Get Noticed by Colleges: Passion Projects

If there is one thing that made high school fun for me, it wasn’t just striving for that 4.0 GPA or acing the SAT. What made those four years unforgettable were the passion projects I threw myself into—like organizing community events or competing with other students in a club I eventually led. Passion projects are student-driven activities that reflect genuine interests. They’re crucial for personal growth, boosting college applications, and exploring potential careers. In this blog, I’ll later share creative ideas to help high schoolers develop impactful passion projects that stand out and get noticed by admissions officers.

What makes a passion project stand out?

Key elements of a standout passion project include strong alignment with personal interests, a meaningful impact on the community or a specific field, and a clear demonstration of initiative and creativity. These projects should not only be driven by passion but also result in tangible outcomes that highlight your dedication to a specific interest.

One way to get started is by joining organizations or clubs that align with your passions and creating projects within them. For example, when I joined FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), I developed a mental health app to compete in a business plan and mobile app competition. Winning both competitions helped me stand out in college applications, leading to acceptance at schools like Northeastern and Babson with over $200k in scholarships.

How do you identify your interests?

Start by asking yourself what you truly love doing, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for—these are the four elements of the Japanese concept, Ikigai, or "reason for being." Consider what activities make you lose track of time or what skills come naturally to you. Reflect on how these align with what you care about most deeply.

Turning Interests into Projects

How can you act on those interests you’ve identified? Look for unique ways to demonstrate your passion to admissions officers through your actions. Some examples of projects for different interest areas include:

• STEM Projects: If you're into STEM, consider joining or starting a coding club to create apps, games, and compete with other students in STEM competitions. If you're interested in helping the environment, build a community garden or start an event to help a local environmental problem.
• Arts and Humanities Projects: For arts and literature enthusiasts, organize a local art exhibition or publish a collection of short stories or paintings.
• Social Impact Projects: If making a difference is your goal, launch a campaign with your peers at school to build awareness on a cause you're passionate about or create a nonprofit for it. Go to faculty and staff to ask about making announcements or flyers.
• Entrepreneurial Projects: Budding entrepreneurs can start a small business, create an online store, and join DECA and FBLA to compete in business competitions.

Planning and Executing Your Passion Project

Start by creating a timeline with clear milestones and deadlines to keep your project on track. Think of it like a road trip—your timeline is the map to your final destination.

Gather the resources you need, whether it’s materials, funding, or finding a mentor. Use school resources, online tools, and community connections. Document your journey with a journal, video diary, or blog—it’ll keep you organized and help showcase your hard work.

Showcasing Your Passion Project

Share your passion project story through your resume, college applications, and scholarship essays. Think about the impact it had on you and other people involved, as well as challenges overcome and lessons learned. Connect your project to your future goals—show colleges and scholarship committees how your passion project is a stepping stone to your bigger ambitions.