Imagine a world in which we Muggles would be competing with the boy wizard and his friends seeking a post-Hogwarts education. Don’t tell J. K. Rowling we have the idea for a way to continue the series – a book that fills in the years with Harry, Hermione and Ron as college students in the U.S.!

With “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” in theaters on Friday, it made me wonder what all three could have focused on as their strengths during the college admissions process.

So take a brief break from the stress of your college applications and consider how their strengths could help you determine what you want to focus on in your application and essay.

Harry Potter

Harry (portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe) could easily focus his admissions essay on the loss of his parents at such an early age – and being pursued by the Dark Lord for years afterward. But let’s look beyond those facts and think about what it took for Harry to handle those circumstances in his life: he’s a natural born leader, as seen during his time in Hogwarts; he’s had to deal with fame and celebrity as a teenager, though he doubted himself amid the expectations of others; and he has used his quick-thinking skills to keep himself and (most of) his friends safe. If I were him, I would leave out the stuff about his temper, though. He also could share with admissions folks how Professor Dumbledore was the perfect mentor and how he needs that same type of mentor as a college student, too.

Hermione Granger

This bossy brainiac’s (portrayed by now-Brown University student Emma Watson) high test scores would probably catch the eye of admissions officials at any school, but we all know applicants need more than book smarts. Even Rowling once described her as “borderline genius.” The amazing thing is how she turned her innate knowledge of the wizarding world to help Harry and others, which again would make for an interesting admissions essay. It’s not enough to just know how to perform the spells, but she could discuss the situations in which she used them and how they prevailed for good, when so many others used them for evil. The wizarding world may not have what we think of as community service, but Hermione could capture people’s attention, too, because of her compassion for the House-Elves and others who are oppressed.

Ron Weasley

Ron (portrayed by Rupert Grint) could focus on his admissions essay on what he learned about himself on the way to becoming a Quidditch star, which would show his school spirit beyond his repeated scowls for getting hand-me-down robes, sweaters, brooms, and pets over the years. Or, he could talk about being in the shadow of older brothers–something that might resonate with many a college-bound student. But instead, he’s the perfect example of doing anything for a friend, as he and Hermione were so vital in searching for the missing Horcruxes and destroying them so Harry could kill Voldemort.

And don’t worry, although the college admissions staff may seem to hold your future in their hands, it’s nothing like Harry having to face He Who Must Not Be Named.

–Lori Johnston