Hey folks! Hope you're all doing great. So I'm in my junior year and I've been told that extracurricular activities could really strengthen my college application. Could you guys share some unique and effective examples of extracurriculars that I could potentially undertake in high school?
Sure, happy to help brainstorm some ideas! The best way to approach extracurriculars is by aligning them with your intended major or your passions. Here are some general examples.
1. If you're interested in the sciences, look into research opportunities. This can mean working in a local university's lab, conducting your own experimentation under the guidance of a mentor, or even participating in science fairs.
2. If you're an aspiring writer or passionate about literature, start a blog or write for a local newspaper. You could also consider joining or starting a book club, or participating in writing competitions.
3. Interested in politics or social issues? You might join a school or local debate team, run for a student government position, or start a club to raise awareness for a cause you care about.
4. As for business-minded students, consider activities like DECA (a business competition club), running your own small business, or starting an investment club at school.
5. If you're more into arts, consider joining theater groups, forming a band, participating in art shows, and even organizing art events at your school or in your community.
Remember that quality trumps quantity. Colleges value sustained and committed involvement with significant leadership roles or achievements. So, instead of focusing on having a plethora of activities, focus on a few that you are genuinely passionate about and want to make a difference in.
For achieving distinction, consider the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. Aim for activities that fall into Tiers 1 and 2—these demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership, such as winning national awards or being a top player in your state for a sport. But don't be discouraged if you're currently at Tier 3 or 4—activity tiers can be fluid, and initiative and growth are greatly valuable. For example, if you're part of a club as a general member (Tier 4), you can elevate the experience by becoming a leader and spearheading major changes or successful projects (potentially becoming Tier 2 or even 1).
Best of luck in finding the right extracurriculars for you!
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