If you're an aspiring entrepreneur applying to college, it’s easy to assume you need a long list of leadership roles, a startup, or a flashy accomplishment to stand out. But here’s the truth: colleges aren’t looking for a specific set of activities—they’re looking for impact. What matters most isn’t the title of what you did, but the story behind it, and what changed because of your actions.
By answering these questions, you are not just listing actions; you are showing colleges how you think. You demonstrate that you understand your audience, can recognize real-world problems, and take thoughtful steps to address them. Explaining your strategy and why you chose it shows that you are capable of planning, making informed decisions, and adapting along the way.
When you describe how you measured success, whether through numbers, feedback, or traction, you are showing that you can set goals, reflect on outcomes, and pivot when needed. And when you reflect on what you learned, even if things didn't go as planned, you are showing growth. That kind of insight is far more valuable than a surface-level success story. It proves you can analyze, adapt, and improve, not just your business, but yourself.
Let’s say you launched an Etsy store. Instead of just writing, “Started an Etsy business,” walk the reader through the thought process and intent behind it. What inspired your product line? Who were your products for? What need or interest were you addressing? Maybe you chose Etsy because it had built-in traffic and gave you the chance to focus on creating niche items with personal flair, such as witty product names, sustainable materials, or custom packaging.
Describe what strategy you used to differentiate yourself. How did you market your shop? Did you experiment with pricing, respond to customer feedback, or optimize listings based on traffic data?
Then go deeper. How did you define success? Was it revenue, returning customers, social media engagement, or something else? And what did the results teach you—not just about entrepreneurship, but about communication, decision-making, or resilience? Sharing those insights in your personal statement transforms a small business into a meaningful story of initiative and growth. That’s exactly what colleges want to see.
✅ Focus on your why
✅ Share specific challenges and how you overcame them
✅ Reflect on what you learned—personally and professionally
The Common App activities section gives you only 150 characters per activity, so every word has to count. Use that space to highlight your role, your impact, and your results. For example:
| ❌ Too Generic | ✅ More Impactful |
|---|---|
| Founder, Etsy jewelry store | Launched custom jewelry shop; 80+ sales, 25% repeat buyers; handled all marketing & fulfillment |
Even if you don’t have big numbers, focus on initiative, creativity, and ownership. Did you handle customer service? Design logos? Track inventory? Think like a problem-solver and show how you took action. Whether it’s 10 customers or 1,000, what matters is that you took a risk, made it real, and learned something from the experience.
That’s what builds a compelling story, not just for entrepreneurs but for any applicant. Colleges want to see that you take initiative, think critically, and learn from experience. And yes, even failure can be a strength in your application. Trying something bold, failing, and reflecting on the outcome shows courage, resilience, and a willingness to grow. These are the traits every college values.
✅ Be specific—mention results, metrics, or impact
✅ Highlight initiative, ownership, and problem-solving
✅ Use action verbs and maximize the 150 characters
When it comes to choosing the right college, think about your goals. If you're certain you want to be an entrepreneur and are looking for practical experience, consider schools that offer strong entrepreneurship programs, business co-ops, or startup accelerators—like Babson College, Northeastern University, Drexel, Bentley, or Kalamazoo College. Look beyond just the major: explore the actual courses, hands-on opportunities, and whether the school encourages real-world experience.
If you're still exploring the idea of entrepreneurship, focus on finding a college that fits you personally, somewhere that will support both your academic growth and self-discovery. Once you’re there, it’s up to you to extract entrepreneurial value: take classes that interest you, get work experience, find mentors, and keep your eyes open for gaps in the market.
For example, Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, didn’t start his journey because a school program told him to—he noticed a need for pizza delivery at Harvard and turned it into a business. It started with curiosity and a willingness to act. That same spirit is what colleges love to see.
In short, you don’t need to be perfect. You need to be curious, brave, and thoughtful. Tell your story with honesty and purpose. Focus on the value you brought to others, what you learned, and how you grew. That’s what makes an aspiring entrepreneur stand out in the college admissions process.
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