Hey guys, I'm working on my college applications, and I feel kinda lost about how to write a strong extracurricular essay. Can anyone provide me some tips on how to stand out and highlight the impact of my activities? Thanks!
Hi there! Writing a strong extracurricular essay is all about showcasing your passion, dedication, and the impact you've created through your activities. Here are some tips to help you write an essay that stands out:
1. Focus on one or two main activities: Choose the activities you're most passionate about and have spent a significant amount of time on. These should ideally be Tier 1-3 on the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars scale, demonstrating strong achievements, leadership, or personal growth.
2. Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to demonstrate your impact and involvement in the activity. For instance, if you've launched a club at your school, talk about the steps you took, the challenges you faced, and the results (e.g. how many members joined, events you organized, etc.).
3. Be personal and authentic: Share your personal story and why the activity matters to you. Describe how it has shaped your life, values, or future goals. Make sure your voice and personality shine through.
4. Highlight skills and growth: Reflect on the skills you've developed through the activity and how they've contributed to your personal development. Talk about how these skills might be transferable to your college experience and future career.
5. Structure your essay: Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention and introduce your main activity. Follow this with the body of the essay, focusing on the impact, skills, and growth you've experienced. Conclude by tying the activity back to your interests and future goals.
Remember, the goal of the extracurricular essay is to demonstrate your passion and the meaningful impact you've made, while also showcasing your personal development and future potential. For more information, there are many resources online that you can take a look at, but you might want to start with this detailed breakdown from collegevine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-most-important-extracurricular-supplement-essays
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