Are internships a must for college applications?

I'm a junior in high school and have read a lot about the importance of internships on college applications. Is it really necessary to have internships to be a competitive college applicant, or are other extracurricular activities also valued? Can anyone share their experiences?

While internships can be a fantastic asset on a college application, they are by no means a requirement. It's perfectly fine if you haven't completed any internships, as long as you've spent time outside of class in ways that are meaningful to you.

Different colleges value different aspects of an applicant's profile, but almost all of them look for depth and continuous commitment in extracurricular activities. Universities appreciate a 'spike,' characteristic, where a student exceeds in a particular area, symbolizing their passion and commitment. This 'spike' could come from internships, but it might also come from other activities such as research projects, part-time jobs, volunteering, starting a business, or being deeply involved in clubs or sports.

Remember, the key is demonstrating passion, leadership, and dedication, along with how you've impacted the community or organization you're involved in. So whether you're serving as a club officer or interning at a business, getting involved in any capacity can boost your application.

For example, if you have a leadership role in a school club related to your aspiring field and have invested considerable time and energy into making a significant impact, this can be just as valuable on your application.

Ultimately, the goal is to choose activities that align with your future goals and passions rather than focusing solely on their perceived prestige. Pursuing what genuinely interests you is likely to lead to more meaningful contributions, and consequently, a stronger application.