How to Stand Out as a STEM Applicant

When it comes to STEM fields, such as engineering and computer science, there are so many important factors to consider before you begin the application process. Engineering and computer science are among the most popular majors and fields in higher education right now, so the competition when applying for these programs is fierce. Here are a few tips to help present yourself in the best possible light:

1. Get involved in extracurricular activities relevant to STEM. Whether it’s Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), or another STEM organization or competition, it’s important to get involved in related activities. Research is another way to gain valuable experience in the STEM field and to differentiate yourself among the thousands of applicants. Research experiences for high school students are not easy to secure, but they do exist. Some high schools have science research programs, which is a great way to have more structure and guidance on how to go about research, so definitely consider this if it’s available. It is possible to do research without a program in your high school, but it requires more initiative and effort on your part.

   If you live near a university, start there. Are there professors doing research in a field that intrigues you? If you want to cast a wider net or don’t live near a university, look at schools that have strong programs in your STEM interests. Look at what faculty are studying and see what interests you. Next, compose emails to those researchers showing you are familiar with their work and inquire if they would be open to speaking with you. This can be a soft ask for information, or a more direct ask to help them with their research.

   Pro tip: Engineers typically work in teams, so it is very important that colleges see evidence of your ability to work in a team or group setting. This can be demonstrated through an extracurricular or academic classroom experience, but it is important to show this skill.

2. Highlight unique experiences. For example, perhaps you’ve helped in a research lab over the summer, you’ve constructed a robot, or you’ve contributed to a publication. Usually, the “Additional Information” section of the application is the best section to write about this, with a summary or abstract of your research or unique experience. If you want to include a link for colleges so they can see specific projects, be sure to share this link either through your portal or through a direct email to admissions because most colleges’ application CRMs (most popular being Slate) do not allow counselors to click on links or copy and paste them. Some schools have their own form, such as Yale’s STEM Research Supplement Form.
3. Make sure you are taking the necessary background coursework. This means strong rigor in math and science. Calculus and physics are a must, ideally at the highest level possible; this typically means AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and AP Physics C: Mechanics. Depending on your area of interest (pre-med, life sciences, or chemical engineering, for example), biology and/or chemistry can also be very important. In addition to taking these courses, it’s important to do well in them. This might sound obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning!
4. Letters of Recommendation. Ideally, you want one letter of recommendation to be from the aforementioned subjects to show your strength, interest, and competency in these fields. Consider a supplemental recommendation as well. If someone from one of your relevant activities or a research mentor can write a strong letter, this can also help demonstrate your strength in these areas.
5. Testing matters, especially when it comes to STEM. Colleges need to see that you have mastered certain mathematical skills, and testing can be the best way to show this. So whereas testing is still optional in many places, some engineering schools have returned to requiring the SAT or ACT for this reason. MIT is a great example. As their official policy states: “Our research has shown that, in most cases, we cannot reliably predict students will do well at MIT unless we consider standardized test results alongside grades, coursework, and other factors. These findings are statistically robust and stable over time, and hold when you control for socioeconomic factors and look across demographic groups. The math component of the testing turns out to be most important.” If you are in a school that offers APs, the strength of your math and science AP scores can also be quite valuable.
6. College list building: Be aware, engineering and computer science are among the most popular majors at colleges right now; therefore, most schools have lower admit rates for these programs. This might mean a school is more competitive than you realize based on the overall admit rate and average test scores. So do look deeper. Here are a few examples: