Building my extracurriculars list

Hey everyone, I'm looking for help creating a well-rounded and impressive extracurriculars list. What activities should I consider joining and how can I really make them stand out on my college application?

When building your extracurriculars list, focus on quality rather than quantity. It's better to deeply engage in a few activities that truly interest you instead of superficially participating in numerous clubs. Here are some steps to help build an impressive extracurriculars list:

1. Determine your interests and passions: Reflect on hobbies or subjects you enjoy and brainstorm ways they can be turned into extracurricular activities. For example, if you're passionate about environmental conservation, you could join (or start) a school recycling or green initiatives club.

2. Seek leadership opportunities: Colleges appreciate students who demonstrate leadership and initiative, so take on roles with responsibilities, such as club president, team captain, or lead organizer for events.

3. Be consistent: Demonstrate a long-term commitment to your extracurriculars by participating for several years. Colleges like to see growth and dedication rather than a list of one-off interests.

4. Aim for a "spike" or speciality: Top colleges prefer students with well-developed skills in a specific field, as opposed to broadly "well-rounded" students. Identify an area you excel in or are passionate about and make it a significant part of your activities list.

5. Think beyond school clubs: Extracurricular activities don't have to be limited to school clubs and sports. Consider community service, internships, part-time jobs, or even online collaborations. Showcasing your ability to engage with various communities can be valuable to your application.

To make your extracurriculars stand out, consider the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars:

- Tier 1: Rare activities showcasing achievement or leadership at national or international levels. Aim to achieve in competitions or gain prestigious recognition.

- Tier 2: Smaller-scale, but still impressive achievements like being a student body president, state-level athlete, or other locally-recognized accomplishments.

- Tier 3: Activities with leadership roles, such as leading a club or being a sports team captain.

- Tier 4: General participation in clubs, sports, or volunteering.

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

Instead of trying to fill all tiers, focus on developing a couple of Tier 1 or 2 activities to truly stand out on your application. Remember, personalized and dedicated involvement is more important than superficial participation in several activities. Good luck!