Creating Student Profiles: A Guide For Universities

Creating student profiles is an essential part of the admissions process for universities and colleges. A student profile is a detailed description of a student's background, including academic records, personal interests, and achievements. It helps universities and colleges to get a holistic view of the applicant, beyond just their grades and test scores. A well-rounded student profile can showcase not only academic achievements but also extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and personal development. This allows universities to identify students who will be a valuable asset and contribute positively to their community.

The process of creating student profiles involves gathering essential personal details, academic records, and other relevant information. Universities can use templates to streamline the collection of this information.

Include a video to showcase talents and hobbies

Creating student profiles for a university can be a great way to get to know applicants beyond their academic records and help them stand out to admissions committees. A student profile can include basic information, such as contact details, academic records, extracurricular activities, and other relevant information.

Benefits of Including a Video to Showcase Talents and Hobbies:

Including a video component in student profiles can be a valuable addition, offering a more dynamic and personalised representation of the student. It can be a particularly effective medium for students wishing to showcase specific talents or hobbies, such as musical, artistic, or sporting abilities. This can be beneficial for students applying for scholarships or seeking to highlight their unique skills and experiences.

Videos can also be used to demonstrate a student's proficiency in a particular language, especially if they are applying to a university where the primary language of instruction is not their native tongue. For example, international students applying to a university in an English-speaking country may benefit from submitting a video in which they speak English to showcase their language skills.

Additionally, videos can provide a more engaging and memorable way for students to introduce themselves and their personalities to the admissions committee. This can be particularly advantageous for students with strong interpersonal skills or those who wish to highlight their communication abilities, such as students interested in fields like public speaking, acting, or media.

Best Practices for Including Videos in Student Profiles:

When incorporating videos into student profiles, there are several best practices to consider:

• Keep it brief: As attention spans can be limited, it is recommended to keep videos short, ideally under 6 minutes, to maintain engagement and ensure the content is concise and focused.
• Highlight important information: Use techniques like signalling or cueing to draw attention to key elements in the video. This can include using keywords, changes in colour or contrast, or on-screen text to emphasise important information or structure.
• Segment the content: Break the video into shorter segments or use "click forward" pauses to give viewers control over the flow of information and make it easier to re-watch specific parts.
• Match modality: Use both audio and visual elements complementarily to convey information. For example, include a voiceover narration with on-screen animations or visuals to enhance comprehension and engagement.
• Use a conversational style: A conversational and enthusiastic tone can increase viewer interest and create a sense of connection with the audience.
• Provide an overview: Give context to the video by including a brief description or outline of its content, helping viewers understand its purpose and how it relates to the student's profile.
• Ensure accessibility: Make sure the video is accessible by hosting it on a widely available platform and providing any necessary captions or transcripts.
• Obtain consent: If the video includes other individuals or is recorded on campus, ensure you have the necessary consent and permissions to use the footage.
• Authenticity: Encourage students to be themselves and showcase their unique personalities, talents, and interests. Admissions committees are not only looking for academic excellence but also for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the university community.

By incorporating videos into student profiles, universities can gain a more holistic understanding of applicants and make more informed decisions during the admissions process. Videos can bring student profiles to life, providing a window into students' talents, passions, and aspirations beyond what can be conveyed through written applications alone.

List extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities are an essential part of a student's profile and can make a significant impression on universities. They provide an insight into the student's personality, values, and dedication, and demonstrate key qualities such as leadership, passion, and commitment.

Sports and Athletics

Playing sports is an excellent way to showcase teamwork, dedication, and the ability to manage competing priorities. Examples include:

• Soccer
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Basketball
• Hiking
• Badminton
• Rock climbing
• Kayaking
• Martial arts
• Ultimate frisbee
• Archery

Academic Clubs

These clubs demonstrate a passion for a particular subject and can showcase leadership and organisational skills. Examples include:

• Physics Club
• History Research Project
• Economics Club
• Mathematics Club
• Astronomy Club
• Chemistry Olympiad
• Data Analysis Project
• Book Club
• Chess Team
• Renaissance Faires

Creative and Performing Arts

These activities show a student's creative side and their willingness to go outside their comfort zone. Examples include:

• Pottery Workshop
• Graphic Design Club
• Photography Project
• Community Theatre
• Film Production
• Art Club
• Choir
• Dance Showcase
• Spoken Word Poetry
• Jazz Band

Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Leadership roles are highly valued by universities as they demonstrate a student's ability to take initiative and innovate. Examples include:

• School Event Coordinator
• Student Council President
• Youth Advisory Board Member
• Voter Registration Drive Organiser
• Leadership Group Founder
• School Store Manager
• Social Enterprise Founder
• Start-up Founder

Community Service

Community service showcases a student's character and their willingness to contribute positively to society. Examples include:

• Senior Center Volunteer
• Food Bank Volunteer
• Park Restoration Volunteer
• Animal Shelter Volunteer
• Community Clean-Up Organiser
• Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
• Charity Worker
• Mentorship Program Founder
• Book Drive Organiser

STEM and Innovation

These activities demonstrate a student's commitment to innovation and their ability to code, build, and design. Examples include:

