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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Authenticity is a big factor as well. AOs can se through bullshit wording and embellishments

It’s better to pursue a few passions deeply rather than join a ton of clubs.

Same with essays and planned major - are you demonstrating actual, sustained interest or are you just chasing the big shiny ones?

I’ll also add cohesive narrative. Does the application highlight the student in a well-rounded way and does the story tie together strongly the characteristics and traits that make the student unique and attractive?

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I agree with this post about authenticity.  Colleges what to know who you are, what are you passionate about, and how you will make their institution a better place.

I interview students to be Jefferson Scholars at UVa.  When I interviewed one high school student, he almost made me cry with his accomplishments.  He overcame his initial autistic disabilities to be valedictorian and class president all the while taking care of one parent who was having her own personal issues.  You have to let your own personal story shine.

BTW, that student later became a Marshall Scholar who student in England after UVa.

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So it looks like you need

A student who has some sort of disability or health issue  + A parent who is messed up = Authenticity[/quote]

Overcoming adversity is attractive to any american even admissions officers.  It's shocking how much the residents of the most powerful country in the history of the world all see themselves as underdogs in some way.  Everyone relates the story of how they grew up poor or how their father grew up poor or their grandfather and sometimes they have to go all the way back to Plymouth Rock and that first cold winter where their ancestors had to live on the Mayflower because there weren't enough houses. That's right, their ancestors were homeless, but look how far their family has come.  They own about half a county in Maine... BOOTSTRAPS!!!  Americans identify with adversity.

Authenticity is common.  Go anywhere the farmland acreage exceeds the parking lots and everyone is authentic.  What you might mean is originality.  Almost nobody is original.  It is so rare that most kids that get into T5 does not meet that description.
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