Hi guys, I'm a junior and want to beef up my extracurriculars for my college applications. What clubs or activities have you found impressive on college applications? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
It's important to focus on extracurriculars that genuinely interest you, rather than participating in activities just because they appear impressive. Colleges value passionate involvement and evidence of meaningful accomplishments in your chosen activities.
That being said, extracurricular involvement is often categorized into four tiers, which can help guide you in selecting activities that may stand out on college applications:
1. Tier 1: These activities demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level. Some examples include winning a prestigious award (e.g., the Congressional Art Award), ranking highly in a national competition (e.g., top cross country runner), or representing your country in an international event.
2. Tier 2: These activities still showcase significant achievement and leadership but might be more common than Tier 1. Examples include being your school's student body president or captain of a sports team, competing at the state level in a given field (e.g., music, sports, or debate), or holding a high-ranking position in a reputable organization.
3. Tier 3: These activities indicate personal interest and dedication but may not be as distinguished as Tiers 1 and 2. Involvement in this tier could entail being part of a club's leadership team, actively participating in the National Honor Society, or leading a community service project.
4. Tier 4: The most common type of extracurriculars; these activities include general membership in a club, participating in a sport, playing in the school band, or engaging in regular volunteering.
To make your application stand out, it's ideal to have a mix of these tiers, with a few activities focused on your primary passion or "spike" (a highly developed specialty). This shows colleges that you have a strong commitment to your interests and have achieved notable success in your chosen field.
Consider exploring your interests, getting involved in the community, or participating in clubs/activities that align with your intended major. And remember, it's always better to have deep involvement in a few activities than shallow participation in many. Good luck with your extracurricular journey!
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