Each Part of the Application Should Do a Different Job — Here’s How

Warren Buck
Jun 9
2 min read

Part 2 of 3: Building a Story-Driven Application Strategy

Missed Part 1? Read it here: Why Strong Students Still Submit Weak Applications

Most students treat the college application like a group project where everyone forgot to assign roles.

The essay says, “I’m a leader.”The activities list says, “I’m a leader.”The recommendations say, “Guess what? A leader.”

It’s well-intentioned repetition. But repetition is not strategy.

If you want an application that stands out, each part needs to do something different.Not just reinforce a trait—but reveal a new dimension of the student behind it.

The Power of Role Clarity

When admissions officers read 50+ applications a day, what makes yours memorable isn’t just the strength of what’s said—it’s the structure behind it.

A cohesive application feels like a well-directed film. Every scene moves the story forward, but no two scenes do the same thing.

Let’s break it down:

The Essay

Job: Show depth and introspection. This is where students reflect on how they became who they are. A strong essay reveals thoughtfulness, emotional maturity, and a clear voice.

The Activities List

Job: Prove action and consistencyHere’s where students show how they’ve spent their time. Great lists don’t just name-drop clubs—they clarify commitment, initiative, and impact.

The Recommendation Letters

Job: Confirm character and contextRecs give credibility to what the student can’t say themselves. They can highlight reliability, growth, generosity, or insight—often the soft skills that seal the deal.

The Supplemental Essays

Job: Show fit and intentionalityThis is where students say, “Here’s why I belong at your school—and here’s how I’ll contribute.” When done well, supplements show the student actually knows what they’re applying to.

If every part says the same thing, it’s not emphasis. It’s noise.

Strategy Over Static

One of the biggest mistakes families make is trying to be “well-rounded” in every part of the application.

Instead, think well-aligned.

If the student is an introspective builder who tutors peers and solves problems creatively, then:

The essay might show their mindset during a personal challenge
The activities list highlights hands-on projects and service roles
The recs speak to persistence and curiosity
The supplements tie their values to a specific school’s mission

Each part is doing a different job—but building toward one coherent, unforgettable story.

Want to See It in Action?

On June 24, I’m hosting a free webinar for families of the Class of 2026.We’ll break down a real student’s application and show how every component was designed to do its own job—no wasted space, no repetition, no guesswork.

You’ll leave with a framework to help your student build a strategy that makes sense—and gets noticed.

Reserve your seat now: HERE! Spots are limited, and this workshop won’t be repeated this summer.