Extracurricular activities play an important role in the college admissions process. These activities help demonstrate a student's interests, passions, and leadership skills and can set them apart from other applicants during the college admissions process. What is the role of extracurricular activities in college admissions, and how can you make the most of your out-of-class experiences? Keep reading to find out
7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Extracurricular Experiences in High School
1.Get involved early: Start getting involved in extracurricular activities early on in high school. Admissions officers like to see a consistent commitment to a specific activity or organization over time.
Katie often says, a college is not looking for a breadth of 50 activities on a resume; they are looking for a depth of commitment to activities that mean something to the student.
2. Find activities that align with your interests: Find extracurricular activities that align with your interests, passions, and career goals. This will show admissions officers that you are genuinely interested in the activity, and it will make your application stand out.
3. Take on leadership roles: Admissions officers like to see students who take on leadership roles in their extracurricular activities. Seek out leadership positions in clubs and organizations, and take the initiative in planning events and projects.
Showing leadership isn't always about being the President of the club or the captain of a team. Student's can show colleges leadership skills by taking on responsibility for planning events or organizing projects for the organizations that they are involved in.
4. Show impact: Show how you have made an impact in the extracurricular activities you participate in. Share any awards or recognition you have received, and include specific examples of how you have contributed to the organization.
5. Balance: Admissions officers also like to see a balance of extracurricular activities. In addition to leadership roles, it's important to participate in a variety of activities, such as community service, athletic teams, and artistic or cultural groups.
6. Show your involvement outside of school: extracurricular activities don't have to be limited to school-related activities. Show that you are a well-rounded student by participating in activities outside of school, such as volunteering, internships, or independent projects. Don't be afraid to create your own experience of opportunity based on your interests and passions.
If you are interested in reading, create a book club with your friends. If you have a sports passion, start a summer camp or non-profit in that area. Katie recalls a student with a passion for baking who started a business during the pandemic selling baked goods and turned it into a summer camp for younger kids to teach them about the joys of baking. Be creative!
7. Reflect: Take time to reflect on your extracurricular activities and the experiences you gained from them. Reflecting on your experiences will help you to better articulate your involvement and achievements in your college application.
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