After-school activities that shine on college apps?

Hey folks! Junior here, working on buffing up my college app. What kind of after-school activities have you found really stand out in the application process? I do a mix of things, but I’m wondering if there are certain activities colleges love to see more than others?

Hello there! I'm glad you're taking a strategic approach to your extracurriculars. It's true that certain activities can catch the eye of admissions officers. They're often on the lookout for experiences that show deep engagement, leadership, and impact.

Generally, activities can be categorized into Tiers 1 through 4, with Tier 1 being the most unique and impressive, like national awards, and Tier 4 being common activities like general club membership. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

For instance, if you're part of a club at your school, stepping up to a leadership role can be a Tier 3 activity, demonstrating your initiative. If you take that role further by leading the club to achieve something significant, like organizing a large community event or fund-raising for a cause, it could even be considered a Tier 2 activity.

The goal is to have a few activities where you're highly involved and that show your passion and dedication—these are often what make an application stand out. Remember, quality trumps quantity, so focus on what you truly enjoy and where you can make a meaningful impact.

And if you have a unique talent or interest that can lead to national recognition, definitely pursue that deeply, as it would be considered a Tier 1 activity and would be very notable on your application.