosenthal9683]

OML that is awesome funny.

[@tulip135]

omg how did I not notice my own country lol

[@francish6695]

State means country

[@victormcbride4556]

I just want to thank this human. She puts so much energy into helping youth. Im actually crying listening to her talk about the last wow factor and it hit really close to home.

[@ryleepiedmonte3028]

this lady has ruined all my dreams of going to a good college

[@roccotarli762]

Rylee Piedmonte 😂😂I feel you

[@vivekgaddam8637]

truly depressing

[@Food00]

😂😂😂

[@bidishagoswami8111]

same here. i agree with you to the bone buddy 🙂

[@tommasofreschi6467]

as an international student i get you

[@adambuckler1398]

How to get into any university: “Compete in the Olympics” or “creating a documentary film that goes to film festivals” or “be a guest on Ellen” Me: Uhhhhhhhh... Knitting sounds fun

[@JustAnotherLokiStan]

If you're passionate about it, it'll get you in.

[@lExN34]

Ikr 🤣😁 I picked up crocheting and I make socks, shoes and head bands

[@perfectrevelvet]

I’m about to go into my Sophomore year and I don’t feel special at all. I try so hard to stand out but the amount of stress at my school is so competitive. Thank you for this video

[@cookieslalala5847]

Same!

[@kourtneybrenaejones]

try to get involved in something you’re passionate about. being in 10 different clubs won’t mean anything if you’re not interested. find 2-3 things you’re interested in and stick to that to show consistency and commitment. try to have leadership roles in those things too

[@Melody-okay]

It's not about doing things to make you feel special, but doing things because you feel they are something special and want to pursue. It's hard to determine what it is you want to do, but exploring different clubs or subjects can give you a sense of what you like and who you are as a person. Therefore, giving you some ideas of what to dive into.

[@thiagogregory1]

literally me, I don't know what to do

[@ajleed2933]

You know it's so funny that some people who stress themselves to get into these schools don't know they look really paranoid like "AAH I MUST GET INTO THE IVY LEAGUE" and plus I think the reason why 95% of these students get straight out rejected is cause they worked their butt off just to get into an ivy league school while the remaining 5% that get in actually have the passion in their own field these schools look for. Let me tell you today if you're one of those people who stress yourself just cause you want to get into the ivy league then sit down and take a good look at your life and ask yourself do I really have the passion and is it really worth the stress and if you're one of those people who think that you need to go to an elite school to be successful let me lay it down for you you don't it doesn't matter which school you attend what matters is your hardwork and what impact you make on yourself and the world, a lot of people do graduate from ivy league schools and end up aimless why cause they worked their butt off and got into the school but lacked passion and focus, their aim all through high school was I HAVE TO GET INTO THE IVY LEAGUE and they never thought of what they would do in future but they used up all their time craving the ivy league. Look I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to these schools no, go ahead an apply cause they are great schools but apply to them cause your passionate about what you want to do and you believe that that is the best school for your major and don't just apply to the ivy league cause you want prestige no that's a wrong mentality which can rip you apart. Well done brooke keep up the good work I love your channel.

[@derekhuang1701]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@justahugenerd1278]

I personally am a very passionate student, I study my favorite subjects on my own all the time, plus homework. However, most of the kids in my grade are very very stressed about Ivy League stuff, like they don't have any sort of personality other than "SCHOOL AHHHHH" and it's really sad honestly. Like I have no doubt that with that sort of persistence they can go far in life, but they have no focus or passion for learning, it's all just stress

[@isadora5826]

I agree but dude, you need to learn how to use ponctuation.

[@ajleed2933]

@@isadora5826 I clearly didn't care for correct use of punctuations here but thanks!

[@Jjung__105]

I see like 10 comma splices and 20 run-ons

[@interestedyt]

I would listen to Brook and trust her 100%. Coz I heard and did everything as she recommended on this channel and got in to my dream school. Am in orientation this week🙂

[@haleypeterson3458]

what school?

[@interestedyt]

Duke kunshan university, joint venture of Duke of US and Wuhan of China. Its run by Duke, u get two degrees, one from Duke, one from whuan

[@nicholasmoyer7305]

interested hope you’re safe in Wuhan...

[@iuliusconstantcornelio2018]

@@interestedyt Wuhan ? Well...I heard the weather is nice....

[@interestedyt]

@@iuliusconstantcornelio2018 at home currently, online classes

[@katherinel8970]

welp guess i have no wow in me

[@tchit8792]

Me in my heart: nooo don't say that everyone has wow. Me in my head: Same yeet.

