Loading up on Extracurriculars

Hey guys, I'm currently a junior and I feel like I haven't involved myself in that many extracurriculars yet. Any suggestions for what I can still join? I'm interested in both service and academic related activities. Would love to hear what you all are doing!

It's smart to be thinking about expanding your extracurricular involvement at this stage! Remember, colleges look for student involvement in a range of activities that demonstrate quality more than quantity.

Service-oriented extracurriculars can showcase your commitment to community and willingness to be involved. If your school offers clubs like Key Club or Beta Club, those might be great to consider. They often involve service opportunities and can allow you to take on leadership roles. Similarly, you can also volunteer at local non-profit organizations or initiate your own service project. Demonstrating initiative and impact carries a lot of weight.

On the academic side, joining an academic competition team or club, such as Quiz Bowl, Math Team, Science Olympiad, or even Debate Team, can show your deep interest in academic subjects. Being a part of such teams often involves competitions and these can also add to your achievements.

Remember, colleges appreciate students showing "spikes" - demonstrating a high level of achievement in their chosen area(s) of interest. So, focus on a few things you're truly passionate about and stick with them. This will allow you to have a more meaningful and impactful contribution. For example, if you're interested in history, you might join (or start, if it doesn't already exist) a History Club, organize historical events, participate in competitions like National History Day, etc.

Just ensure that the activities align with your interests as your passion will shine through your application and make your participation more satisfying. And remember, taking on a leadership role in the activities you're involved in can be just as effective as joining a new club, if not more so! Good luck!