What Activities Should I Include on My Resume for College Applications?

As I'm starting to think about my college applications, I'm working on putting together my activities resume. I know extracurriculars are important, but I'm a bit lost on how to present everything I’ve done in high school.

What kinds of activities should I highlight to make my resume more compelling to college admissions officers? Should I focus more on leadership roles, or is it better to show a wide range of interests? Any tips would be super appreciated!

In your activities resume, it's important to showcase a combination of both breadth and depth. The types of activities you include should be ones that you have invested a significant amount of time in and demonstrate your passion and dedication. While the breadth of activities (i.e., having a diverse mix of activities) shows that you have a variety of interests, depth (i.e., being heavily involved in a few select activities) reveals a passion for specific pursuits and a level of commitment.

Leadership roles definitely add value to your resume. These roles highlight your skills in managing, inspiring, and coordinating others. They're a way colleges gauge your ability to contribute positively to their campus community.

However, it's equally important to show a wide range of interests. Your commitment to a singular interest or hobby exhibits a dedication and a deep passion, which is definitely attractive to colleges. Essentially, consider presenting an in-depth picture of one or two extracurriculars where you hold leadership or active roles.

Additionally, the significance of the role or the event also matters. Schools judge extracurriculars using the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. Tier 1 activities, for example, show exceptional achievement, like winning a national award. Tier 2 activities include being class president or playing in a state orchestra. While Tier 1 and 2 show high levels of achievement and leadership, Tier 3 and 4 activities, though common, still highlight some interests and involvement. All these tiers can help provide a well-rounded picture of your extracurricular involvement.

Remember to quantify your achievements wherever possible and be sure to include any distinctions or awards you've received. Whether you've volunteered 200 hours at your local hospital or raised $1,500 for your school's charity drive, concrete numbers can offer a real-world perspective of your efforts.

Finally, don't forget to include activities outside school too, such as part-time jobs, internships, volunteering work, or even personal projects. These can be just as impressive and revealing as school-based activities. For example, if you've developed a popular mobile app, credit yourself for the initiative and innovation. And a job flipping burgers or babysitting shows dedication and responsibility just as well.

To summarize, your resume should reflect a balanced mix of activities that depict you as a well-rounded individual with multiple interests and a deep commitment to one or two passions. Remember, the quality and impact of your activities weigh more than the quantity.