I’ll start off by noting two things:

1. I’m a Pittsburgh Steelers fan so I really can’t stand Tim Tebow and the option right now.

2. Linda Abraham wrote an article about Tebow and college admissions posted earlier today on the Technocrati website, and that is where I got the idea for this post.  Just want to give credit where credit is due.  Thanks for the inspiration Linda.

I’m going to take Linda’s points a step further and expound upon some lessons college applicants can learn from the Twitter record-holder himself, Tim Tebow.

First, be authentic.  Although Tebow gets  bashed by sports commentators and the general public for having an unorthodox throwing style and for being a little cheesy at times, he is who he is, and he owns it.  Linda gets at this point by noting that students should “show that they live their values.”  The lesson here is be yourself, for better or worse.  Authenticity is much more attractive than fabrication.

Second, establish your brand and communicate it.  Even people who don’t follow football know who Tebow is and what he is all about: football, religion, and service.  After reviewing all of your application materials (essay, recommendations, activity essay, etc.), you want admission counselors to have a very clear view of who you are.  To ensure this happens, you first must know what your brand is and then you must have communicated it appropriately.

Third, use momentum to your advantage.  Like a football player or team on a hot streak, you should be leveraging any momentum you can get to finish your admission and scholarship applications, especially the essay portions.  I see it all the time.  High-achieving students finish applying to 8 different schools and then when it comes to applying for outside scholarships (which often require essays), they have run out of steam and don’t apply.  Take a break, don’t think about college for a few weeks, go for a run, go to church, but whatever you do, re-inspire yourself and give your best effort when applying for scholarships.  Some students are able to do this by riding the momentum and inspiration they get from acceptance letters once they start rolling in.  Others derive momentum from when their parents yell at them, being sure to note that “money doesn’t grow on trees.”

Fourth, manage your expectations.  Ok, so Tebow won some games this season and then he was instrumental in pulling off a big upset of my Steelers.  That said though, if I was a betting man, I’d put my money down on the fact that the Patriots are going to rock the Mighty Tebows this coming weekend in Foxborough.  As a college applicant, be positive and optimistic, but manage your expectations.  You might get some acceptance letters rolling in from the Dukes, Notre Dames, and Northwesterns of the world…and that is great.  Just be honest with yourself and know that the Harvards and Yales of the world might very well reject you.  After all, less than 10% of the thousands of applicants to those types of schools get accepted.

Fifth and finally, give it your best shot.  Even though you are going to manage your expectations, still do give it your best shot even when you’re up against tough odds.  Look at Tebow.  Seriously, watch him throw a pass.  It’s ugly and he seems to have a hard time throwing a spiral, which many Pee Wee football players can do.  Despite his shortcomings in throwing the ball, Tebow has a bunch of other qualities that help him win games.  Similarly, even though you might be up against tough odds in getting accepted to a particular school, still give it your all.  You never know…the positive qualities and skills you have might outshine your shortcomings.