Each year, students and parents want to know, "What does it take to get into college?"  They are looking for specifics such as a 1250 SAT, a 3.5 GPA, and 2 leadership positions in an extracurricular activity.  While averages like this help someone know what is the typical profile for a freshman entering college, college admissions offices do not select students solely on the basis of their "numbers."  That is because numbers are not what the colleges are looking for.  They are looking for the "extra degree" referred to in the video. 

Given the competitive world of college admissions, and life in general, it is not enough to do the minimums well.  The video clip noted, "the one extra degree of effort in business and in life, separates the good from the great."  I sumbit that the same applies for academics and college admissions.  One extra degree of effort will make you a great student, not just a good one.  Thus, my challenge to all students is to find the extra degree in your life. 

What does the extra degree look like? It will be different for all students.  For you, it could mean going on a mission trip, seeking extra help from your math teacher to punch up your grade from a high B to an A, doing one more set of lifts during your workouts, practicing your instrument for one more hour each week, or starting that extracurricular club you've wanted to start for the past two years.  

So what can you do that will earn you an extra degree?