Extracurriculars: What Matters More, Quality or Quantity?

Extracurriculars are obviously important, but I'm unsure what sort of balance I should strive for. Is it better to try out tons of different activities or to commit deeply to a few? Any examples of extracurriculars that look particularly good on college applications? Thanks in advance!

In the college admissions process, the quality of your involvement in your extracurricular activities tends to matter more than the sheer quantity of them. Admissions committees are looking for commitments that show depth, leadership, and sustained interest, as these are indicative of a student's ability to contribute significantly to their college community as well.

For instance, being the captain of a sports team, playing in a state-level orchestra, or winning a national or international contest are all examples of high-level commitment and achievement (Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities, according to CollegeVine's 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars). These kinds of activities demonstrate your ability to make a substantial impact in a specific area, and they're often viewed more favorably than a long list of low-involvement activities (Tier 3 or Tier 4 activities).

Of course, quantity can still have some importance. Having a breadth of experiences can help you discover your passions and illustrate your ability to handle a variety of commitments. Many successful college applicants have 8-10 extracurriculars, often seasonal ones, but they're highly involved in a few of them.

While it's good to strive for depth in a few select areas, remember that the specific activities themselves should ideally be something you're genuinely interested in. Authentic involvement tends to be more meaningful and often leads to greater personal growth and higher accomplishments. Ultimately, choose extracurriculars that align with your interests and demonstrate both your engagement and your potential for leadership.