Extracurricular Activities?

Stressed junior here. I've heard ECs can make or break your application. I'm doing some clubs and volunteering, but want to make sure I'm not missing out on something cool. Do you guys have a list of extracurricular activities that colleges find attractive?

Colleges definitely take your extracurricular activities into account in the admissions process because they're interested in getting a sense of who you are outside the classroom. Also, involved students often contribute more to the campus community, and colleges value that.

It should be highlighted that the quality of your involvement matters more than the number of activities you're in. What's key is showing a deep level of commitment and leadership over time rather than trying to accumulate lots of activities superficially.

When thinking about extracurriculars, it can be helpful to categorize them into tiers based on how selective they are and the level of achievement they represent. The 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars is a useful tool for this.

Tier 1 extracurriculars are the most impressive and rare. They show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level, such as winning a national competition.

Tier 2 activities still showcase high levels of achievement and leadership, but they're a bit more common. These might include being your school's student body president or the captain of a sports team.

Tier 3 activities still highlight your interests and involvement, and they're a bit more easy to find. They include activities like club membership or general volunteering.

Tier 4 activities are the most common and are often seen by admissions committees. These include general club or sports participation and non-selective volunteering.

Focus on cultivating activities aligned with your interests and where you can have an impact. Colleges are more interested in seeing that you're passionate and engaged in your pursuits rather than collecting a checklist of common activities. So, if you're already involved in clubs and volunteering that align with your interests, you seem to be on the right track! Consider ways you can take on leadership positions or initiate projects within those activities to differentiate yourself.

If you're looking for ideas, remember that anything you do outside of class can be an extracurricular, including part-time jobs, internships, research projects, and even hobbies. It's all about expressing your interests and demonstrating your skills and dedication.