So, you want to study math? As admirers of #PeopleInStem, we think that’s incredible. The world of crunching numbers and understanding statistics offers countless ways to express your passion for math. However, math is a competitive major, so you need to seize every opportunity to boost your chances of getting in.

We help students get into their dream schools, and our biggest macro-tip for strengthening your college applications is: pick a niche. This might sound a bit abstract, but it means selecting a super specific area within your intended major that excites you, and dedicating yourself to becoming an expert in it. While having a broad knowledge of math is important, specializing in one specific aspect will really make you stand out.

Why do I need a niche? And how do I build it?

Picking a niche boosts your college application by making you stand out to admissions counselors. Every math student has a general knowledge of their subject, but being an expert in a specific area sets you apart. This is crucial because you want admissions committees to notice and seriously consider you! Demonstrating that you’re not only a competent student with excellent grades but also have delved deeply into your interest will, in short, make colleges fall head over heels in love with you.

One of the first things we do with a client is help them figure out their niche, which we do by providing a personalized curriculum of books and classes designed to narrow down their field. If you’re not working with us, you’ll need to do this on your own. Here’s an example to guide you! Let’s say our new student, Maddie, really loves math but also loves finance. We’ll create a curriculum that allows her to dive into her interests by using math to maximize her mock-stock portfolio. She’ll learn about how algorithms can help predict fluctuations in the stock market and starts developing her own algorithms that help with her portfolio in particular. Now, that’s a niche.

So, I have my niche… what’s next?

Next, you need to take action with your niche. It’s fantastic to have a specialization you're passionate about, but you need to show colleges that you’ve actively worked on it for them to take you seriously. Otherwise, your niche won’t make an impact on your college application because you’ll blend in with all the other applicants, and that’s the last thing you want.

The good news is there are some straightforward ways to get started. First, check if your school has a math team or any math-related clubs you can join. These will provide a solid foundation and help you come across as "high-achieving." But don’t stop there. You need to take it further by looking outside the classroom for opportunities. See if there are any local summer programs, internships, or community projects related to your niche. Even a part-time job connected to your niche (hello tutoring!) can help with your applications.

Anything else I need to do?

Now that you’ve officially classified yourself as “high-achieving,” (yay, go you) you need to get a leg up on the other high achievers who are also fighting you for a spot at your dream school. This is where you really need to show that you’re not only passionate about your niche but also an expert in it.

The best way to do this is with a cool independent project. If you’re one of our students, we’ll guide you every step of the way to plan out independent projects related to your niche. If you’re on your own, you might need to get a bit creative. A straightforward idea is to aim high in math olympiads or take advanced classes at a local community college instead of high school courses. Another excellent idea is to check with a local university to see if any professors are conducting research related to your niche. Reach out to them and see if you can assist—getting published before graduation would be an incredible achievement!

What’s the tl;dr?

Picking a niche is an incredible way to boost your chances of getting into your top-choice colleges. Choosing one, developing your skills and knowledge in it, and becoming an expert is a fast track to receiving that coveted acceptance letter. We help students get into their dream colleges every semester, so trust us—we know what we’re talking about!

Deciding on a niche can be difficult. If you’re having trouble picking your niche, We help students realize their passions every semester.