Hello! I'm working on building up my resume for college applications, particularly to Ivy League schools. I'm struggling to figure out how many extracurricular activities I should aim for to be competitive. Any advice from people who have gone through this process would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hey there! It's great that you're being proactive in planning your resume for college applications. As someone who has seen this process first-hand with my own child, I can tell you that there isn't a magical number of extracurriculars that will guarantee you acceptance into an Ivy League school.
The key is to focus on quality over quantity. It's better to be deeply involved in a few activities that you're passionate about, rather than superficially participating in many just to increase the number. Colleges are interested in seeing sustained commitment and impact.
For example, my child excelled in three main activities: debate club, volunteering at a local hospital, and playing the violin in the school orchestra. They held leadership roles, organized events, and made meaningful contributions in these activities, which ultimately helped them stand out during the admissions process.
In short, be genuine and choose activities that resonate with you and where you can make a significant impact. Best of luck with your endeavors!
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