• Goalseye Blog
  • Posts
  • How a "spike" can make all the difference in college admissions.

How a "spike" can make all the difference in college admissions.

Author

Goalseye Team
December 18, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

When it comes to Ivy League admissions, being well-rounded isn’t enough. What can set an applicant apart in a pool of thousands of high-achieving students is having a “spike”—a distinctive talent or deep expertise in a specific area. Admissions officers from top universities have shared valuable insights on how these unique qualities can elevate an applicant's chances.

Insights from Ivy League Admissions Officers:

Marcia Landesman, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University:

“Most admissions officers will tell you that the personal statement is their absolute favorite part of the application. It’s really a chance for us to get to know who you are, and it’s really your major opportunity to speak up for yourself... [It is] your chance to say, ‘Hello, this is me, and here’s what matters to me and here’s what I’d like to tell you about myself.’”1

Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania:

“Our admissions officers are looking for something that is authentic and imperfect, and somebody who is thinking differently.”1

Becky Munsterer Sabky, a former Dartmouth College admissions officer:

“Too often, applicants spend too much time telling admissions offices what they’ve done, which is easily seen on applications, rather than who they are or their place in their community.”2

Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University:

“In making a case to admit a student, I have to articulate to the committee what stands out. For decisions on the bubble, the factors that most differentiate a student from the norms of the applicant pool—positively, negatively, or simply uniquely—are likely to drive the committee conversation.”3

Why it Matters:

Having a well-defined spike, whether in academics, extracurriculars, or character, signals to admissions officers that your child is not just another applicant but a standout with unique passions and depth. Their spike is what makes them memorable and compelling in a sea of qualified applicants.

Ready to uncover what makes your child unique? Goalseye makes it simple to craft a standout strategy for college success.

Goalseye makes college admissions prep fun.

With Goalseye, families can unlock their child's potential and create an admissions strategy that highlights their authentic strengths —all while keeping it fun and stress-free.

Want to learn more about how Goalseye helps your child stand out to colleges? Reserve your child’s spot today.

P.S. Share this newsletter with other parents who want to give their kids a competitive edge in college applications!