If I want to get into a top 20 college, how do I show excellence in creative writing as my primary extracurricular?
So far, I've been published in a three literary magazines/websites, won a few local creative writing contests, and I've been a finalist or received honorable mentions in national writing contests. Additionally, I've published stories and poems on websites that aren't very selective like LA Times High School Insider and Teen Ink. I'm writing a novel currently, but I doubt that it'll be published by the time I apply to colleges.
I would appreciate any suggestions on how to strengthen creative writing as an extracurricular! Thank you!
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2 answers
I think you’ve already shown excellence in creative writing! You’ve received awards at the national level and been published multiple times (which is no small feat!) You don’t have to have a New York Times bestseller to show that you are a good writer who is dedicated to her craft. Ultimately, colleges are looking for you to show dedication to and passion for your extracurriculars, which is clearly the case here. I would say keep up the good work and challenge yourself — submit to more prestigious magazines and contests. If your school has a literary magazine of its own, consider joining the editorial staff. If it doesn’t, consider starting one. There is lots of opportunity to be creative here!
You can try to get a recommendation letter from the editors of the literary magazines/websites regarding your work IF they know you well.
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