[@fish-fy5sh]

maybe create/force a wow?

[@sebastianpintea7075]

It’s just not fair for people who aren’t from small states where it’s easy to stand out.

[@user-tq5cn1dt9y]

Sebastian Pintea ik i’m from LA and being first at anything feels impossible

[@cae_okinaga1019]

@@user-tq5cn1dt9y Aye we love that California gang 🤙

[@hannahgilheany1899]

being from delaware, you’re 100 percent correct. i participate in math league, and my team won the state last year. but it’s delaware. in california we wouldn’t even place.

[@sarahmarie6399]

Yeah being in Texas makes it kinda hard to do anything at a state level

[@jordanah9953]

fr i live in la and go to a really competitive private school so there's basically no way to be first at anything

[@laurenblake4138]

She just confirmed im screwed

[@lacampanella6172]

What you were not on the Ellen show???

[@bradyryan3514]

Woah woah woah if u r the best at 1st base in California then no way u r gonna be watching this video about college u will already be in a training camp in the mlb

[@carsonvanveelen6715]

"Best in the state" "Shows map of syria"

[@bruhsoundeffect1903]

Syria, as in the official state of Syria. English 101, thank me later.

[@jaymalavia]

Syria is a state. State can also mean country.

[@Lexieidk]

I thought I was running out of things until she said incredible grit. Now I've got something going for me

[@delaneywalch1486]

from a rising college freshman who used to binge watch these videos and think I wasn't good enough, just know that you will end up where you belong and need to be :)

[@remasalshahrani2777]

thank you so much. im so stressed rn :(

[@saru5524]

any advice for a sophmore????

[@noahstout3288]

Honestly, I need to thank you because I used your videos to do well on the ACT and SAT, and it was seriously the only preparation I did. I made it into the Air Force Academy and just started freshman year! Thank you!

[@Secret-xc3hl]

damn, this I find impressive. You're cool, dude, wish you happiness! :D

[@brookifyd]

Congratulations Noah!! So glad for you :)

[@HH-lr2zt]

I switched my goal school from Dartmouth to a local private Christian college and I must say that I'm a lot less stressed when I watch her videos now.

[@ivi122]

So much pressure on kids today., I don’t know why they expect them to do all this stuff extra when they have to worry about grades, doing sports, SATs, Etc. some kids even hold jobs or are required to do many hours of service work too

[@ambrishgoenka2568]

True

[@saraeatsmovies]

I’m a freshman in highschool and I want to do the best I possible can in the college admissions process, I’m used to the highschool admissions process which is somewhat similar but thank you for making this channel. It’s helped me so much already!!

[@shivaandayal5627]

chill, you have lots to learn still

[@fiorellagarcia2405]

IN SHORT: they want a superhero

[@avonalonny]

all I learned today was I have little to no chance of getting into my dream schools ahaha

[@0verjoyed_ac]

Grit and resilience is a huge thing! And it's odd because a lot of people have been through difficult times and yet they're apprehensive to talk about it on college apps because it might come across as a "weakness" or "flaw." I don't want to sound like That Person, but pull all the cards lmao Pull the race card, the disability card, the LGBT+ card, etc. Talk about how those obstacles affected you and how you powered through them, even if they might seem surface-level or common to you. My friend got accepted to an Ivy League school partly by talking about how his parents got divorced, his mother was unemployed, and he became the breadwinner for his family as a 16-year-old kid. He also talked about growing up gay in the South and how he's pushed through that internal turmoil and social scrutiny. I got accepted into grad school at UChicago partly by talking about my disability and how it negatively affected my studies but that I was able to power on and still graduate with my bachelor's in 2.5 years. Schools want to know that you can bounce back because you are going to inevitably face setbacks in your education and in "the real world." Besides resilience, schools are looking for passion. You don't necessarily have to be the best at something to show that you have a passion for it. You can be last chair in band, but you can talk about how much you love the activity or how involved you are. Tons of ways to show schools that you care about what you're doing.

