607: Admission Nutrients (Part 1 of 6: Intro): Important Ingredients for a Well-Balanced College Admission Process—And Life

Welcome back to the College Essay Guy Podcast! Today, Ethan kicks off a brand-new series: Admission Nutrients — qualities that not only enhance a well-balanced college application but can also contribute to a more meaningful life.

In Part 1, Ethan introduces these “nutrients,” breaking down what they are, where they show up in the application, and why they matter. In upcoming episodes, Tom and Ethan will be joined by admission officers from different colleges to take a deeper dive into each one. 

In this episode, Ethan shares:

• What are Admission Nutrients, and what do they reveal about what colleges value?
• Where do these nutrients show up in the college application?
• How can students realistically develop these qualities in a way that feels authentic rather than forced?
• And more

 

A quick but important note: At College Essay Guy, we don’t believe that every hour of high school should be spent optimizing for “what colleges want.” Get this: These nutrients are not only qualities employers seek but can also help students create more meaning and purpose in their lives — and yes, sure, help improve college acceptance chances along the way. 

We hope you enjoy!

 

Play-by-Play:

• 2:18 – Intellectual Curiosity 
• 7:12 – Service to Others
• 9:38 – Leadership or Initiative
• 14:09 – Collaboration
• 16:30 – Consistent Engagement
• 19:58 – How can students explore and develop these qualities? 

 

Resources:

• CEG Podcast Episode 503: What Colleges Want (Part 3): "Positive Character Attributes": What Are They, and How Do You Show Them in Your College Application?
• CEG Podcast Episode 413: Intellectual Curiosity + College Admissions: What It Is, Why It Matters to Colleges, and How to Show It 
• How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section: Guide + Examples
• CEG Podcast Episode 213: Self-Directed Learning (Why You Can Quit HS & Be Okay)
• How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation | College Essay Guy
• Roles and Identities Exercise
• College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources
• College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub