How to Build a Spike: The Secret to Standing Out in US College Applications | Arcus Advisory

You’ve done everything right. Top grades, leadership roles, a mix of extracurriculars—surely that’s enough to get into Harvard or Stanford, right?

Not quite. But don’t be alarmed—because we are here to help!

Being well-rounded isn’t enough anymore. US colleges, especially at the elite level, aren’t looking for students who dabble in everything. They want students who own something—who have a clear, exceptional strength that makes them unforgettable.

They want a spike.

What Is a Spike, and Why Does It Matter?

A spike is the opposite of a well-rounded profile. Instead of being “good at everything,” you’re extraordinary in one thing. You have a demonstrated passion, expertise, and impact in a specific area—whether it’s neuroscience, poetry, climate activism, or astrophysics.

Why does this matter? Because the US admissions process is about building a narrative and distinguishing yourself as a unique applicant. At Ivy League schools, 95% of applicants have top grades. But only a handful have built a breakthrough AI model, led a national climate campaign, or composed a symphony performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

How to Build Your Own Spike

1. Identify Your Obsession

Your spike isn’t something you pick randomly—it’s something you already love, but take it to the next level. What could you talk about for hours? What do you do in your free time without being told? That’s your starting point.

2. Deepen Your Expertise

Top universities want proof of intellectual depth. This means going beyond standard schoolwork. For example:

• If you love AI: Take advanced online courses, participate in coding competitions, and build real-world projects.
• If you’re passionate about politics: Publish op-eds, organise youth debates, and intern with policymakers.
• If you’re into biotech: Apply for research programs like MIT RSI or Simons and conduct independent experiments.

3. Gain Real-World Recognition

To stand out, you need external validation. This could mean:

• Winning prestigious awards (e.g., Intel ISEF, Olympiads, National Writing Competitions)
• Publishing in recognized journals or media outlets
• Creating something with measurable impact—an app, a business, a book, or a non-profit

4. Craft a Narrative That Ties It Together

US admissions officers don’t just want achievements; they want a story. Why does your spike matter to you? What sparked your interest? How have you grown through it? Your personal essay and interview should connect the dots, showing not just what you’ve done, but why it defines you.

Start Now, Not Later

Building a spike takes time, focus, and intentionality. But if you do it right, you won’t just be another applicant with perfect grades—you’ll be the applicant they remember.