Top Ten Ways to Make Your Teen Stand Out on College Applications in 2025

Are you worried your student might get lost in the college admissions crowd? As competition becomes fiercer year after year, many parents are looking for new strategies to help their children shine when applying to schools like Stanford, Yale, and Columbia. In 2025, more than just grades and standardized test scores matter—the “whole applicant” is more important than ever. So, what can parents encourage their teens to do right now that will make a real difference?

Let’s explore the top ten ways students can set themselves apart, build leadership and communication skills, and become irresistible candidates for top-tier college admissions. Debating, taking on rigorous courses, civic engagement, and more are all on our list—find out where debate fits in, and how unique programs like Civic Debate Academy (CDA) can be the difference-maker for your student.

1. Take Initiative With a Passion Project

A self-started initiative shows colleges authentic passion and independence. Maybe your child launches a local nonprofit, organizes a virtual conference, or creates an app that solves a real-world problem. Document the journey—leadership and creativity shine here far louder than a long list of “normal” club involvements.

2. Participate in Speech & Debate

Speech and debate stand alone in cultivating persuasion, critical thinking, and confidence—qualities colleges actively seek. Beyond awards, debate requires research, logical writing, and public speaking under pressure, all skills valued on campus and beyond graduation. Participation in rigorous programs like Civic Debate Academy demonstrates a commitment to growth and advanced intellectual engagement.

3. Pursue Advanced Coursework

Honors, AP, IB, and dual-enrollment classes display readiness for college-level academics. Schools want to see students stretching themselves, not just taking the easiest route to a high GPA. If your student’s high school doesn’t offer these, online courses or summer programs also work.

4. Seek Out Meaningful Leadership Roles

Leadership—whether as club president, team captain, or committee chair—shows dedication and responsibility. Colleges look for students who don’t just participate but actually drive change and make an impact. Encourage your child to seek positions where they can advocate for others, resolve conflicts, and bring people together.

5. Get Involved in Community Service

Giving back demonstrates empathy and perspective. Both long-term volunteering and significant, one-time service projects are impressive—especially when students can articulate what they’ve learned from their experiences and how it connects to their academic interests or goals.

6. Win Regional or National Awards

Excelling in competitive arenas—science fairs, essay contests, math olympiads, or debate tournaments—shows talent and dedication. These were among the strongest signals admissions officers reported noticing in recent top applicant pools.

7. Master the Art of Storytelling Through Essays

Personal statements and supplemental essays distinguish successful applicants. Start brainstorming early so your teen can write with authenticity and highlight unique personal growth, usually with real-world stories illustrating challenges, perseverance, and transformation.

8. Network Through Summer Enrichment Programs

Colleges love to see students seeking learning outside their home environment! Top summer camps or pre-college programs (in science, leadership, or debate) are great, but even online, high-level enrichment programs impress. CDA’s summer institutes, for example, connect young debaters with expert mentors and global peers—great for resumes and true development.

9. Build a Balanced Activities Portfolio

Colleges want well-rounded students, but being “pointy”—having one or two standout interests—is equally valuable. A mix of arts, sports, STEM, debate, volunteering, and part-time work demonstrates time management and maturity. Showmanship, curiosity, and steady commitment matter more than stacking up “busy work” or unrelated short-term clubs.

10. Prepare Thoroughly for SAT and ACT (But Don’t Overfocus)

Test scores still count, even as more colleges adopt test-optional policies, especially for scholarships and competitive majors. Invest in strong prep, but remember: a perfect score won’t compensate for lackluster activities or leadership. Tie test-taking skills to broader habits—debate, for instance, dramatically improves reading comprehension, logical analysis, and persuasive writing, all key to scoring well on the SAT and ACT.

How Debate Ties It All Together

Debate isn’t just an activity—it’s a framework for building nearly every college-readiness skill: research, leadership, confidence, public speaking, listening, and collaboration. Programs like Civic Debate Academy offer rigorous instruction, world-class coaching, and an online platform that fits busy students’ lives—making debate accessible for everyone, regardless of geography or experience level. Parents report transformative growth in critical thinking, academic writing, and even stronger relationships as their children learn to listen, reason, and advocate compassionately.

Take the Next Step

If you want your child to truly stand out in the admissions process in 2025 and beyond, focus on developing habits and experiences that create lasting impact. Start with one or two areas from this list—especially debate—and support your teen in taking initiative, building leadership, and learning to communicate boldly. Ready to transform your child’s future? Learn more about how Civic Debate Academy helps students grow as thinkers and leaders at cdadebate.com.