My Davidson | A Student Blog Your Voice, Your Story: Davidson Senior Admission Fellows on How to Apply, Stand Out and Find Your Fit

Ask questions!!! Whether it’s about classes, food, culture, clubs, anything that sparks your curiosity in the slightest. At Davidson, you’ll find it’s very difficult to find someone who doesn’t want to talk about their experience. Students, professors and alumni will happily tell you what challenged them, what surprised them, and what made this place feel like home. Show that you’re someone who’s eager to learn from others, listen deeply, and join a community built on connection. Curiosity isn’t something that’s just encouraged at Davidson; it’s a part of the culture.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Get started early and plan out your applications. Senior year is full of so many fun things, and you don’t want to miss out or stress about applications. Spend your summer before senior year narrowing down the list of schools you'd like to apply to, and find a way to organize the dates that they are due. That way there won’t be any jumpscare deadlines, and you will be able to submit thoughtful rather than rushed applications. You have lots to offer, so make sure that your applications reflect that!

Chicago, Illinois

In all of your written materials, make sure you’re using your own voice to tell your own story. Don’t worry too much about trying to sound impressive, or like what you think an admission officer wants to hear. Instead, focus on communicating what makes you unique — your experiences, interests, personality, values, and the things you genuinely care about. The strongest applications feel authentic and give the reader a clear sense of who the student is beyond their grades and activities. The key to success in any admissions process isn’t trying to squeeze yourself into a particular box. It’s taking the time to understand what you’re looking for and finding the schools, programs, and communities where you’ll do well.

Cary, North Carolina

Keep in mind that this is a community where people want the best for you. Applying to college is stressful, and it is hard not to feel overwhelmed or like a cog in the machine. But the Davidson community is one that will be generous to you. The Admission team wants to see you in your best light and in your unique context, so remember to give them information that helps them do that. Use space like the Additional Information section or your essay responses to explain the why behind your path, whether that means sharing how family responsibilities shaped your schedule or detailing an academic obstacle you overcame. This is hard work you have done — trust your voice, be honest about your journey, and show them who you truly are. 

Bengaluru, India

Be true to yourself! Find the story that really shows who you are, what you want from Davidson, and how you can contribute to the community. When it came to writing college essays, I constantly heard that you should connect your story to something tangible. I didn’t believe it until I wrote my own essay, which began with the words, “I am a chair.” It sounds ridiculous, but I took that advice to heart and wrote about four stories (or four people) who have grounded me throughout my life and helped me balance myself, just like a chair balances on four legs. Never think your idea is ridiculous. Write it down, work with it and put your unique story to the test. That is one of the best things you can do when it comes to writing your essay!

Glen Head, New York

Talk to as many current students as you can! A History major, a violin player, a club tennis member — learn about aspects of college that interest you, but also involvements that may not initially be on your radar. In doing so, you’ll be able to paint the picture of what your own college experience may look like. Referencing specific classes, clubs, professors, and other experiences will make writing your “Why Davidson” so much easier, and will give you a sense of whether a school is the right fit for you. 

Hamilton, Bermuda

When thinking about applying to Davidson, I didn’t know what to talk about. Sure, I volunteered in my community and engaged in student organizations in high school, but I didn’t know how to discuss my experiences. I spent a great deal of time trying to craft the perfect profile, and at a certain point, I began to see a disconnect between the person writing the application and the applicant I was writing about. However, my high school college advisor gave me valuable advice: no one expects an 18-year-old to have everything figured out. Nor do they expect an 18-year-old to have a complete mapping of their life. It’s great to have an idea, but Davidson wants to see you holistically, not just your aspirations supported by test scores and transcripts. Yes, those are factors, but they aren’t you. So the best advice I can give you is to be yourself, and to not shy away from what makes you an individual. Talk about your interests. Talk about your hobbies. Share your art. Talk about that niche topic you think no one cares about. It might not seem that interesting to you, but we aren’t looking for perfection; we are looking for people who would thrive in this community, and why not share?

Huntingtown, Maryland

Find your why before you apply. I know it sounds cliché but if you yourself don’t know why Davidson, or any other school, is the best fit for you, then writing about that is going to be really challenging. Find something that makes you genuinely excited about Davidson. It can be small or seemingly silly, but if it is something you are really passionate about (coffee on campus, a study spot, a professor…), that will come through naturally in your writing.

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

As a first-generation college student, asking questions was invaluable during my college search. Do not be afraid to reach out to current students, admission counselors, and staff with questions. At Davidson College, everyone is more than willing to answer any question you may have. Try to really get to know the schools you will be applying to through virtual/in-person tours, zoom/in-person panels with current students, or by emailing a current student, professor or admission counselor. You will be there for the next four years, so make sure the college you choose will fit both your personal and academic needs.

Los Angeles/Santa Rosa, California

Find a great person for your peer recommendation. I chose one of my childhood best friends to write mine and I could not have picked a better person. Naturally with college recommendations, we want someone who makes us “look good,” whether that be in academics, service, or extracurriculars. However, Davidson is a community of real people — those who have amazing qualities but also room for personal growth. Choose someone who truly knows you — the good and the bad — and ask them early. The peer recommendation is a unique and special part of your application, so let it shine!

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina