Hello peeps! I'm hitting a small roadblock while planning my extracurricular activities for this year. Does anyone have insights or personal experiences to share about their own extracurricular activities? Any advice on making the most out of them? All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
As you go about planning your extracurricular activities, remember that the key factor is to choose activities that genuinely align with your interests and ambitions. Don't feel the need to join every club or organization; quality always outweighs quantity. Students typically have between 8-10 extracurriculars, often scattered throughout the year because many are seasonal.
Prioritize investing more in activities that you are truly passionate about and demonstrate your depth or 'spike'. If you love art, for example, don't just be a member of the art club. Rise to a leadership position, organize exhibitions, or get your artwork recognized at a local or national level.
Another important consideration in high school is your active engagement in your chosen activities. Being actively engaged means that you are more than just a member, but that you're willing to contribute to these activities in meaningful ways.
Ideally, your activities should reflect the "4 Tiers of Extracurriculars" concept often recognized in the college admissions process. Some activities are more common and won't distinguish you like being a member of a school club (Tier 4). Others, like leadership roles in clubs or regional awards or recognition, fall into Tier 3 or Tier 2 respectively. Highly competitive or prestigious activities, such as national awards or international achievements, fall into Tier 1.
It also doesn’t hurt to engage in activities that may correlate with the major you wish to pursue in college. For instance, if you want to pursue Computer Science, starting a coding club or participating in coding competitions could demonstrate your commitment to this field.
Finally, do dedicate time to what you enjoy or care about. If you love volunteering at the animal shelter, don’t replace that with something you think will impress colleges more. Passion shines through on applications, and colleges want to admit people, not resumes.
Remember, taking part in extracurricular activities should be rewarding and interesting, not stressful and overwhelming. Choose wisely and enjoy the journey!
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