[@zelani3370]

Wait wait wait wait wait!!!! Does the LGBTQ+ card actually work? Because I'm bi and it could really help!!! I haven't told anyone I know and care about but well if it can help me get into MIT I'll take it

[@micaylagoyne7673]

@@zelani3370 It probably works best if you use it to show some other characteristics about yourself in addition to being bi. Maybe talk about some circumstance you've been through that stemmed from your sexuality or that your sexuality played a part in. It doesn't have to be trauma, either! Sure, you could take the grit route if you have some negative experiences, but you could also talk about your passion for diversity and how you advocate for LGBTQ+ if you do something like that, or you could just talk about a positive experience (like a pride parade or even just acceptance from someone) and what you learned/how you grew from that. Point is, make the essay about you, and many aspects of yourself. Don't let it focus too much on another person/thing, and make sure you show growth. Tell a story, because that will be the most compelling thing. (But don't just do a word dump of all your personality traits either; have a theme).

[@micaylagoyne7673]

& the reason I say use it to talk about other characteristics is because you were born that way. It's akin to race or nationality. It's not something you really truly choose to be, so you should reflect on how that has affected your life, not just the fact that you're bi. Colleges care a lot more about actions in relation to circumstances than just circumstances that happen to you.

[@vithalgoel3937]

I am a grit guy as well and you know, the time we spend in dealing with our challenges could have been spent developing some spike and I think it is only fair that dealing with challenges is valued. I have Fairbanks disease, was on the bed for almost 3 years from 6th to 8th. Had to learn how to walk again twice so..

[@bangtanlegends9415]

I love you honestly your comment made me feel so much better you literally answered the questions that were running through my mind

[@Christopher-gr6et]

she said clout you earned a sub

[@cockdominator9391]

Same, you know she’s legit

[@alekhyabhat]

I was a victim of severe cyberbullying and had an eating disorder for two years. I had to get operations done to make sure my sphincter muscles and stomach were okay. It was really hard for me to bounce back, but eventually, I managed to stop (on my own) and then decided to make sure this never happened to anyone again. I created an organization called "Bully-mia" and opened up an Instagram + website for it to provide free resources to students and parents to understand eating disorders. I'm a senior now, and I have spoken at numerous schools and workplaces to spread awareness. When you talked about bullying and taking leadership, I hadn't realized how this would impact my college, and I'm thrilled to know I may have a "wow factor" now. Also, for anyone out there, helping people with something you may be struggling with helps you, too. It's therapeutic. Don't be afraid to speak up :)

[@WriteYourAcceptance]

This is so inspiring and will make an excellent essay! Make sure to add creative and critical thinking elements. Good luck!!!

[@alekhyabhat]

​@@WriteYourAcceptance thank you so much! I don't know how to include the critical thinking elements yet, but fingers crossed :)

[@MSN539]

There’s no way you can actually get affected from “cyberbullying” ☠️☠️

[@andrisetube8821]

If you’re the best first baseman in California, you ain’t even going to college

[@davidmolina3404]

Ong if your that good at baseball most people just go straight to the draft

[@senmol]

What about doing unpaid internships at colleges within your interest area, is that something colleges would be interested in seeing? (e.g. lab work)

[@salmak8530]

Karen MA that’s perfect!! Colleges love hands on work and it shows how you are passionate about something!

[@davidchuong714]

For those of you applying to college and don’t feel like you’re impressive enough to get into a top 20 school, you’re not alone. Fortunately, I’m here to tell you that a lot of the time, being a good applicant is more about presenting yourself well than anything else-this means writing thoughtful, unique essays and having activities consistent with what you want to show colleges that you have to offer. I know one of my friends who didn’t do all that much in high school, but he got into Princeton because he was able to craft his essays in a way that brought out his passion for helping his community. I got into Johns Hopkins writing about a competition that I didn’t even win in, and I consider my stats fairly low compared to the rest of the admits this year. You don’t have to necessarily be the best at anything really, you just have to show what kind of person you are and what you have to offer.

[@Majestic469]

"if you're the only guy that knits in the state of Delaware" 😂😂

[@WriteYourAcceptance]

funny!!! but actually has promise.

[@Marieadams.little.love.handles]

lol me

[@marianna380]

Guys have is easy thats just knitting i have to play football😒

[@starsift]

​@@Marieadams.little.love.handles I heard that and thought wow, that is literally me.

[@philp521]

Atypical and intellectual... I suppose this is where I bring up the time when I distributed over 200 identical Garfield comic strips with an Instagram handle written on the back throughout my school, then used that account’s story to indirectly teach Critical Theory through old Garfield comics.

