What Do Colleges Look for in High School Extracurriculars

When high school students think about which activities will help their college applications, they often want to know what will make them stand out. The reality is planning for high school extracurriculars isn't just about having a list of different activities. It's about demonstrating dedication, leadership, and a real passion. Here's what colleges are looking for and how you can plan your extracurricular activities to align with these expectations.

Quality Over Quantity

The saying "quality over quantity" holds especially true regarding extracurricular activities. Colleges are looking for depth rather than breadth. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 44.3 percent of college admissions officers rated extracurricular activities moderately necessary. This statistic underlines the significance colleges place on seeing students as well-rounded individuals who engage actively with their community and demonstrate skills like leadership, time management, and social interaction.

According to College Board, when choosing extracurriculars, keep these factors in mind:

• Career paths you're considering
• Your intended college major or minor
• Any passions or hobbies you already enjoy

Whether it's a sport, an art form, or a volunteer position, sustained involvement can lead to leadership opportunities and achievements that resonate with admission panels. For instance, evolving from a club member to a club president or moving from the junior team to the captain of the varsity team shows growth and commitment.

The Impact of Leadership

Leadership is a highly valued trait by college admissions officers. It illustrates a student's ability to manage, lead, and affect change in their environment. Demonstrating leadership can come from founding a new club, leading projects in established clubs, or taking on significant roles in community service initiatives.

Engagement in leadership roles provides tangible proof of a student's initiative and impact, vital qualities that colleges seek. It's not just about having a title; it's about what you do with it. For example, a student who leads a fundraising initiative for their school's theater program that significantly boosts its budget and participation rates shows leadership and the ability to achieve measurable outcomes.

Specialized Focus vs. Broad Exploration

While having a specialized focus in one area (like being an accomplished athlete or musician) is impressive, a broad exploration of interests can also be beneficial, especially if tied together by a cohesive theme.

For example, a student interested in environmental science might participate in the science club, organize community clean-ups, join a summer research program, or intern at a local conservation organization. This shows depth in a specific area of interest and an ability to integrate knowledge and skills across various settings.

The Role of Non-Traditional Activities

Admissions officers increasingly consider non-traditional activities such as blogging, coding, and entrepreneurship valuable. These activities often require self-direction, a characteristic that is good for potential college success and beyond.

Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students turned to virtual or independent projects to demonstrate their interests and skills.

Here are three key considerations for creating a great independent study project!

For instance, a student starting an online business may show entrepreneurial spirit and skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, and customer service, all of which are applicable in numerous fields of study and work.

Community Service: A Timeless Value

Community service is a timeless extracurricular that resonates with college admissions. Engagement in community service projects, particularly those that align with your academic interests, can strengthen your application. For instance, a prospective medical student volunteering regularly at a local hospital gains relevant experience and demonstrates empathy and commitment to serving others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, think strategically about how each activity helps you build and demonstrate your skills, passions, and character when planning your high school extracurricular activities. Remember, the goal is to present a well-rounded, authentic picture of who you are to college admissions committees. With thoughtful selection and dedicated involvement, your extracurriculars can significantly enhance your college application, making it complete and compelling.

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