Gain the Edge. Use Extracurricular Activities for College Admissions

In the journey towards college admission, high school students often find themselves consumed by a whirlwind of academics, standardized tests, and GPA calculations. However, there’s another crucial aspect that plays a pivotal role in shaping a well-rounded and successful college application: extracurricular activities — for college admissions and for your student. With the limited “real estate” afforded by the Common App, your resume offers a unique opportunity to articulate your interests and values in action, proclaiming your personality and making you that much more memorable.

In this blog, our advisor and senior analyst, Jon Megerian, outlines five insights about strong resumes he’s deduced from in-depth, quantitative research on the extracurricular activities of individual students. Drawing from over a decade of data, his findings provide a strategic guide to crafting an application that stands out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.

1. Prioritize Academic Activities: The most salient category of activities in the resumes of standout applicants center around a student’s academic or professional interest. These activities help contribute to the student’s narrative and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing academic rigor beyond the walls of the classroom. A business student should have entrepreneurial activities, a STEM student should pursue science outside of school, and so on. Academic activities also highlight discipline and initiative, qualities that admissions readers associate with academic success. Colleges seek students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a sustained interest in their intended field, as this suggests they will continue to be engaged learners on campus and develop the skills necessary for long-term career success.

2. Competitive Kids Compete: Dovetailing with the injunction to pursue academic activities, participating in academic competitions represents some of the most rigorous engagement possible. Furthermore, it has the added benefit of potentially yielding accolades you can report on your application to wow the reader! You don’t even need to come in first place to garner worthwhile accomplishments—advancing to regional or district competitions, reaching semifinals in the state competition, and more will all impress your reader. Academic competitions show perseverance, problem-solving skills, and the ability to perform under pressure, all traits that translate well to the college environment. Even if a student does not win, participation alone demonstrates ambition and resilience.

There are academic competitions available to students with virtually any conceivable interest, and ICC maintains a comprehensive database to help guide you.

3. Pursue an Independent Endeavor: Sometimes called “passion projects,” independent endeavors are undertakings that students conceive and execute through their own volition and imagination. These activities demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, dedication, and leadership. They provide another opportunity to articulate your values and interests outside of the classroom. Additionally, colleges value students who can generate ideas and follow through with execution, as these qualities contribute to innovation and leadership in college communities. Whether it’s starting your own business, hosting your own art exhibition, or creating green initiatives in your community, the possibilities are limitless. While they can seem daunting, ICC counselors know the tricks of the trade to bring your own unique project to fruition with relative ease.

4. Demonstrate Leadership: Leadership roles illustrate a student’s ability to inspire, organize, and take responsibility, traits that are essential for success in college and beyond. Extracurricular activities offer opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and demonstrate initiative. Whether it’s leading a club, organizing an event, or mentoring peers, these experiences exhibit a student’s ability to take charge and make a positive impact. Leadership also signals strong communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively. Colleges value applicants who can contribute positively to campus life and inspire their peers.

5. Undertake Community Service with Purpose: Community service and volunteering are not synonymous! While both entail doing something without compensation, the kind of community service that will serve you well exhibits the causes and issues most meaningful to you. It furthermore shows not only that you care, but also that you care enough to do something about it. If you care about human rights, work with a non-governmental organization (NGO). If you care about voting rights, seek opportunities with Get Out the Vote! Whatever your values, there are ways to make them tangible. Colleges seek students who are engaged citizens and demonstrate a genuine passion for making a difference. Meaningful service also provides insight into a student’s character, empathy, and willingness to contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

Need help choosing or connecting with high school extracurricular activities for college admissions? Call or email International College Counselors for help. No matter where your family is in the college admissions process, International College Counselors can help you with every aspect, including building and honing the college list, fine-tuning college applications, and writing admission essays. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience, helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email Marlene at [email protected]