Extracurriculars that Will Improve your College Application
Learn why extracurricular activities are so important for college admissions!
Need options for extracurricular activities? Look no further!
Why you should gain leadership experience.
How to Improve your College Applications with Extracurricular Activities
Each year, millions of high school students apply for admission to their dream universities to further their education and achieve their career aspirations. College applications consist of different components that impact the results you will receive from college admissions officers. These include your GPA, personal statement, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are a notable factor that colleges look for in anyone’s application. Colleges want a candidate who is well-rounded and has different interests outside of academics. It is important to show what interests you have and how you manage your time with different responsibilities as a high school student. This quality will show college recruiters how you operate with an overwhelming schedule and determine if this skill is transferable to a college setting.
There is no such thing as a perfect application for college, and admissions to any college or university is determined by different elements. However, focusing on tailoring a great extracurriculars list will provide colleges with a better understanding of your interests and ambitions. In addition, it shows what you can contribute to their college campus. Having good extracurriculars is important for strengthening your application and can be the deciding factor between an acceptance letter and a rejection letter.
Why are extracurricular activities important?
Extracurricular activities provide insight into what you are interested in and show your qualities to colleges that you are interested in attending. Qualities that colleges look for in prospective students include problem-solving, goal-setting, time management, and leadership skills. These qualities allow college admissions officers to visualize your place in their school and your potential contribution and impact on the campus community. In addition, extracurricular activities allow you to be a more competitive candidate for colleges and universities and can benefit you financially if you are awarded a scholarship based on your academic or athletic activities.
What are some common extracurricular activities?
Extracurricular activities usually include a combination of Community Activities, Athletic Activities, Academic Activities, and Personal Activities. There are a variety of activities that you can participate in and use in your college applications. Although these activities are needed for a strong application, it is also important to know what activities to include or exclude in your applications. Activities that are not consistent can be excluded. For example, if you volunteered for something once and did not participate again, it can be excluded. Having activities that you did consecutively will show how dedicated you are and reflect positively on your character.
Community Service Activities/Volunteering
To show that you are a dedicated person, having volunteer activities are good for your college applications. These activities include volunteering with hospitals or organizations like Catholic Charities or NYCares. These organizations provide different types of volunteer opportunities to participate in, which will help you improve your community and résumé; whether through beautification projects or serving food to the homeless, you will never run out of options. In addition, you could package, serve, and distribute meals to your community and participate in community service activities in your school.
More community service options that will boost your applications include reading to students (either with an organization or on your own), participating in coat or food drives, or raising money to help people impacted by natural disasters. In many of these instances, care packages are delivered to those in need, so indicate how you and your community gathered together for a greater cause.
Athletics/Sports
Participating in sports teams allows college recruiters to see a well-rounded and determined student. Being a part of a sports team shows how well you work with others and how you manage your time. Athletic activities are sought out by colleges because students that play sports can improve the athletics department in any institution. In addition, being on sports teams can help you receive scholarships to the universities of your choice if your skills stand out.
Sports look incredible on college applications; however, not every applicant likes or excels in sports. If this resonates with you, there is no need to pressure yourself into joining sports teams simply because it will “look great for colleges.” There are various avenues and interests that will enhance your application that relate to you and your interests.
Leadership Positions
Leadership positions are considered “the cherry on top” for college applications. Having leadership experience can differentiate between candidates who are accepted or not accepted into a certain university. Leadership experience reveals to colleges that you have acquired great communication skills and the ability to contribute to the success of the people around you. In addition, it shows that you are able to work well with others and mediate problems effectively.
Leadership roles in school typically consist of student government positions, a coordinating member of a club, captain of your high school's sports teams, recognition for your community service, or creating a new club or activity in your school. These are great experiences for your college application and will make you a competitive applicant.
Work Experience/Internships
Working part-time or having internship experience during your high school years shows your commitment to achieving your goals and demonstrates that you are an ambitious person. Colleges want applicants who will thrive in different environments, especially in their institutions. It is important to have internship experience in your potential field of study to show how dedicated you are to this area. Work experience highlights your work ethic and your experience in a professional environment.
Working in retail, the food industry, or even small jobs like babysitting shows your tenacity and capability when faced with adversities. For example, if you had a negative experience with a customer, but you found a way to handle the situation professionally, this would show favorable skills that colleges, universities, and future employers look for in an applicant.
Personal Interests/Creative Interests
Personal Interests outside of school show that you are interested in learning new skills, adaptable and that you can maintain a healthy school and life balance. Activities like dancing, singing, or acting can be activities that allow your application to stand out. Colleges are looking for students with a variety of interests who are not confined to learning only in a classroom setting. In addition, personal activities make great stories for your personal statements and your growth not only as a student but as a person.
For more information on the college admissions process, and navigating college, check out our blog: https://www.socraticsummeracademy.com/blog
