How to Boost Your US College Applications: 5 Personal  Projects to Help You Stand Out!

What is a personal project?

A personal project is a voluntary endeavour that students pursue in their spare time, blending their interests in a profoundly personal manner. It often manifests as a creative or productive pursuit distinct from their regular school activities. These projects are driven by personal enthusiasm rather than academic objectives, making them self-directed and motivated by internal passion rather than external demands. 

Activities like joining the school band or sports team or completing a research paper assigned by a school laboratory do not fall under personal projects. However, a community garden project in their neighbourhood, combining a student’s love for environmental sustainability with hands-on gardening skills, is considered a personal project. It is undertaken outside school hours, driven purely by the student’s interest and desire to positively impact their community.

Why choose personal projects?

Several international students aspire to study at US universities. However, seats are limited and often fail to meet this burgeoning demand. According to U.S. News and World Report, nine of the nation’s top ten colleges boast acceptance rates of five percent or less. Complicating matters, many applicants possess comparable GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. So, how does one secure admission at a prestigious US university? The good news is that beyond academic prowess, admissions officers also weigh qualitative factors such as impactful personal projects. However, choosing one depends on individual aspirations and desired outcomes. Some prioritise enhancing their college portfolio, while others focus on personal fulfilment, skill development, or positively impacting their community. Here are compelling reasons why individuals opt for personal projects:

1) Enhancing college profile:

Pursuing personal projects in high school significantly enhances college profiles by showcasing diverse skills, creativity, and initiative. These projects highlight the students’ abilities and differentiate their applications by demonstrating proactive engagement outside academic requirements. This approach provides admissions officers with a comprehensive view of the applicant’s interests and capabilities beyond test scores and classroom performance, increasing the student’s likelihood of standing out among other applicants.

2) Fostering passion and skills

Engaging in personal projects allows students to cultivate their skills and immerse themselves in activities they are genuinely passionate about. This involvement fosters personal growth and a sense of fulfilment and contributes to a more enriching and satisfying experience. Students can build confidence by pursuing projects aligned with their interests, knowing they dedicate time to endeavours that hold significant meaning and value. This holistic approach to learning and self-development supports students in achieving a deeper understanding of themselves and their capabilities outside of traditional academic settings.

3) Making a meaningful impact

Personal projects are potent vehicles for generating significant change in society. They provide platforms where individuals can drive impactful social initiatives, embark on environmental projects, or engage in community service. Initiatives like recycling garbage or starting a study group for underprivileged children exemplify a deep-seated dedication to tackling local challenges and fostering a culture of social responsibility. By actively participating in such endeavours, students contribute to positive transformations and demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a lasting difference–something that US universities appreciate. 

Personal projects that will help you stand out

A personal project can manifest in diverse forms: writing a novel, creating art, launching a blog, developing a software application, or pursuing hobbies like photography or music. What distinguishes these endeavours is that they stem from genuine enjoyment and intrinsic motivation. Here are five impactful projects that can set you apart as an applicant.

1) Tech projects

Technology-driven initiatives provide avenues to tackle social issues while showcasing skills such as educational program design, workshop facilitation, and technological proficiency. We’ve listed a few compelling examples:

• Digital literacy: Organising workshops at schools or community centres to teach essential digital skills or navigate the internet safely empowers others.  
• Online learning: By developing an online platform with interactive modules to teach adults how to use specific software features, students demonstrate proficiency in skills like web design, software development and technology.
• Community safety app: Designing and deploying a mobile app that allows community members to report safety concerns, emergencies, or suspicious activities in real time enhances public safety, encourages community engagement, and strengthens collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

2) Social impact projects: 

These projects are increasingly valued for their dual benefit of benefiting communities and enhancing college application profiles. They demonstrate a commitment to addressing challenges, leadership, empathy, and initiative, and they are highly regarded by colleges seeking well-rounded applicants. Here are some examples: 

• School renovation project: Partnering with local schools to renovate classrooms, libraries, or playgrounds can significantly enhance learning environments for students, fostering a positive impact on education outcomes.
• Healthcare outreach program: Organising medical camps or health awareness campaigns for underprivileged communities can improve access to healthcare services and promote preventive health practices.
• Environmental cleanup initiative: Leading efforts to clean up local parks, rivers, or beaches beautifies public spaces and promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

