What is an "Application Theme" and How Does One Improve It?
When applying to college, a common term that is thrown around is one's "application theme". But what does this word really mean? Why is it important? How can one create and stick to a solid application theme? I will simplify this term and provide some insight into my experience with application themes.
Firstly, an application theme is a general common theme in one's application that provides a clearer insight into a student. A good application theme ties together extracurricular interests, class load, essays, and recommendations all together to form a subtle but present common idea. This allows colleges to understand what the student gravitates towards, regardless of whether they know their preferred major or not.
Application themes are a good way to stand out from other students in the application process. They make a student seem more solidified in their path compared to other high school students whose interests may be spread thin over tons of disciplines. Additionally, it is a good way to organize an application and feel in control over how colleges will interpret it. In order to think of a good application theme, one should reflect over the activities they have involved themselves in during high school. Any activities that have a somewhat similar underlying theme should definitely be included and then potentially discussed in essays. Supplemental essays are a great place to really hone in on an application theme. Before writing essays, one should create a list of ideas that they want to come across. These essays should align with the application theme and also really give a good look into the character of the student. By creating a preliminary list of essay ideas, it is easier to stay on track when writing them.
I will provide an example of an application theme. I chose to emphasize my love for learning/exploring in academic and extracurricular settings, my love for other cultures and languages, my interest in history/politics, and my leadership skills. Overall, my application has a humanities and worldly theme, however I do show that I am a generalist through my course load. While my theme is simply a subtle hint in my application as a whole, I like to think that it gave admission officers a better look into who I am.
Firstly, an application theme is a general common theme in one's application that provides a clearer insight into a student. A good application theme ties together extracurricular interests, class load, essays, and recommendations all together to form a subtle but present common idea. This allows colleges to understand what the student gravitates towards, regardless of whether they know their preferred major or not.
Application themes are a good way to stand out from other students in the application process. They make a student seem more solidified in their path compared to other high school students whose interests may be spread thin over tons of disciplines. Additionally, it is a good way to organize an application and feel in control over how colleges will interpret it. In order to think of a good application theme, one should reflect over the activities they have involved themselves in during high school. Any activities that have a somewhat similar underlying theme should definitely be included and then potentially discussed in essays. Supplemental essays are a great place to really hone in on an application theme. Before writing essays, one should create a list of ideas that they want to come across. These essays should align with the application theme and also really give a good look into the character of the student. By creating a preliminary list of essay ideas, it is easier to stay on track when writing them.
I will provide an example of an application theme. I chose to emphasize my love for learning/exploring in academic and extracurricular settings, my love for other cultures and languages, my interest in history/politics, and my leadership skills. Overall, my application has a humanities and worldly theme, however I do show that I am a generalist through my course load. While my theme is simply a subtle hint in my application as a whole, I like to think that it gave admission officers a better look into who I am.
How does developing a theme for the applications fit with a GT student? What could students do to help develop a theme of their own?
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