[@GauravGRocks]

13:48 Calling us out there lmao

[@pingu1312]

This is honestly freeking me out a bit since my homecountry doesn't really have any competitions. I may be the best at math or english or whatever in my school but I'll never know because no one cares to compare these things

[@malaikashroff7608]

If you are good at math, perhaps you could reach out to other schools near u and see if they have extra slots for the amc or something. Kids from other schools came to my school for that.

[@ordinarythings9864]

WOW I have to apply to colleges this year

[@mauricedrew3150]

Love ya Brooke..Just tell these kids to be happy and work their plans..95% can attend their state schools and be successful HAPPY, non stressed doctors, lawyers MBA MSW etc..

[@sergialor]

I dont know if you will see this but of you do... -Do colleges see the clubs you were in before highschool? - Do colleges like if you have a youtube channel, if your in student government, and are on a sports team? -Also when is the best time to start studying for the ACT or SAT?

[@tulip135]

What if I’m not passionate about anything? I feel like there’s something wrong with me haha

[@ziya1970]

There's nothing wrong with you. so many people find their passion later in life, and the fact that you accept you don't have passion is very good because it means you want to have a passion. unlike some people who just care about a major's advantages and hate their lives later in life. if you keep asking you will find it.

[@player4583]

I felt that. I don’t know what my passion is and I don’t know what to write in essays for it

[@chandni7565]

@Fievos Fry yes

[@rushiljohal]

Ngl, write an essay on that.

[@gheller2261]

I hate it when college counselors talk about doing something you are passionate about or tell you to create a passion project. You are right. Few people, especially kids, have a true passion. It's an overused and misused word. Instead, think about the things you like, enjoy or pique your interest and craft an activity out of that. Something that not only interests you but will make you interesting.

[@nzuckman]

I'm a guy who knits! Not the only one in Maryland, although I wouldn't exactly call us plentiful :P

[@carbenart]

Notes for myself: "Starting your own videogame webforum, something atypical and exhibits passion, turn into an intellectual discussion, clear leadership." -> SC 12:50 -> FTM

[@cyborglion4179]

My college essay is about me doing a quirky ,unique and creative activity outside of school and how it landed me a career oriented job . Hell yeah.

[@cyborglion4179]

Do you think that having 3 of these categories might help me get into a 15% acceptance school with a little bit under average sat and gpa

[@pritishparmar2209]

How do colleges verify these “wow factors” cz someone could lie for most of these things thanks

[@itdefgetsbetter.]

They mostly don't, unless the "wow factor" is too much "wow." Then they would contact with your guidance counselor to verify if you have actually participated in that particular activity, won that wow award, or attended that program. Hope that helps.

[@brookifyd]

If it's real, they can google you.

[@datvince2890]

References/Recommendations

[@pritishparmar2209]

Amy T but the thing is I took 2 years of mock trial, choir, band, coding, and I play this ancient Indian instrument named tabla at my temple (basically Hindu church) and I also teach other students how to play tabla and plan on continuing these thing for my junior and senior year but my counselor doesn’t know about any of those stuff they only know about my grades and classes and class ranks btw I got 4.5 gpa my sophomore year:) and thanks Amy that did help.

[@itdefgetsbetter.]

Pritish Parmar well in that case you better inform your counselor about those activities because some of them are actually quite unique.

[@rubikashree7724]

I'm not gonna care if colleges care about my research, I do it, just cuz I love it so much

[@CritterGal68]

You know what I like about your videos? The topics stir thoughtful consideration: who am I & what kind of mark do I want to make in the world? Thinking about this then allows you to consider: how might college XYZ help me get to where I want to go? And, this whole process helps you develop better communication skills and even evaluation skills -- things you will use again...when doing a job search! Life skills, indeed! NIcely done. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@Majestic469]

“And then you can have a lower gpa, lower sat scores, and all of that _awesome_ stuff”

[@duck6100]

The US college system is ridiculously competitive. In the UK you can get into a Russell Group university with 'reading' listed as your only hobby. No joke that's all I put.

[@pranavchoudhary8193]

I feel like a "wow factor" is one of the areas where I have some strength but I have yet to make my unique interests anything tangible. I basically research school boundaries, the way school boundaries can redefine what it means to be a community (which in turn can shape state legislative/congressional districts), the best places for school boundary adjustments to be made, potential locations for new schools in overcrowded areas with a lack of property and space, and ways in which school sites can be environmentally sustainable. I watch school board meetings and work sessions religiously, but I haven't yet found a way to make an actual difference with what I do in my community. I have another three years of high school ahead of me and I could contact school board members and work to make a difference in my school district within that time frame, but a part of me thinks it might be better to focus on something that's more achievable instead of trying to do something that several adults who work in partnership with the school board do for a living.

[@Junieper]

Hey. Really curious about what you ended up doing. Did you develop your interest further? Did you manage to have a positive impact on your community?

[@trinntrinn8685]

I really wish I found this video my freshman year, it feels so weird to do all these things now since I’m going to be a junior 😭

[@bcd6849]

What are you advising kids to do in these Covid times, especially when you live in a state and or county that remains in a lock down mode?

[@leyawonder2306]

Please do a video on how many activities do we need in an application. I used to participate in about 4 a year, from small clubs to global competitions, some were for just that year, and some I worked at for 6 years. I'm not from the US and have no one to ask about this stuff.

[@someperson5137]

Whoa global competitions? Like international science olympiads?

[@tchit8792]

Usually people have enough to fill applications... summer programs, part-time jobs, internships, competitions, etc. that are for a very short period of time are put down, but that's the norm in the US. You say 4 a year as if you change ec's every year, which is def not something you can fit in and doesn't show dedication. You do rank in importance basically, so if whatever's at the bottom is probably not important enough to put on the application. If the one's for one year aren't important, then you will put that at the bottom or maybe not even on the app.

[@SupertutorTV]

It's quality not quantity that matters.

[@SupertutorTV]

It's not quantity, it's quality. colleges want to see an investment of significant time (6-20 hours a week) to something outside school for most students.

[@icystark5087]

Wait does learning languages not taught in school count as an Extra curriculum

[@player4583]

I think it does. Almost anything you do with your extra time counts as an extracurricular.

[@safamohammed9620]

@@player4583 can it be outside of school

[@player4583]

@@safamohammed9620 Yeah, that counts as an extracurricular. I think it's also better when it's outside of school as well because that shows that you are willing to devote your personal time to it

[@safamohammed9620]

@@player4583 ok tysm

[@jenniferho8358]

i was thinking about leading a protest for climate change at my school! I wonder if y’all have any ideas to get this started!!

[@lores3572]

Jennifer Ho Contact Friday’s For Future or ThisIsZeroHour for tips on organizing! What state are you in? There next global strike is going to be on April 22nd. A lot of cities like Boston and NYC have been able to have absences excused by contacting their superintendents. Let me know if you need more help! Good luck!

[@maryk4450]

Could you do a video about the PSAT? Is it important and does it really prepare one for the SAT?

[@imserious8088]

You don't have to start studying for Psat 8/9, but studying earlier does help you get adjusted to what the sat is like. If youre in the 11 grade, I would recommend studying for that grade's psat because then you are eligible for scholarships.

[@SaraJasim100]

If you’re a sophomore take it without studying to see where you stand. If you have a really good score I would consider studying for the PSAT your junior year because of scholarships but it isn’t that big of a deal. If you’re not going to compete for scholarships I recommend taking it without studying again your junior year (your score will go up in the next year as you, obviously, learn more in school) so that way you know how much you need to improve for the real SAT that actually matters

[@tchit8792]

The PSAT is literally the SAT. It's just gonna be another practice test in your preparation for the SAT (which you should be doing a lot of to get a good score). However, you SHOULD try your absolute hardest to do the best of the PSAT if you thing you can get National Merit Scholar Semifinalist (Top 1% of test takers) because it DOES give you scholarships. Because I know I will get it, I can go to Northeastern and USC on a half-tuition scholarship, Fordham and Texas A&M on a full tuition scholarship, and University of Florida and UAlabama on a full-ride scholarship, all of which I know before applying to college.... but there are plenty of other ways to get scholarships so don't sweat it. Colleges won't care about the PSAT because they will see your SAT/ ACT Score. It'll only rlly help for the scholarship recommendation.

[@marcuscheung5025]

Just take the SAT

[@dawert2667]

If it puts things into context for you, My best PSAT was a 1200. Jr year i used khan academy 5 minutes a day for a month and half before SAT And i got a 1500. Psat only good for scholarships if anything at all. Use khan academy.

[@michaelnasralla58]

Thanks for everything Brooke. I’ll definitely have SuperTutorTV review my essays. Whatever the price, these videos prove to me y’all are world class. God bless y’all for what you do on here, I can only assume many acceptances were awarded because of students following your advice. Thanks

[@someperson5137]

The closest I've gotten is countdown round in math counts states and AIME qualification lol I'm a rising ninth grader so hopefully I could do something

[@tijesunimiborode7836]

You have a lot of time babes, don’t worry

[@rebia5542]

Bruh thats amazing, what state?

