Defining Extracurriculars

I'm a bit confused about what counts as an extracurricular activity when it comes to college admissions. Can anyone provide some examples or help me understand what types of activities are considered extracurriculars?

Certainly! Extracurricular activities refer to any activities and pursuits outside of your regular academic coursework. These activities help colleges understand your interests, passions, and leadership potential. They can be divided into four tiers, based on their level of recognition and commitment. I'll provide some examples in each tier to help clarify:

Tier 1: Rare activities with national or international recognition.

- Winning a Congressional Art Award

- Being a top-ranked athlete in your sport

- Participating in the International Math Olympiad

Tier 2: Activities showcasing high levels of achievement and leadership, but slightly more common than Tier 1.

- Student body president

- Playing in a state orchestra

- Being a top-ranked tennis player in your state

Tier 3: Activities highlighting your interests and may involve leadership roles but are less distinct than Tiers 1 and 2.

- Club president or other leadership role

- Captain of a school sports team

- Leader in a community service group

Tier 4: The most common activities seen by admissions committees.

- General club/sports/musical membership

- Volunteering without a specific leadership role

- Part-time jobs

It's important to note that quality matters more than quantity, so it's better to be highly involved and passionate about a few activities rather than spread thin across many. Keep in mind that these tiers are just a way to frame the variety of extracurricular activities; colleges want to see applicants who engage in meaningful activities that demonstrate genuine interest and growth.

For more information on these tiers click here: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

In summary, anything you participate in outside of your schoolwork can count as an extracurricular, whether it be in partnership with your school, community, or on your own. The key is to show dedication, growth, and passion within your chosen activities.