Need advice on selecting curricular activities

Hi everyone, I'm a little bit stressed about my curricular activities. Is there a 'best' type of curricular activity that colleges tend to appreciate more? Should I only focus on what I like or should I aim for a well-rounded list? Thanks for any help!

When deciding on extracurricular activities, it's important to prioritize ones that genuinely interest you and where you have the potential to make a significant contribution or show leadership potential. Colleges appreciate consistency, dedication, and impact - they like to see that students have committed to activities for a substantial period and made a real difference through their involvement.

That being said, it's also beneficial to consider the principle of demonstrating a "spike" in your activities rather than focusing on being "well-rounded". A spike means having a specialized interest or strength that sets you apart. Colleges are often more excited by applicants with a distinct area of passion or expertise, rather than those who are moderately involved in a wide variety of things.

There's actually a system called the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars:

- Tier 1 extracurriculars show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level.

- Tier 2 activities demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

- Tier 3 activities might not stand out as much but still reflect your interests and involvement.

- Tier 4 activities are common and often seen by admissions committees, providing more generalized experience.

While Tier 1 and 2 activities certainly stand out, it's crucial to remember that admission teams also value consistency and genuine passion. If you're deeply committed and truly enjoy a Tier 3 or 4 activity, by all means, stick with it!

So, instead of building a "well-rounded" list, it's generally more effective to cultivate depth in one or two areas. Find something you're passionate about that aligns with your potential career interests, and then pursue that passion to the best of your ability. This approach will be more rewarding personally and more impressive to colleges.