Former Stanford admissions officer warns against exaggerating extracurricular activities in US college applications

He emphasized that admissions officers value real impact and personal growth more than flashy titles.

Speaking a talk in Hanoi on Feb. 24, Chung broke down the three main parts of a U.S. college application: grades, activities and leadership, and personal traits.

Good grades are a must, he noted, but it is often the activities and character that make a student stand out.

When it comes to extracurriculars, Chung emphasized that quality beats quantity every time.

One Swedish student bragged that their mental health podcast reached 30 countries, but a quick check showed it only had 50 listeners. Another student listed several leadership roles in school clubs, but did not explain why they mattered, so those titles did not impress, Chung said.

"Many students try to take on flashy activities without making a real impact on the community," he said. "Admissions officers look for candidates who are actively engaged and contribute in meaningful ways. Applications should be able to show both the quality and influence of these activities."

Beyond extracurricular activities, showing a real love for learning can help an applicant shine, Chung said.

Things like doing science research, creating a podcast, picking up new languages, taking online classes, or writing a blog all show that a student is eager to explore and improve.

"Successful students have many interests. They stay motivated and committed to these interests because they genuinely enjoy learning, not just to impress admissions officers," Chung said.

Daniel Chung discusses the U.S. college application process in Hanoi on Feb. 24, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Binh Minh

Academically, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT scores, International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) results, and high school transcripts. Admissions officers usually start by looking at a student’s grades and test scores. Good marks show that a student can handle new information and learn well. But at top universities, lots of applicants already have amazing grades or near-perfect scores. So, just being great at school isn’t enough to get in, Chung said.

The students' personal values also matter a lot. This comes across in things like the Common Application, essays, interviews, and letters from teachers or mentors. Chung said students should highlight skills and talents that show they are disciplined and hardworking.

For essays, Chung warned against repeating stuff already in the application or using tired phrases like "follow your passion" or "think outside the box." He also said strong recommendation letters are key.

These should come from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who really know the student and can paint a clear picture of what they’re like—at school and beyond.