[@someperson5137]

@@rebia5542 NJ

[@rebia5542]

@@someperson5137 honestly if you practice a bit everyday, you could probably make usajmo

[@seliamarkley4595]

wow my essay is about how I played football and hacked down trees with my dad, I was watching this to see if I should/should not write about it

[@camilleyang6570]

love the tone of your voice! It gives me a lot of motivation when you speak about college, thank you for your time for making these videos!

[@cae_okinaga1019]

Yasssssss she mentioned bassoon!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulag2566]

I recommend The College Counseling Specialist for Admissions/Scholarships. He really can help. His office is in Orange County but maybe he could help with the process online too if you live somewhere else.

[@thesmallestbeast1152]

Hi Brooke! I am an ambitious sophomore hoping to attend Princeton. I am passionate about law and political science. I was wondering if an internship at a courthouse would fall under the third category and help me get into my dream school. Thank you for your great videos!

[@karakatherineswain5502]

I would absolutely recommend the Senate Page Program - it is a six month full time job in Washington, D.C. and was hands-down the best experience of my high school life. It looks incredible on a resume, you make connections, and you work in the US Senate - I got to go to the State of the Union and talked to senators daily.

[@galaxyygo1339]

@@karakatherineswain5502 can i ask what College you got into

[@karakatherineswain5502]

GalaxyYGO wish I could tell you! I’m a HS senior. A good bit of pages go to the military academies (Naval, Air Force...) because it’s so easy to get a senator’s recommendation. We know them already! A person from the page class above me is going to Georgetown. Also, Senator Mike Lee was a Page! Hope that helps.

[@brookifyd]

A courthouse locally is a good start, but Kara's idea (or something more national in scope) could also be something to consider.

[@amysva8257]

Kara Katherine Swain I know I’m months late, but I was wondering if you could talk about your experiences as a Senate page? I’m really interested in the course and am very involved in political science, so this seems like a great opportunity for me. How was the workload? I know that you had school at 6 am, then 5-6 hours of homework, while simultaneously working at the senate. Can you tell me how rigorous the school was, and whether or not you were allowed cellphones in your dorm rooms? It would mean a lot if you replied, thanks.

[@alexhales9552]

could my life story work as grit? I am helping my father since I was 9 giving 30+ each week on family responsibilities and my studies were like limited to school but I still managed to get a respectable 84% and I was the 4th highest scorer in my high school. This is just a short reflection of my life though.

[@pablopalis7199]

eh probably not ngl, shes giving tips to get into like harvard stanford and yale type schools, i could see you getting into maybe a WashU or Rice...

[@m3mhwa-ilikesoggycereal-665]

not in high school but watching this to prepare and be special

[@jonathanpierre1821]

You look tired Brooke, go get some sleep... please.

[@itskiff8636]

Why am i getting all these college videos recommended after i graduated highschool where were you freshman year huh

[@madd-teks7781]

She said clout effortlessly, she’s speaking facts

[@hummingbirdcoins6392]

SupertutorTV, I watch many of your videos and am especially grateful for this one. Regarding the Scripps reference, my daughter didn’t win but came in 12th as an evening finalist. I know it doesn’t carry the same weight as winning, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed there is some residual “WOW factor.”

[@ellas1755]

Hello, I’d love if someone could give me some input on my situation, and if the idea I have would constitute as a “Wow factor”. So here’s some background: I’m going into my junior year of high school next year. My main focus throughout high school has been photography. I am the founder and president of the photography club at my school. Next year (my junior year), I will be the photography editor on yearbook staff. Some of my volunteer work is also related to photography. So, here’s my “wow factor” idea: many local art festivals in Florida have emerging artist programs. This means if I apply and they accept me, I could sell my photography at an art festival. This would require me to create a website and a logo, select my best photos to print, put them in matts, get a tent, set it up, and spend the weekend selling. Since this is basically like a business, I hope it would fall under the “adulting” and the “quirky activities” categories. Thank you to anyone who read this and is willing to give input!

[@nyahaseley7236]

That sounds cool!

[@landri5027]

That’s really nice I think it’s a good wow factor

[@graceshaya2049]

it's a wow factor in my book!!

[@asterasea3568]

that sounds really great! it would show you're creative and entrepreneurial!

