What High School Clubs Look Best for College?

Hi everyone, I'm curious about which high school clubs will make my college application stand out. Are there any clubs that are known to impress admissions officers?

The clubs that look the best on college applications are ones that you are genuinely passionate about, where you can demonstrate active participation and ideally a leadership role. Rather than looking to join clubs that you think colleges want to see, focus on your interests and how you can make an impact.

Prestigious clubs or organizations like Math Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, or Model UN can indeed be impressive, particularly if you earn recognition or take on leadership roles. However, less conventional clubs such as a niche interest club or service organization can also shine on an application if you show commitment and initiative.

Remember the tier system for extracurriculars:

- Tier 1: These are rare and highly impressive, indicating national or international level achievement or leadership.

- Tier 2: Local leadership or statewide recognition falls under this tier.

- Tier 3: This level tends to include involvement and leadership in school or community based activities.

- Tier 4: General participation in a club or activity typically falls under this tier.

If you can work to be a Tier 1 or 2 member in any club, you'll have a strong extracurricular profile. Therefore, the specific club you join is less important than the level of involvement, commitment, and leadership you can bring to it.

Lastly, colleges value the unique aspects you bring to their campus community. If you passionately participate in a less typical club that aligns with your interests, it could be just as impacting on your application. For example, you may have developed a unique skill or perspective through a hobbyist club such as a coding, cooking, or comedy club.

In the end, do what you love! Depth, not breadth, of involvement is what impresses admissions officers.