Hey all! I'm working on my college applications, and I want to make sure I'm presenting my extracurricular activities in the best way possible. Does anyone have any examples of strong activity lists or tips on how to organize and showcase them? Thanks!
Hey there! A strong activity list showcases a student's commitment, passion, and achievements in a variety of activities. To give you an idea of what a strong activity list looks like, here's a hypothetical example:
1. Student Body President (11th, 12th): Led school-wide initiatives and managed the student government.
2. Varsity Soccer Captain (10th-12th): Competed on the team for four years, served as captain in junior and senior year, and earned All-State honors.
3. Founder of Robotics Club (9th-12th): Created the club, recruited members, and organized competitions with neighboring schools.
4. Science Olympiad (9th-12th): Participated in several events, earning regional and state awards over the years.
5. National Honor Society (11th, 12th): Held a leadership position and initiated a tutoring program for underclassmen.
6. Volunteer at the local animal shelter (9th-12th): Logged 150+ hours, helped with adoption events, and fostered animals.
7. Social Media Manager for a nonprofit (11th, 12th): Managed Instagram and Twitter accounts, improving engagement for an environmental charity.
8. Peer Mentor (11th, 12th): Guided freshman students through their first year of high school, serving as a role model and resource.
A few tips to organize and showcase your activities:
- List them in order of importance: Your most significant and impactful activities should be at the top of your list. This ordering signals to colleges what you value and what you're most passionate about.
- Be concise yet specific: Try to summarize your involvement and achievements clearly and concisely. Mention any leadership roles, awards, or tangible impacts.
- Show commitment: Highlight sustained involvement over the years in your activities, demonstrating dedication and growth.
- Emphasize your "spike": If you have a specific area of interest that you excel in (like STEM or the arts), make sure your related activities stand out.
Remember, it's vital to have a mix of activities that showcase your talents, leadership, passion, and commitment. Good luck with your applications!
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