3) Business projects:

For entrepreneurial-minded students, launching a small e-commerce venture, offering tutoring services, or providing eco-consulting for brands can be engaging ways to apply skills and integrate passions. Here are some things to pursue: 

• Social media marketing: Whether managing the social accounts of a family bakery or handling campaigns for local businesses, students can effectively display their ability to cultivate a loyal consumer base.
• Language tutoring: Tutoring allows students to assist peers or younger community members while honing valuable skills in time management, interpersonal communication, and financial responsibility. Students can demonstrate organisational skills by developing tailored learning materials.
• Event planning: Organising and coordinating events, such as community fundraisers or cultural festivals, provides hands-on experience in logistics, budgeting, and team leadership while making a positive impact on the community.

4) Creative projects:

For students aspiring to secure a place in prestigious arts programmes or film schools, engaging in creative projects offers an ideal opportunity to showcase talents while nurturing artistic sensibilities. Here are some examples:

• Visual art initiatives: Creating murals in public spaces or participating in local art exhibitions effectively promotes artistic skills, strengthens students’ portfolios and contributes vibrancy to the community.
• Publishing a book: Aspiring writers can easily share their poetry or books on social media platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, Substack, or Medium without needing a traditional publishing deal.
• Short film production: Short films can be submitted to film festivals or shared on digital platforms, providing exposure and recognition for emerging filmmakers.

5) Scientific projects:

While not everyone needs to be the next Oppenheimer or Einstein, aspiring STEM students can showcase their dedication to science in many ways. Here are some impactful ideas:

• Innovate to address a local problem: Students can develop ways to reduce ocean microplastic pollution or design smokeless stoves for rural areas to mitigate carbon monoxide emissions. Another idea is to create a tool that measures pollution levels in city garbage dumps, emphasising sustainability and addressing climate change.
• Create a STEM platform: Whether fascinated by quantum physics or human biology, starting a YouTube channel or podcast dedicated to one’s scientific passion establishes a student as an authority in their chosen field. They can grow the platform by inviting experts for engaging discussions, enhancing their visibility and impact in the scientific community.
• Citizen Science Project: Students can participate in initiatives that involve collecting data on local biodiversity, monitoring air or water quality, or tracking climate change impacts. Collaborating with scientific organisations or regional communities to contribute valuable research demonstrates a commitment to scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.

How to choose a personal project

With an endless array of potential projects available to students, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and unsure when selecting a personal project. Here are some tips on choosing a project that resonates with you:

1) Identify your passion

When choosing a personal project, focus on your natural interests, hobbies, or concerns that captivate you beyond the classroom. Are you drawn to creative self-expression through fashion, photography, or writing? Alternatively, do you feel compelled to address social or environmental causes? Identifying what motivates you can guide you towards a project that aligns with your interests and values. Remember, it’s not just about existing skills but also about developing new ones over time.

2) Understand your motivation

Reflect on why you want to pursue a specific personal project. Are you aiming to achieve specific goals, such as mastering graphic design or improving your writing abilities? Perhaps you’re passionate about educating others on a social issue or sharing knowledge about history or scientific discoveries. Listing your motivations clarifies your purpose and helps maintain focus and commitment throughout your project journey.

3) Assess resources and sustainability

Consider the long-term objectives you wish to accomplish with your project. Evaluate the resources available in your local community and choose a feasible and sustainable project for you to pursue. For instance, if you live near the coast, opting for an ocean-related project may be more practical and impactful than one reliant on mountainous ecosystems.

Personal projects represent a powerful tool for high school students aiming to distinguish themselves in the competitive landscape of university admissions. A carefully developed personal project can effectively showcase unique strengths and interests in an environment where more than academic achievements may be required. At The Red Pen, we specialise in assisting students with crafting and presenting their personal projects to maximise impact on their college applications. Explore our blogs: How To Choose Your Extracurriculars and Extracurricular Activities: Everything You Need to Know for US College Applications. For further guidance, get in touch. Our undergraduate preparation and admissions team look forward to helping you.