• Robotics Club
• Coding Platform Creator
• Machine Learning Project Developer
• Drone Building Workshop Leader
• Bird Watching Club
• 3D Printing Project
• Hackathon Participant
• App Development Competition Entrant

Social Activism and Advocacy

Social activism showcases a student's passion for certain causes and their willingness to advocate for change. Examples include:

• LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group Organiser
• Anti-Bullying Campaign Creator
• Climate Change Campaign Organiser
• Amnesty International Participant
• Girls Who Code Founder
• Child Rights Group Founder
• Climate Activist Group Regional Director
• Fair Trade Club Member

Provide academic records and achievements

When creating a student profile for a university, it is important to include academic records and achievements to provide an overview of the student's academic performance and highlight their strengths. Here are some detailed guidelines and examples of what to include in this section:

Academic Records:

• Transcript of Records: This is an official document that lists a student's academic performance, including course units taken, exams passed, credits gained, and grades obtained. It is essential when applying for new degree programs, transferring between universities, or studying abroad.
• Course Registration Information: Include details such as the student's major, minor, or concentration, as well as the specific courses they have taken or are currently enrolled in.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): The GPA is a numerical representation of the student's overall academic performance. It is calculated based on the grades obtained in each course and can provide a quick overview of their academic standing.
• Standardized Test Scores: Include scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or subject-specific tests. These scores can be important indicators of a student's academic abilities and are often used for university admissions.
• Previous School Reports: If available, include reports from previous schools, especially if they contain information about the student's academic performance, behaviour, and overall development.

Academic Achievements:

• Honours and Awards: Mention any academic honours or awards received, such as graduating with cum laude or summa cum laude. Also, list any academic prizes or awards received throughout the student's educational journey.
• Scholarships: List any scholarships, grants, or financial awards the student has earned. Include the name of the scholarship, the conferring institution, and the cash value if relevant.
• Dean's List: If the student has made the Dean's List or any similar academic recognition, be sure to include it. This indicates that the student has achieved a high level of academic excellence.
• Academic Competitions and Awards: Include achievements such as winning an essay-writing contest, a science fair, or any other academic competition. These achievements showcase the student's abilities and talents in specific areas.
• Perfect Attendance: While it may seem like a small feat, perfect attendance can demonstrate a student's dedication and commitment to their studies. Include this if the student has a record of consistent attendance.
• Extracurricular Academic Activities: List any academic clubs, societies, or teams the student has participated in. For example, membership in the school's honours society, the debate team, or the robotics club. These activities demonstrate a passion for learning beyond the classroom.
• Leadership Roles: Highlight any leadership positions held within academic clubs, societies, or student councils. For example, "President of the Math Club" or "Editor of the School Newspaper." These roles develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Detail personal information and interests

Creating a student profile is an important step in the university application process. It is a great way to make a good impression on the university and increase the chances of admission. Here are some tips for the "Detail personal information and interests" section of a student profile for university applications:

Personal Information:

• Full name as seen on passport or ID card
• Date of birth
• Address
• Emergency contact information
• Academic records: grades, academic achievements, and qualifications
• Financial information: income and financial dependency
• Languages spoken and proficiency levels
• Personal statement: This should include information about the student's personality traits, character, likes/dislikes, hobbies, interests, ambitions, future aspirations, achievements, and awards. It should give the admissions committee insight into who the student is and what they hope to achieve at the university.
• Strengths and weaknesses
• A headshot photograph

Interests:

• Extracurricular activities: Sports, clubs, volunteer work, and other activities outside of academics show well-roundedness and time management skills.
• Hobbies: Reading, writing, playing musical instruments, art, etc.
• Ambitions and future goals: What the student hopes to achieve during their time at university and in their future career.
• Community involvement: Any community service or volunteering experience showcases a student's character and willingness to help others.

Remember that the more information provided in the student profile, the better. This allows the admissions committee to get a well-rounded understanding of the applicant. Take the time to carefully review and edit your profile before submitting it. Good luck with your university applications!

Submit letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an important part of the university application process. They give admissions officers a more complete picture of the applicant, providing insight into who they are as individuals and how they perform in the classroom and community.

• Ask the right people: Admissions officers generally look for letters from teachers and school counsellors. Choose teachers who know you well, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers who led a club or activity you were involved in are a good choice. If the college requests it, you can also ask other adults, like coaches or employers, who can speak to your skills and character.
• Give them plenty of time: Ask for letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline. This will give your teachers and counsellors ample time to write strong, thoughtful letters. It's recommended to ask in late spring or early summer before your senior year.
• Provide necessary information: Give your recommenders any information they may need to write the letter, such as your resume, work samples, or a list of your accomplishments and qualities. You can also refresh their memory by providing details about your class participation, projects, and what you learned in their class.
• Follow up: Keep track of your letter submissions and follow up with your teachers if the deadline is approaching and they haven't submitted their letters yet. It's also a good idea to follow up with a thank-you note after they've submitted the letters.
• Waive your right to view the letters: Admission officers will trust the recommendations more if you haven't seen them. On your application forms, waive your right to view the letters of recommendation.

Frequently asked questions