Best activities to boost my college application?

I'm a junior trying to make my college application stand out. What are some activities I should be involved in to boost my chances of getting into a good college? I'm interested in both academic and extracurricular options.

A key aspect to consider when choosing activities to boost your college application is the concept of "spikes" or areas of specialty. Top colleges are often looking for students who are highly developed in a particular area. Essentially, instead of trying to be just fairly good at a wide range of activities ("well-rounded"), endeavor to be exceptional at a particular field or interest.

For example, if you're interested in computer science, you could participate in coding competitions, start a coding club in your school or local community, create an app or a game, or even intern at a tech company. This shows colleges that you're dedicated and ambitious in your field, and also gives you real-world experience.

In terms of extracurriculars, you'll want to aim high on the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. Ideally, you should aim for activities in Tier 1, which represents rare achievements at the national or international level; or Tier 2, which still showcases substantial achievement and leadership. Again, depth of engagement and achievement in these activities are more important than broad involvement in many clubs or activities.

If you're thinking about sports or arts, know that colleges appreciate an actual commitment beyond school teams or classes. Competing at a high level, winning awards, leading a community art project - these are all ways to show colleges you take your interests seriously.

Keep in mind that it's not about checking off a box or joining something just because you think it will look good on an application. Colleges appreciate authenticity and it's important that you choose activities that genuinely reflect your interests and passions. This will not only benefit you in your application but also make your high school experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. Remember, investing your time and energy into a few key areas will be more beneficial than stretching yourself thinly across a vast array of activities. Good luck!