You Need a Website

Key Takeaways

• A personal website humanizes an applicant and makes them more memorable to admissions officers.
• It extends the application beyond essays and activity lists, providing a fuller narrative.
• Especially valuable for students in competitive applicant pools or with creative/academic projects.
• Demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and digital literacy.
• A well-structured site continues to add value beyond admissions—into internships, jobs, and research opportunities.

Introduction

In today’s competitive admissions landscape, students are searching for ways to stand out without appearing gimmicky. Personal websites—once reserved for job seekers and professionals—are increasingly being used by high school students to showcase their stories, work, and ambitions.

Done thoughtfully, a website is not a flashy add-on. It’s a strategic tool that extends your application, creates a professional online presence, and helps admissions officers see you as a multidimensional individual.

Why a Website Matters in University Applications

1. Humanizing the Applicant

Applications are filled with lists, transcripts, and short essays. A website lets admissions officers connect with you as a real person—funny, artistic, social, resourceful—in ways the application itself may not capture.

2. Creating a Narrative Link

Strong applications tell a story. A website ties together your essays, activities, and recommendations into one cohesive arc, making you easier to remember.

3. Going Beyond the Limits of Applications

Admissions portals restrict word counts and formats. A website allows you to:

• Showcase academic projects in detail
• Share creative work (art, music, writing, coding)
• Present multimedia like photos, videos, or blogs

4. Demonstrating Digital Literacy

Even a simple site signals initiative, professionalism, and comfort with technology—qualities universities appreciate.

5. Controlling Your Online Identity

Admissions officers sometimes search applicants online. A personal site ensures they find a curated, polished presence first.

6. Offering Something Memorable

For students in overrepresented pools (e.g., Indian or Chinese applicants), a personal website provides individuality. For all students, it can be an engaging, refreshing break in an admissions officer’s day.

7. Long-Term Value

Beyond admissions, your site can evolve into a portfolio for internships, scholarships, or job applications.

What to Include on a Student Website

Think of your site as a narrative extension—not a scrapbook. Every section should reinforce your story. You don’t need to include ALL sections mentioned below, instead you should focus on your strengths and the opportunity to fill any gaps in your application. 

• About Me – A 120–180 word bio linking your identity and academic goals.
• Academic Interests & Projects – Research papers, coding projects, or competition entries.
• Extracurriculars & Leadership – Deeper context than a one-line application entry.
• Creative or Personal Expression – Optional dimension (art, music, photography).
• Community Engagement – Show impact, not just hours logged.
• Global or Cultural Connections – Especially useful for international applicants.
• Portfolio / Skills Showcase – Proof of your abilities (GitHub, writing samples, designs).
• Contact & Professional Links – Email, LinkedIn, GitHub—never personal social media.
• Optional Blog – Short reflections on books, projects, or hobbies.

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Free Wix Site

Fast track (60–90 minutes):

1. Go to Wix and sign up free.
2. Pick a clean “Portfolio” template.
3. Create core pages: Home, About, Projects, Contact.
4. Add a headshot + intro paragraph.
5. Upload 2–4 projects with short descriptions.
6. Write a brief About page linking to your goals.
7. Add a contact form + one professional link.
8. Preview on mobile, publish, copy your URL.

For those who want to go deeper, you can expand into SEO, accessibility, and design polish—but even the basic version works.

Do’s

• Do utilize an engaging and attractive landing page. Consider recording a short video introduction where you talk about yourself. Keep it to 30 seconds or less.
• Do try to keep everything on a single page that the reader can scroll down through. If you choose to have multiple pages, keep the navigation incredibly simple and clear. Remember, the reader will probably spend no more than four minutes on your site. 
• Do include pictures and videos of you acting natural with friends and family. Part of your goal is to put a friendly face to the application. Staged photos and videos will feel fake and contrived. 
• If you have teachers or friends who are willing to say something nice, include testimonials that offer a fresh new perspective on you.
• Do include links to your other social media sites. Be proactive about ensuring they only contain appropriate material and communicate a positive message about you.
• Do make it your own! Begin with a template and look at the examples below, but your website should reflect you. Details like color, structure, and contents should really be unique to you.
• Do have a relative or friend test it out and look for any problematic content or errors.
• Be creative! Be fun!

Don’t’s

• Don’t forget the pictures and video! If possible, have the videos autoplay (*with no sound*) as the reader scrolls through the page.
• Don’t include inappropriate pictures. Drinking, pranks, making fun of others, or doing embarrassing things should not be on your site.
• Avoid political statements. You don’t know if the reader will be offended by your views.
• Don’t post an entire 50-page research paper. Absolutely no one in admissions has the time to read it. However, including an abstract or a synopsis will allow the reader to access your research without committing too much time. 
• Don’t try to impress the admissions team with all of your academic accomplishments. The application should communicate all of that. The website should be a much more informal view of you as an interesting person who may be joining a new community. If you have academic accomplishments that require some sort of visual representation, it is completely acceptable to include pictures and a brief description. Always remember, don’t repeat everything in your application!

Final Thoughts

Your website doesn’t need to be complex. Done well, it’s a powerful storytelling tool that humanizes you, strengthens your narrative, and gives you a professional presence that lasts well beyond admissions. Think of it as an investment in both your university applications and your future career.

Online Resources

• Wix Free Student Website Templates – Clean, professional starting points.
  www.wix.com/website/templates/html/portfolio-cv
• Common App Additional Information Guide – Learn where to ethically include your website link.
  www.commonapp.org/apply/faq/additional-information-section
• GitHub Pages – Free hosting for coders who want to showcase projects.
  pages.github.com
• Canva for Education – Tools for polished visuals, infographics, and resumes.
  www.canva.com/education
• LinkedIn Students Guide– Build a professional LinkedIn profile that pairs with your website.
  university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students