Just try not to be busy all the time, and try just to think about some things. But the students won't see the benefit to themselves of that in the admissions process until universities like Harvard and Stanford and the Ivies and Duke start making decisions based on that. Of course, all this anxiety over college applications hardly applies to everyone. Harvard's advice to take a year off between high school and college might be helpful for students with Ivy League aspirations, but not for those who might never return to school if they took that time. Most schools aren't that selective, and selective schools aren't for everybody.
Increased competition can be a positive thing.
At N.C. State, more and more students have started supplementing their applications with dazzling resumes, complete with travels abroad for youth ministry work, for example, said George Dixon, vice provost and director of admissions. Faculty members at UNC say today's students are better than ever, Lucido said. But I think it's been a good thing for American students. For a look at what some colleges are seeking in this year's application essays, look here.