I’m trying to build up my application and wanted to know about some extra curricular that would look really impressive. Any suggestions?
It's crucial to remember that colleges value quality over quantity regarding extracurricular activities. They’re more interested in seeing commitment and leadership abilities, rather than a high number of activities with less involvement. Let's look at some extracurricular activities sorted by tiers, according to their popularity and impressive value:
Tier 1 (rare, exceptional achievement or leadership)
- Winning a national or international level competition like the International Math Olympiad or a Congressional Art award.
- Being ranked nationally/ internationally in a sport.
Tier 2 (common but showcase high levels of achievement or leadership)
- Serving as the student body president
- Working on a significant research project that gets published
- Holding leadership in top-tier student organizations
Tier 3 (more common but still highlight student’s interests)
- Being the captain of a sports team
- Holding a leadership role in clubs, like the Chess Club President, Debate Team Captain, etc.
- Becoming an NHS member.
Tier 4 (most common)
- Regularly volunteering in a community service.
- Participating in general club/sports membership.
Remember to choose activities aligned with your passions and potential academic interests in college. For instance, if you're interested in the sciences, participating in Science Olympiad or conducting a research project would be a great fit.
Lastly, crafting a "spike" or deep interest in one area through your extracurriculars is highly valued. This could mean intensively focusing on one area (like music, journalism, or marine biology) and sinking significant time and effort into pursuing it. Building a strong spike can really set you apart and show colleges your dedication and passion.
The focus should be on what you enjoy and can commit to rather than just what you think will impress the admissions committee. If you're genuinely engaged, you'll naturally demonstrate the passions and skills colleges are looking for.
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