High school activities that would look good on a college app?

I'm trying to fill my time with meaningful activities in high school, not just for college apps but to explore my interests too. Lately, it's been a struggle trying to find ones that are fun and worth putting on my resume. What are some activities that helped develop your skills and made your application stand out?

It's awesome that you're thinking about engaging in activities that are both meaningful to you and might strengthen your application.

First, let's consider academic clubs, like Math Club, Science Olympiad, Debate, or Model UN. These clubs often have competitions that you could potentially excel in and would demonstrate both your subject interest and dedication.

Another area to consider is leadership roles, such as becoming a class officer or leading a club. These positions particularly stand out to admissions officers as they showcase a student's ability to manage time, coordinate people, and influence change.

Next, consider activities related to service or social activism. This could be volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a food drive, or joining (or starting!) a club focused on social justice issues. Demonstrating compassion and commitment to bettering your community speaks volumes about your character.

Arts and athletics can also be worthwhile pursuits; be it drama, music, painting, football, or swimming. These activities highlight your creativity and discipline. Just remember, the focus should be on depth rather than breadth; colleges prefer to see sustained commitment and achievement in one or two areas rather than brief participation in many.

Keep in mind that engaging in activities where you can achieve some level of distinction would make your application stand out. This could mean progressing to leadership positions, winning awards, or spearheading initiatives.

Lastly, know that these activities do not need to be conventional extracurriculars. Passion projects, like starting an online business, writing a blog, or creating a community event, are both distinct and impressive to admissions personnel. So if any of these ideas sparks an interest, pursue it!

The key is to find something you genuinely enjoy. Your passion will naturally lead to dedication and potential leadership roles or awards, which will strengthen your application – and most importantly make high school more fun!