From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Rethinking College Admissions
- Joy Frey
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 16
For today’s parents, supporting your child through the college admissions process can feel overwhelming. Good grades and test scores—once the golden ticket—are no longer enough to secure a spot at top universities. Admissions officers now look for something more: specialized excellence, meaningful contributions, and a mindset that drives long-term growth.
The Changing Admissions Landscape
The competition is tougher than ever, especially for Asian students who often excel academically but struggle to differentiate themselves. What universities truly want are students who demonstrate:
Unique talents and authentic passions
The ability to lead and communicate
Intellectual curiosity and social awareness
As parents, the question becomes: how do we help our children stand out?
The “Highway to Success” Pyramid
One useful way to think about admissions is through a pyramid:
Foundation: Strong academics and consistent school activities
Next Level: Distinct talents and passions
Higher Tier: Intellectual curiosity and service through research and real-world impact
Peak: Strong recommendations from research Mentors，Teachers or Coaches
This model reminds us that while grades and test scores matter, they are only the beginning. What takes a student from ordinary to extraordinary is the depth and purpose they bring to their activities.
Why Depth Matters More than Breadth
Many families assume that joining every club, sport, or activity will impress admissions officers. In reality, over scheduling can backfire. Universities don’t reward busyness—they reward focus and results.
Encourage your child to commit deeply to one or two areas they truly care about. Whether it’s scientific research, a service project, or a creative pursuit, the goal is to achieve meaningful impact, not just check off boxes.
The Role of Research and Service
Two of the most effective ways for students to shine are through:
Research: Working with college professors or mentors to explore ideas in depth, demonstrating intellectual curiosity.
Service: Moving beyond surface-level volunteering to projects that solve real problems and inspire change.
This kind of “intellectual service” shows both ability and heart—qualities that top universities value highly.
Making Smart Academic Choices
Parents often push for the maximum number of AP courses or competitions. Robert Jew, founder of Radiant Journey, advises a more strategic approach:
AP Courses: Encourage your child to choose APs aligned with their strengths and interests. Quality matters more than quantity.
Competitions: Enter contests like AMC only if your child is prepared to excel. Participation alone adds little weight to an application.
Helping Your Child Build the Right Mindset
Perhaps the most important role parents can play is guiding their child’s mindset. Ask them why they are pursuing an activity, not just what they are doing. Support them in setting goals, building good habits, and reflecting on their long-term aspirations.
A child who understands their own motivations will not only perform better in the application process but also thrive once they step onto a college campus.
Final Takeaways for Parents
If you want to help your child move from ordinary to extraordinary, remember:
✅ Strong grades are the foundation, but not the finish line
✅ Depth and specialization create distinction
✅ Mindset and purpose shape long-term success
By encouraging your child to pursue research, meaningful service, and personal growth with focus and intention, you give them the tools not just to impress admissions officers—but to build a future filled with extraordinary opportunities.
从平凡到非凡：家长如何引导孩子走好大学申请之路
对于许多家长来说，帮助孩子走过大学申请过程是一件既期待又焦虑的事。过去，高分与标准化考试成绩似乎就是通往名校的通行证。但如今，这已远远不够。大学录取官更看重的是：专注的深耕、真正有意义的贡献，以及能支撑孩子长远发展的心态。
大学申请新趋势
竞争越来越激烈，尤其是对成绩普遍优秀的亚裔学生而言。单凭分数，很难在一大批优秀申请者中脱颖而出。大学真正寻找的，是那些能够展现：
独特才能与真实兴趣的学生
具备领导力与沟通能力的学生
充满学术好奇心并具有社会责任感的学生
那么，作为家长，您可以如何帮助孩子在激烈的竞争中亮出优势呢？
“成功之路”金字塔
可以把大学申请想象成一座金字塔：
基础层：扎实的学业与持续的校园活动
第二层：鲜明的个人专长与兴趣
第三层：通过科研与公益服务展现的学术好奇心与社会责任感
顶层：来自科研导师/教练/老师的推荐信
这提醒我们：成绩固然重要，但它只是起点。真正让学生“从平凡到非凡”的，是他们在活动中展现出的深度与目标感。
为什么“专注”比“广泛”更重要
很多家长以为孩子参加越多的社团、竞赛和活动，申请就越有优势。但事实上，大学并不青睐“忙碌感”，而是看重专注与成果。
帮助孩子把精力集中在一到两个真正感兴趣的领域，深耕下去，才更容易取得有价值的成果。不论是科研、公益项目，还是艺术与创作，目标都应该是做出成绩，而不仅仅是“参与”。
科研与服务的力量
两条能够帮助学生脱颖而出的路径是：
科研：加入教授或导师的科研小组，深入探索专业问题，展现学术潜力。
公益：超越表面化的义工时数，投身能解决实际问题、带来积极改变的项目。
这种“智识型服务”不仅体现了学生的思考力和解决问题的能力，更展现了他们的责任感和使命感。
学术选择要有策略
很多家长希望孩子尽可能多选修 AP 课程或参加各种竞赛。但更聪明的做法是：
AP 课程：鼓励孩子选择与自己优势和兴趣相关的科目，重质量而非数量。
竞赛：像 AMC 这样的比赛，只有在孩子真正有实力并能取得成绩时才有意义。仅仅“参加过”并不会让申请加分。
家长如何帮助孩子建立“赢家思维”
家长最重要的角色，不只是监督学业，更是帮助孩子思考为什么而做。
和孩子一起讨论他们的兴趣与目标
鼓励他们设定清晰的计划
帮助他们养成良好的习惯
支持他们在探索中找到真正的动力
当孩子理解自己的动机并学会自我驱动，他们不仅能更好地应对大学申请，还能在未来的学习与生活中持续成长。
给家长的几点提醒
如果您希望孩子在大学申请中实现“从平凡到非凡”，请记住：
✅ 成绩是基础，但不是终点
✅ 专注与深度才能创造差异化
✅ 心态与目标决定长远的成功
当孩子能够在科研、服务和自我成长中保持专注与目标感时，他们不仅能打动录取官，更能为自己的人生开启一条真正非凡的道路。
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