U.S. College Admissions: The Power of Genuine Commitment and Impact

Daniel Chung: Focus on Real Impact and Personal Growth in College Applications

Institutions in the U.S. prioritise the quality of extracurricular activities and the genuine efforts of applicants over the quantity of activities listed. Daniel Chung, a former admissions officer at Stanford University, advised prospective students to concentrate on meaningful involvement in extracurriculars and authentic commitment. He emphasized that admissions officers appreciate real impact and personal growth, rather than flashy titles or a long list of activities. By focusing on activities that truly matter and demonstrating sincere dedication, students can make their applications stand out in the competitive admissions process.

During a talk in Hanoi on February 24, Daniel Chung outlined the three key components of a U.S. college application: grades, activities and leadership, and personal traits. He acknowledged that while good grades are essential, it is often the activities and character that truly distinguish a student. Chung further emphasised that in the realm of extracurricular activities, quality always outweighs quantity. He illustrated his point with examples, such as a Swedish student who claimed their mental health podcast reached 30 countries, but upon verification, it had only 50 listeners. Another student listed several leadership roles in school clubs but failed to explain their significance, rendering those titles unimpressive to admissions officers.

He also explained that many students focus on flashy activities without making a real impact. Admissions officers seek candidates who are genuinely engaged and contribute meaningfully. He stressed that applications should highlight both the quality and influence of these activities. Additionally, Chung suggested that showcasing a true passion for learning—through activities like research, creating a podcast, learning languages, or writing a blog—can help an applicant stand out.

Chung concluded that successful students often have diverse interests and stay motivated because they genuinely enjoy learning, not just to impress admissions officers. He further explained that while applicants can submit SAT or ACT scores, IB or AP results, and transcripts, top universities frequently receive applications from students with excellent grades. Therefore, academic excellence alone is not enough to secure admission.

Moreover, he emphasized the importance of personal values, which are conveyed through the Common Application, essays, interviews, and recommendation letters. He advised students to highlight skills that demonstrate discipline and a strong work ethic qualities that are highly valued by U.S. colleges, including Stanford, where one in four accepted students stands out for exceptional athletic abilities. Chung also advised against repeating information or using clichéd phrases like "follow your passion" in essays. He stressed the significance of strong recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who truly know the students and can provide an authentic view of their character. Focusing on genuine, meaningful extracurricular activities and personal growth is crucial for making a lasting impression on U.S. college applications.

Editor's Note

Daniel Chung's insights offer a clear and helpful view of the college admissions process, focusing on the importance of being authentic and truly engaged rather than just listing achievements. He stresses that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities, which is a wake-up call for students who try to collect titles without making a real impact. Admissions officers aren’t impressed by empty claims or flashy resumes; they want to see students who have shown real dedication and made a meaningful difference. The examples Chung shared, like the Swedish student who exaggerated the reach of their podcast or the student with many but unimportant leadership roles, show how much more important substance is than appearance. This serves as a reminder that authenticity, passion, and real contributions are what set applicants apart. 

Skoobuzz believes that students should focus on activities that align with their interests and values, highlighting their unique strengths and growth potential.