[@bangtanlegends9415]

Yesss write about it I read somewhere that a school rejected someone who did an activity for one year and accepted someone who did rodeo for 12 years that's bcoz they're looking for passion and that's what I saw when I read your comment

[@mira9667]

While I appreciate the effort you put in your videos, I don't know colleges accept so much from a bunch of teenagers. How in the world is a 17-year old expected to do so much, then they have to think about the financial costs, it's insane. Man, Europe here I come, good luck to all of y'all tho!

[@Crustyislooking]

I placed 2nd at the national academic decathlon :), that being said my class rank is doo doo

[@nhlg7494]

I’m thinking of doing that, are there individual events and how does it work?

[@yhasselvaldez4187]

I love math idk what to do to get a wow factor. My school doesn’t do math competitions.

[@someperson5137]

Quirky ppl on instagram: I'm not like other girls

[@kitkatherine23]

What about doing a medical research paper on your own- for fun? Also what about getting a CNA or Pharmacist Tech degree in highschool (so long as your medical and health care oriented)

[@tchit8792]

A research paper I would guess would only be impressive if you got any sort of commendation on it (they won't know if you even did what you said you did then). I know its hard to get CNA and Pharacist Tech lol I had a friend who did it..... I think it would help a lot but I think it would be a lot better with something else... if you volunteer in a hospital or work at a doctor's office (it was very hard for her to get a CNA job in high school) that'll be cool.... all of that would just show passion and dedication. But also consider if you really want to go through CNA training (you do some weird stuff that I'd never want to do).

[@ismoilova_shahina]

Thank you for the "WOW" video

[@noxastrea]

I wouldn't consider dissecting owl pullets "quirky"; an owl pellet though maybe (and I personally had to do this for 7th grade science class). A pullet is the generic term for a young female bird. I winced when I heard you say pullet and had to re-listen to make sure I didn't mishear you.

[@xpoeskio1103]

“Adulting” like the deadly sin?

[@noxastrea]

I know this comment is old but you and the people who thumbs up this comment need to learn the difference between adulting (as in doing basic grown up activities like paying your bills) and adultery.

[@user-lp7fc4iq3u]

@@noxastrea Pretty sure it's a joke......

[@honeylavenderbakery]

i think i laughed 3x more as a result of that reply

[@clara-qh2ie]

LOL

[@roccotarli762]

noxastrea r/wooosh

[@victoriaz1312]

THANK YOU . MADE ME WORRY

[@hileamlakmulugeta5959]

The wow factor, Where is it supposed to go? the personal statement, the activities section?

[@samanthamiller832]

What I learned: be above average. Honestly expected more from these 15 minutes

[@imtakingashitok7762]

To stand out you have to be above average. A duh

[@adultskatewithjlo]

I was born with a heart defect so I wrote about that in my essay! Fingers crossed

[@s.n2269]

You got in????

[@anupamachoudhary]

@@s.n2269 don't expect him to answer your query as he already said FINGERS CROSSED

[@rajnisrivastava1216]

starts at 2:26

[@Legodude552]

Who does these things???

[@japhetmedina2588]

so grit and original projects...I can do this

[@thomas9152]

the only thing that's different about me is that I was in the Marine Corps, I heard some colleges like veterans but I'm not sure if that's true or not.. I was injured in boot camp and chose to stick with it instead of quitting. Instead of 13 weeks, I was there for 28 weeks. But I'm sure that's not "cool" enough to wow a reader.

[@itdefgetsbetter.]

Hey Brooke! I find all of your videos very helpful. Could you please focus on some of the aspects of law school (grad school in general) applications? Like strategies to ace LSATs/MCATs/GREs, how to stand out in the pool of applicants; how to write a thesis statement; how to find impressing/useful internships during undergrad etc. That would help me out so so much! Thank you!

[@jamie-vp4bg]

Should the activities we do be related to what we want to major in for that college? Or can they be unrelated? Or should it be a mix?????

[@someperson5137]

It should be related to your passion

[@SupertutorTV]

It can be either. No one is going to be a fencer for their college major. But fencing can help get you into college if you're the best at it, even if your school doesn't have a fencing program...It's good to have some activities that relate to your passions but they don't have to be your "wow" activity

[@m_abou]

Yo, as soon as she said the first wow factor I already knew I got nothing, well, guess "elite" schools ain't for me 😂 But I really appreciate your videos, you're amazing!

[@riannebanzuela7099]

My friend won ISEF 2 years ago and he's in MIT now.

[@danbball8166]

I started and run my own(and fairly successful) investment firm. Is this really good?

[@rutho.6282]

Yess!! High ranking unis in the U.S. love entrepreneurship and Independence.

[@danbball8166]

Ruth-Osaiyekemwen O. how do i bring this about in an essay? I’m struggling to find topics to write about and i want to write about this but idk what to talk about

[@rutho.6282]

@@danbball8166 I would suggest writing a narrative about your uncommon experience in launching a firm. Start from the beginning, no matter how far back and go to present day. Also, include intellectual insight throughout, but make sure to put it in an overall frame of a coming of age/ self-growth and discovery. I know this may be over packing, but also think of a theme your other essays and this one (since it your hook it's should be the main one) should follow like along with self growth. MAKE SURE ITS AUTHENTIC, COMPREHENSIVE AND SHOWCASES THE REAL YOU. !

[@micaylagoyne7673]

@@rutho.6282 Yes to all of this, but they should also be careful about how wide of a range they include. Sometimes it's better to include a snapshot of one thing that happened as a part of running the investment firm and how you grew from that and mention the firm as a theme of the essay (and not have its entire timeline as the main body). Colleges connect with stories. Of course the story of how you got the idea for it and started out is a good one too. Just be careful of overcramming with details since there's often only a several-hundred-word limit, meaning you don't have enough room to write a compelling story about a really long period of time, typically. Can it be done? Yes. But you would have to be careful with that approach.

[@kapjoteh]

Bro you gots to tell me your story

[@promisehope6950]

So if I’m writing a novel, and I write about it in my college admissions essay, do I need to send them the book? Or is it okay if I just write about it in my essay?

[@victoragaba1783]

Just the essay is fine.

[@unfinishedcgirat]

Brooke: and the last topic, incredible grit me: *wow, finally a use for my trauma*

[@AdityaChauhan-ru8xi]

I am 1 in State and 4th in Nation in karate my GPA is 2.6 and sat is 1430 I am from India the education system here is really not for me and I have done multiple coding course . Which university's according to you would expect me and I won't need any scholarship as long as it is under 70k dollars i want to go for computer science major

[@ethanwilliamson782]

I’m goalkeeper for a soccer team in Virginia, we average top ten in the state, and might make it to the semi finals in state cup this coming fall. I don’t see how a d3 Ivy League can be so picky to expect me to beat the absolute best keeper in the state

[@Gaby-jb8lc]

Oh my god, thank you so much. I was struggling with my personal insight questions for UCs (yes I'm aware that the deadline is very near) and one of your points gave me inspiration for one of the essays. You are awesome!!

[@annaorgel1106]

I have a lot of small things that kind of fit these categories: I’ve won small STEM competitions but not big ones. I have lots of “quirky” hobbies (lock picking, cardistry, I built a crossbow out of newspaper once). I started a club at my school and have shown leadership at my job as a museum docent. I also did an internship at NASA, but I’m not published. Would these things count?

[@jeevi46]

Those sound amazing

[@tchit8792]

The quirky hobbies will probably not help you unless you integrate well into essays. But even without big comps in stem you can still show passion in it which you did, try to impress them with that instead of other hobbies.

[@pseudonym834]

I was an all star at NAQT quiz bowl. That should help.

[@machikr]

All my life I never understood why MIT, Stanford, Yale, Cornell and Brown accepted me offering full rides - for one, my SAT verbal was 460. I even thought there must have been an identity mix-up with someone and I felt sorry to him. Watching this video I suddenly realize my application contained, without my awareness at that time, not just one but every wow factor she mentions here. Wow.

[@DragonKidPlaysMC]

I have taught myself Linear algebra, Multivariable Calculus and Single-Variable calculus through the internet does that count? :((

[@gloriamartinez5540]

What did you do???

[@cami6786]

I have a nationwide record for swimming and have won several regional competitions, but they’re in my homeland, I’m an immigrant. I’ve tried to continue swimming here but I can’t afford membership to a swim club and my school doesn’t have a team. Would this count?

[@shinyy312]

cami I’m pretty sure that counts, you just have to make sure you state that you didn’t win them here

[@muhilan8540]

You should definitely try to swim here

[@rishab475]

Also mention that you can't afford it and that your school doesn't have a team

[@angelbryant1071]

But also show that you continue to swim despite your challenges, ex. Outside of school

[@prisminc158]

The video starts at 2:27

[@lukaabuladze6950]

What about internships