The Essential Spike

A spike is one of the most important parts of an application. However, most people don't know what it is or that you even need one. This will give the limited number of people that are informed an advantage in the admissions process. In order to understand the spike students first need to understand the components of a successful application.

The Components of a Successful Application

When colleges evaluate applicants, they look for the same fundamental indicators. Most people already know this includes GPA (grade point average) which is the combination of all the high school classes a student takes, including semester and year long. Each high school may have different GPA policies, so it is a good idea to set up a meeting with a guidance counselor if there any questions regarding a school's specific grading system. Colleges also consider standardized tests, either the SAT or ACT, although some colleges are test optional. The scores on these tests will be an influential part of the admissions decision, but they are not everything. GPA and standardized tests are both very important, but just because an applicant may have a slightly lower SAT or ACT score or GPA than a college’s average does not mean that their application is automatically rejected. It just means that the chances of admission are lower. If an applicant has a higher GPA or test score this will obviously improve chances of admission. A higher GPA can also help compensate for a lower test score, although a lower GPA cannot always be compensated for by a high test score as this potentially indicates a lack of work ethic. As important as all of this is, there are major aspects missing from the equation: extracurriculars, volunteer work, and leadership, which all form what is commonly referred to as a “spike.”

What is a Spike?

A spike is an extracurricular activity that sets applicants apart from the rest of the application pool. Many students think that they should join a bunch of clubs and do some volunteer work to get admitted to college. This is referred to as being well rounded. This may work for some colleges, but admission is never guaranteed, and a spike is a great way to boost the chances of admission. At some colleges, such as the Ivy League and top public state schools, a spike is an absolute necessity. To build a spike, students must demonstrate that they are extremely passionate about one thing in particular and gain achievement in the area. This could be starting a club that has a large impact on the student body or local community or if students are excellent at a certain subject a spike could be writing an impressive academic paper co-published with a professor of a high school or local college professor. Academically oriented students can compete in academic competitions, such as in the National Olympiad in math or science. These competitions are very prestigious and if a student performs well, they can be greatly beneficial in the application process, although they are very difficult. Students could also start a volunteer organization or non-profit that has a quantifiable and significant impact, or they could join a local or national political campaign to pursue political activism, build an app, or company. The possibilities are endless, but applicants cannot just say they did one thing and that was it. Every part of their application must demonstrate a spike and theme. Impactful clubs and leadership positions, a related local internship, and state or national honors could form a spike. Developing a spike is one of the most important parts of the college application process. A spike is what will really get students into their dream colleges, especially if they are pursuing elite universities. Even if applying to less selective colleges, applicants should build spikes to have a higher chance of admission and of receiving merit-based scholarships. How impressive a spike needs to be will depend on the selectiveness of a university.

Student Athletes

For students who want to be recruited to play a NCAA sport in college, the admissions process is slightly different. Components such as GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars matter, but students must really demonstrate athletic ability. If a student is good enough to play in an NCAA division, especially division I or II, then this can become a “spike” and satisfy the component. However, students must be ranked highly in their state or nationally to have it be impressive.

The college admissions process starts earlier for student athletes as they must be recruited. Students that want to play for a NCAA division I or II school must meet NCAA eligibility requirements, which includes specific academics in high school. Students applying to division I, II, or III colleges must register and make a profile on the NCAA website. Athletes must also contact college coaches; email information can be found on colleges’ athletic websites. This entire process should begin in 9th grade to have the best chance of being recruited, although it is not impossible to succeed starting later.

Building an Applicant Profile

This part of the college application is extremely important. Of course, applicants must have good grades and test scores relative to the school they are applying to but having incredible extracurriculars will be what gets them acceptance. Without unique and impressive extracurriculars it will be difficult to have a good chance of getting accepted to a dream school if it is very selective. To successfully build a profile, applicants must consider how difficult the school they are applying to is. If it is ranked in the top 50 in the U.S., students should be more than well rounded, meaning they should have a “spike.” As previously discussed, a “spike” is the extracurricular aspect of an application that will make students stand out. In an applicant pool there are three types of applicants: unqualified (GPA and test scores are too low), qualified and well-rounded, and qualified and spiked. The spiked applicants will get in 90% of the time, even at ultra-selective colleges, because admissions officers are trying to build a well-rounded, diverse class, which is made up of spiked applicants with different interests. Colleges do not want to have five thousand senior class presidents; they want accomplished musicians, activists, engineers, distinguished volunteers, etc. Prospective applicants must develop something unique so when they are ready to apply to college, they have accomplished something unique and interesting, which will drastically increase their chances of being accepted.

How to Build a Spike

Identify a passion. Maybe it is art, politics, or environmental conservation. Find something of genuine interest. Along with a passion, identifying a distinguished talent, such as playing an instrument or an academic subject, can form the foundation of a spike.

Create a plan around the chosen passion. It should be written down and detailed enough to be a guide throughout the process. For example, if interested in environmental protection then volunteering in local conservation efforts, starting a club at school, and writing a bill sent to a local political representative could form a spike. Be very creative and demonstrate originality to stand out and have admissions officers remember the application.

Carry out the plan. Nothing is unobtainable with hard work, so do not be deterred if the goals are challenging. If something seems a little far-fetched that is fine because in order to impress top colleges successful applicants must do something that is rare or unexpected for a high schooler.

Keep track of completed projects. If there is something very powerful, personal, or profound that is inspiring or elicits thought while completing spike related activities, write it down because later it can be used for an essay.

Creating impressive extracurriculars is not impossible and with careful planning and strategy a spike is completely obtainable. There are thousands of applicants competing against each other for a spot in the college they want to attend. Admissions officers will be reading many applications, so students must make a good impression and be memorable, which is done through extracurriculars. Colleges are trying to assemble a class of the leaders of the next generation, so it is important that applicants demonstrate devotion and potential impact in the category of their spike. Colleges want to admit future groundbreaking scientists, software engineers that will build innovative companies, non-profit founders that will carry out life-saving humanitarian missions, and even the next members of Congress and the Presidency. Students must demonstrate their potential through impressive, unique accomplishments. Individuals trying to form a spike can look for summer programs that align with their interests — many are free. Accomplishing impressive feats does not require much money, just determination and hard work. Although most time should be spent building a spike, applicants can join a club or two at school and volunteer in the community to demonstrate that their spike is not all they care about. Students do not have to spend a lot of time on other activities, just a little to diversify their interests.