Recommended Extra Curricular Activities

Currently a junior and I'm starting to think more about my college applications. I've heard colleges like to see a well-rounded student, so what extra curricular activities would look really good on an application?

Understanding how colleges evaluate extracurricular activities is integral to picking ones that will enhance your application. The presumption that colleges prefer "well-rounded" students isn't entirely correct. Yes, colleges value students with diverse experiences, but it's equally important to show deep commitment and contribution in one or two areas — this demonstrates passion, resilience, and leadership.

Colleges evaluate extracurriculars based on a tier system:

1. Tier 1: These are rare and involve exceptional achievement, like national or international awards or accomplishments. For example, being a finalist in the National Science Olympiad or winning a national chess championship.

2. Tier 2: Activities in this tier are not as rare as Tier 1 but still showcase leadership and talent. Being a team captain, student body president, or earning a lead role in the school play would fall into this category.

3. Tier 3: Still valuable, these activities demonstrate the student's interests and engagement, like being part of a club or volunteering.

4. Tier 4: Activities in this tier are quite common and include general membership in clubs, sports teams, and community service.

Colleges value commitment (how much time and over how many years you've invested), leadership (did you advance to hold a leadership position?), and impact (how have your efforts made a difference?). While it's beneficial to have Tier 1 activities, they're quite rare, and most students will have Tier 2 and 3 activities.

In essence, it's not just about what activities you do but how you engage with them. The best extracurricular for you is one you are genuinely passionate about and where you strive for growth, impact, and ideally leadership. The goal should be to create a compelling narrative about who you are and what you can bring to the school's community.