Having interviewed candidates for Yale, my alma mater, I’m often asked by parents and students how Global Leadership Adventures can enhance a college application. My standard response is to quote the Yale website: “Yalies set out to make our world better…We are looking for students…to become the leaders of their generation in whatever they wish to pursue.”

1. College Applications: 3 Common
Myths
Have high hopes of Harvard, Yale, or another
prestigious school?
Avoid these college application myths and you'll
be one step ahead on the road to success!

2. Myth #1: Volunteering abroad helps
you get into a good college
It's not quite that simple! The real difference volunteering abroad
brings is life experience. GLA programs immerse students into
another country and culture. Reflection and self insight throughout
the entire experience are encouraged and guided.
Participating in a volunteer
abroad program that provides
this level of depth will help
you unlock your passions
and provide many talking
points for college essays,
making you a successful
applicant!

3. Myth #2: Colleges define “leadership” as
Student Council President, School Paper
Editor, etc.
Leadership, Leadership, Leadership. We all hear this buzz word.
But what does leadership mean to top universities? It's not a
laundry list of titles, rather the things that define someone from the
inside like level of maturity, challenges you've faced, and a
commitment to helping others and making a difference. At GLA, we
believe leaders are made, not born and cultivate this through
discussions, service, workshops, expert speakers, excursions, and
the opportunity to practice leadership with your group. Tackling
tough questions, welcoming differing opinions, and affecting
change within yourself, your community, and the world is how GLA
& colleges define leadership.

4. Myth #3: A so-so GPA or less-than-stellar
SAT score will prevent you
from getting into a good university.
Even if you aren't satisfied with your GPA, that doesn't mean you don't have
time to turn things around! Although academic achievement is important,
showing a passion for your interests is a great step towards building your
experiences for your college apps.

5. Go Get 'Em –
The World is Yours!
I hope you found these insights useful! At GLA we offer
many programs that will fuel your passions, don't hesitate
to get started!
About the author: Mike Shangkuan graduated from Yale
with a BA in Economics and received his MBA from the
Harvard Business School. He is currently Managing
Director of Global Leadership Adventures.

6. Go Get 'Em –
The World is Yours!
I hope you found these insights useful! At GLA we offer
many programs that will fuel your passions, don't hesitate
to get started!
About the author: Mike Shangkuan graduated from Yale
with a BA in Economics and received his MBA from the
Harvard Business School. He is currently Managing
Director of Global Leadership Adventures.