While we agree that college applications are highly competitive and the perfect platform for showcasing your accomplishments in the most impactful way, too much packaging can appear troublesome. In reaction to the perception of the highly competitive college applications process, families tend to believe students are supposed to be "packaged" in a certain way to gain admissions.
An "overpackaged" student might come across as someone whose applications have been manipulated to present the candidate in a light that is perceived to be more appealing to the colleges. However, as opposed to the popular belief of packaging a student well, Admissions Offices might prefer an imperfect candidate who sticks to his authenticity over someone trying to fit the idea of an ideal candidate.
If you're enticed by the idea of packaging your application in a way that fits the image of an ideal candidate, keep in mind that Admissions Offices have read thousands of essays and applications. It's not a task for them to identify manipulation; they can easily recognize when an adult has been over-involved with the application.
"There are a lot of dangers with over-packaging. In a sense, you can lose your soul in this process. And in the case of one who is developing a worldview and a value structure, it can hinder the development of the core of the individual. And that's rather frightening."
- William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admission, Harvard University
The most commonly faced problem with overpackaging is the lack of authenticity. The student's voice is lost in the process when the applications are given a makeover. And most often, the foremost thing the offices look for is the student's genuine voice to emerge from within the application.
Admissions Officers claim they can "sniff out" when an adult has been involved in the application or the essay from the manner they're presented, especially when they've met the student and what they see on the applications does not square up with the interview. They believe the best way is to let the students figure out the admission process themselves while following their hearts and staying true to themselves. Colleges would appreciate a candidate's mistakes and imperfections more than somebody who appears perfect.
In pursuing an ideal candidate's image, counselors and families often end up packaging their sons or daughter so tightly that their uniqueness doesn't shine through. They might even make their kid pursue extracurricular activities that are thought to add to the candidature without their actual interest in the same. This is easily reflected by the time they started the activities, their involvement, and their accomplishments.
"Fabulous candidates can and often do come in compact, uncomplicated packages! Parents need to focus on allowing students to claim ownership of the application process."
- Katie Fretwell, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Amherst College
We highly recommend that students stay true to themselves and let their uniqueness out through the application process. Let the Admissions Offices hear your genuine and authentic voice through the application. Embrace your imperfections and do not strive to be someone you believe might impress the Admissions Offices.
Be uniquely you!
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