How NYC Students Can Build a Standout College Application (Without Burning Out)
College admissions in New York City is a high-stakes game. With thousands of high-achieving students competing for limited spots at top schools, standing out requires more than perfect grades and a laundry list of extracurriculars.
In a recent Dewey Smart webinar, Dan—a Brooklyn Tech alum and University of Michigan senior—shared how he navigated the NYC admissions gauntlet by focusing on authenticity, strategic depth, and smart risk-taking. Here’s how you can apply his lessons to your own journey.
1. Ditch the “Checklist” Mentality
NYC students often fall into the trap of chasing "ideal" résumé items (e.g., Ivy League internships, obscure competitions). But as Dan noted, admissions officers can spot forced involvement. His advice?
- Go deep, not wide: Dan stood out by dominating one niche (competitive math) while avoiding superficial dabbling.
- Turn passions into projects: He founded a math summer camp—a unique initiative that showcased leadership and genuine interest.
Takeaway: Ask yourself: Would I still do this if it weren’t for college apps? If the answer is no, reconsider.
2. Leverage NYC’s Hidden Opportunities
Dan highlighted how NYC’s resources—often overlooked—can give you an edge:
- Specialized high school perks: At Brooklyn Tech, he took a flight school elective (yes, he flew a plane). Quirky experiences like this humanize your application.
- Local competitions: Avoid overdone activities (e.g., Model UN) and explore niche contests (e.g., National History Day, urban policy hackathons).
Pro tip: NYC’s museums, startups, and cultural institutions offer unconventional internships and research gigs. Think outside the Ivy League bubble.
3. Write Essays Only You Can Tell
Dan’s Common App essay wasn’t about winning awards—it was about doing laundry during COVID. His supplemental essays, however, drilled into specifics:
- School-specific details: For University of Michigan, he name-dropped research programs and courses, proving he’d done his homework.
- Voice > vocabulary: Avoid thesaurus overload. Admissions officers want your story, not a robotic list of achievements.
Try this: Brainstorm 5 mundane moments that reveal your character (e.g., subway chats with conductors, family rituals). One could be essay gold.
Check out other blogs we've written on perfecting college essays.
- Make Your College Essay Stand Out: 3 Ways to Be Likable
- Writing College Essays: Brainstorm the Personal Statement
- College Essay Word Limits: How to Master Them
- Writing College Essays: Outline the Personal Statement
4. Build a Balanced College List (Like a Pro)
Dan applied to 30+ schools but avoided shotgun approaches. His strategy:
- International safeties: Early acceptances (e.g., University of St. Andrews) reduced stress.
- “Happy safeties”: Only apply to safeties you’d genuinely attend (e.g., SUNY Stony Brook over lesser-known SUNYs).
- Reaches with purpose: He skipped Carnegie Mellon (despite its math rep) because it didn’t fit his vibe.
Key insight: Prestige isn’t everything. Dan chose Michigan for its research culture—not its ranking.
5. Survive the NYC Pressure Cooker
At Brooklyn Tech, college talk started freshman year. Dan’s survival tips:
- Compete with yourself, not peers: “Max out your potential, not someone else’s.”
- Have fun (seriously): His friendships with subway conductors made for a memorable essay topic. Burnout is obvious in applications.
Final note: As Dan said, “It’ll work out.” Whether you land at an Ivy or a state school, your effort—not the name on your diploma—defines your future.
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Next Steps for NYC Students
Ready to navigate NYC's competitive admissions landscape with confidence?
- Read our companion guides:
- NYC College Admissions: How to Stand Out When Everyone’s a Star
- NYC Specialized High Schools
- Schedule a free consultation with one of our team members.
- Join our upcoming webinar featuring more insights.
At Dewey Smart, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the NYC educational landscape. Contact us today to develop your personalized roadmap to college success.