In the competitive world of college admissions, students are often bombarded with advice—some of it insightful, some misguided, and some downright appalling. Among the most egregious advice I’ve ever encountered came from a college admissions consultant on Instagram [Note: not one of our consultants!] who encouraged high school students go to their school's auditorium when it was empty and stage a photo of themselves standing on the stage, pretending to speak to an audience (of course, the empty seats would not be visible, just the speaker, stage and backdrop, perhaps even with a podium for effect.) to give the illusion of being an inspiring public speaker. 

The Appeal of “Looking the Part”

The allure of such advice is easy to understand in today’s image-obsessed culture. College admissions have become fiercely competitive, and students feel intense pressure to craft the perfect narrative. The idea of presenting oneself as a confident, in-demand leader who inspires audiences may seem like an attractive shortcut to stand out in a crowded applicant pool. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, it may seem to say, “I am a person of influence and ideas.”

But therein lies the problem. Staging an image to feign accomplishments is fundamentally dishonest. It’s an attempt to shortcut the hard work and dedication required to become a genuine subject matter expert or an inspiring speaker. Worse still, it teaches students that appearances matter more than substance—a message that is deeply damaging not only to their personal development but also to the integrity of the college admissions process.

Why This Advice Is Harmful

1. It Undermines Authenticity

Authenticity is one of the most valuable qualities a student can bring to their college application. Admissions officers are not looking for perfect applicants—they are looking for real individuals with genuine passions, talents, and experiences. When students resort to staging photos or fabricating narratives, they lose the opportunity to showcase what truly makes them unique. Worse, they risk creating a false image that may not hold up under scrutiny.

Admissions officers are experienced at spotting disingenuous applications. A photo of a student onstage may prompt questions about the context: Where and when did this happen? What was the topic of the speech? If there is no meaningful story to back up the image, it can quickly backfire, casting doubt on the student’s credibility and the authenticity of their entire application.

2. It Promotes Superficial Achievement

The advice to fake an accomplishment sends a troubling message: that it’s better to look accomplished than to actually be accomplished. This is the exact opposite of what students should be learning during high school—a time meant for exploration, growth, and the pursuit of genuine interests. Pretending to be something you’re not not only devalues hard work but also fosters a mindset of cutting corners, which can be detrimental in college and beyond.

In contrast, even modest achievements rooted in genuine effort carry far more weight. A student who volunteers at a local community center or organizes a small but meaningful school event demonstrates far more character and initiative than one who stages a photo for appearances.

3. It Erodes Confidence

Ironically, advice like this can undermine the very confidence it seeks to portray. Students who rely on pretense rather than real experience may struggle with impostor syndrome, constantly fearing that they will be “found out.” This can lead to anxiety and self-doubt, particularly when they face the inevitable challenges of college life, where authenticity and resilience are key to success.

On the other hand, students who engage in meaningful activities and work hard to achieve their goals build genuine confidence. They learn from their failures, celebrate their successes, and develop a sense of pride in their unique journey—qualities that no staged photo can replicate.

4. It Sets a Poor Ethical Example

At its core, staging a photo to fabricate an accomplishment is dishonest. Teaching students that deception is an acceptable way to get ahead sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines the value of integrity and suggests that the ends justify the means, even if it involves cutting corners or bending the truth.

In a world where ethical leadership is more important than ever, students need to learn the value of honesty and hard work. Colleges are not just evaluating students for their academic potential; they are seeking individuals who will contribute positively to their campus communities and society as a whole. Integrity matters, and students who demonstrate it will always stand out for the right reasons.

A Better Approach to College Applications

Rather than encouraging students to stage photos or fabricate experiences, we should be teaching them to embrace their authentic selves. Here are a few principles to guide students toward a more genuine and fulfilling approach to the college admissions process:

1. Focus on Real Passions: Encourage students to explore activities and interests that genuinely excite them, whether it’s volunteering, starting a club, or pursuing a creative project. Admissions officers value depth and authenticity over superficiality.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Not every accomplishment needs to be grandiose. Small, meaningful contributions—like mentoring a younger student or organizing a community clean-up—can be just as impactful as large-scale achievements.

3. Learn to Tell a Compelling Story: Help students articulate the “why” behind their actions. Why did they choose a particular activity? What did they learn? How did it shape their perspective? Authentic storytelling is far more compelling than any staged image.

4. Emphasize Growth Over Perfection: Colleges understand that high school is a time for growth. Encourage students to be honest about their journey, including the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons they’ve learned.

Conclusion

The advice to stage a photo in an empty auditorium may seem harmless on the surface, but it reflects a deeper problem in how we approach college admissions. By prioritizing appearances over authenticity, we do a disservice to students, robbing them of the chance to develop genuine confidence and meaningful accomplishments. The best advice we can give high school students is to embrace who they truly are and focus on making a real impact, however small. In the long run, it’s authenticity, not pretense, that leads to success.

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