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In the maze of application advice, Ryan Kelly homes in on a golden nugget that’s surprisingly simple yet profoundly impactful: stay true to yourself.

Watch Ryan's advice here:

Instead of trying to tick all the boxes of what you think others want to hear, focus on what resonates with you. Here’s why being authentic isn’t just good advice—it’s essential:

Three Key Takeaways:

• Passion Over Perception: Focus on what excites you, what you’re genuinely passionate about. If it matters to you, it’s worth talking about.

• Impress Yourself First: Ask, “Would I find this impressive if someone else presented it to me?” If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.

• Dilution is the Enemy: Trying to cater to everyone can dilute your message and leave your application feeling bland. Embrace what sets you apart.

To further exemplify the power of being yourself, here are some unique (and not prerequisite activities) that helped our past students get into top medical and graduate schools:

1. ZENPROV COMEDY TROUPE

• Played out scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions, as seen in the popular TV show, Whose Line is it Anyway?
• Traveled and competed at other universities.
• Performed at summer camp for kids whose parents are suffering from cancer.

2. POP AND LOCK DANCE STUDIO

• Taught hip-hop dancing to middle school students in the public system.
• Responsible for leading my own class and developing the curriculum.
• Mentored students by discussing their struggles and referring them to resources such as tutoring, guidance counselors, and family services.

3. A COXSWAIN AMONGST MEN  

• Captained a racing boat of men as the only female team member.
• The coxswain is the tiny person who sits in the back of the boat, steers, and yells out commands.
• Executed race plans, oversaw workouts, kept my team motivated, and made crucial decisions while competing.

4. CHAIRMAN OF THE SURFBOARD

• Surfed competitively at the college level against universities throughout California.
• Served leadership role in running the surf team, helping to organize fundraisers, tryouts, funding, and competitions.
• Expanded a small, unorganized group of diehard surfers into a team with double the members, more events, and a more diverse group of surfers from all skill levels.

5. THE FEW, THE PROUD

• Completed the Marine Corps’s rigorous 10-week course designed to screen and train potential officer candidates.
• Completed intensive 6-month course on advanced leadership skills and led groups of up to 28 people in simulated combat
• Received training in vertical envelope operations, amphibious navigation, logistics, martial arts, and marksmanship.

6. CAN I TAKE YOUR ORDER?

• Helped open Wolfgang Puck's first fine dining establishment in Southern California.
• Developed patience while working with demanding, high profile clientele, learning their tastes, and matching them to food and wine.
• Worked alongside talented chefs and explored my interest in the culinary arts.

7. HE’S ONE TOUGH MUDDER

• Worked with a team to overcome 20+ obstacles and complete the 12-mile Tough Mudder obstacle course challenge.
• Helped members of other teams who sustained injuries or were in need of help completing obstacles.
• Trained consistently for several months in preparation for the event.

8. GRIZZLY MAN

• Wilderness First Responder Certified, 2010 - Present; served as primary lifeline for injuries and emergencies during hikes and outings.
• Served as guide for outdoor leadership program that facilitated the growth and development of students and staff (increased roster from 10 to 35 members).
• Planned and led week-long group trips to Mexico, Yosemite, Big Sur, and Death Valley.

In a world obsessed with fitting in, standing out may just be a matter of being yourself. So, when you’re neck-deep in applications, remember Ryan’s advice: the real secret to impressing others is to impress yourself first. Dare to be authentic, and let your true self shine. After all, why blend in when you were born to stand out?

I recommend watching highlights of conversations with our experts, where we discuss more admissions strategies on YouTube or TikTok .

- Ryan

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For over 11 years, Ryan Kelly has guided hundreds of students towards acceptance into top colleges and graduate schools, with an emphasis on standing out while also staying true to themselves. Read more about Ryan here. Or book a free intro meeting with him here.

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