Trying to figure out what my schedule should look like going into my senior year - does anyone know what sort of extracurricular activities colleges are really looking for these days?
In terms of extracurricular activities, different colleges have different preferences, but all place a premium on activities that demonstrate leadership, initiative, commitment, and passion. Also, keep in mind that they value depth over breadth; participation in a few activities where you have a significant impact will look better than superficial participation in a large number of clubs or teams.
Once again, it's not about cramming your resume with as many activities as possible, but about showcasing a few activities that you are genuinely passionate about and have dedicated considerable time and effort to. This could be anything from a sport to a club to a volunteer activity – the key is to show that you have made a significant commitment and contributed in a meaningful way.
It's important to have some balance in your activities, as most colleges value students who can thrive in a range of settings. It’s also key to develop a “spike” of specialization in your application. This can be a very high level of achievement in one extracurricular sphere. For instance, playing an instrument at a state or national level, or being a founder of a successful social enterprise.
At the top tier, colleges especially appreciate activities that demonstrate an impressive level of achievement, such as those in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level - think Congressional Art Awards or winning Math Olympiad. Tier 2 activities, while a little more common, still showcase a high level of achievement or leadership such as being student body president or playing in the state orchestra.
Sometimes, the most impactful and attractive extracurricular activities align with your intended major or career path. For instance, if you're interested in science, conducting research at a local university could be an impactful extracurricular.
And importantly, don't forget to enjoy your senior year! Extracurricular activities should also be a way for you to unwind and do what you love, not just a means to an end. So pick activities you're truly passionate about, not just what you think colleges want to see.
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