If you’re like most American high school students, the subject of college admissions is often on your mind. Chances are, the question of which extracurricular activities will have the most positive impact on your college application has often entered your thoughts, too. The basic answer to that question is simple: unless you’re a stellar athlete, you should choose an academic or artistic focus and have all or most of your extracurricular activities revolve around that focus. Here are some tips for increasing your probability of your favorite school choosing you while still enjoying your high school experience:
1.Begin by choosing your focus: If the answer to what your focus should be isn’t immediately obvious, being by asking yourself a few key questions. What are your favorite subjects in school? In which classes do you have A’s and high B’s? In which subjects have you won awards or recognition in the past? Are you in your school’s gifted and talented program for a specific subject? If you’re like many people, you probably have several interests, but it’s important to select the dominant ones. Chances are that you fall until one of three broad categories: 1) Math, Science, and Technology, 2) Humanities or 3) Arts and Media. Obviously, there will be some overlaps in these three categories, but try to commit yourself to one of these categories. Then start your quest to selecting one to three activities in which you can participate all four years of high school and then some supplementary ones for the summertime, weekends, or school breaks.
2.Think about relevant clubs at your school: If your school has clubs, determine which ones best fit your focus. If you’re a category 1 person, join the school science or chess clubs, for instance. Category 2 students might try debate and speech club or Model United Nations, while Category 3 students would probably gravitate towards the school literary magazine or the art club. If your school does not have any clubs, ask your principal if you can start one, but if that’s not an option, look to see what your local community offers.
3.Consider volunteer opportunities: Colleges love to see community involvement, so if you have the time to volunteer, be sure to do so. If you live in a city, you’re probably surrounded by a plethora of volunteer gigs, but if you’re in a rural community, places to volunteer may be harder to find. Category 1 students may want to volunteer at a research lab, a science company, a zoo, a nature center, or an animal shelter. Also ask elementary or middle school math or science teachers if they need help grading papers or organizing lessons after school. Category 2 students can look into volunteering at a literacy organization, a history museum, or the library. Local theaters, art galleries, or dance schools are great places for Category 3 students to find volunteer opportunities.
4.Look to your church: If you belong to a church youth group, there are probably many ways in which you can help that
will not only add to your activities list for high school, but also grant you a sense of satisfaction for doing something good. If you are a Category 1 student, you might try asking your church leader if you can design the church website; Category 2 students can ask their church leaders if they can help write the church newsletter; and Category 3 students should ask their church leaders if they can organize an art auction or put on a church play.
5.Get a job or an internship: If you have time during the school year and if your parents have no objections, consider getting a job or an internship that caters to your interests. In this way, you can earn work experience and possibly some extra cash for college, too. Category 1 students should look into positions at pet stores, computer stores, science labs, and hospitals. Category 2 students should see what’s available at museums, bookstores, libraries, and local newspaper. Category 2 students might want to check out local theaters, framing stores, photo shops, and private galleries.
There are plenty of ways you can spice up your college application and your activities list is certainly a crucial part to landing acceptance into your dream college. Try to keep your activities related to one another, but distinct enough that you don’t get bored. The most important part is to have learn while having fun doing whatever it is you decide to do.
