What types of activities and honors should I focus on?

Hey everyone! I'm starting to think about college applications and I want to make sure I have a strong profile. What types of activities and honors are colleges typically looking for? Is it better to be well-rounded or deeply involved in a few select areas?

It's great that you're considering your extracurriculars and honors as you plan for college applications. Colleges are typically looking for applicants who demonstrate both depth and breadth in their activities. This means being deeply involved in a few select areas (known as a "spike") while also having a range of interests and experiences.

To help you understand the significance of different activities and honors, admissions committees often use a well-known framework called the "4 Tiers of Extracurriculars":

1. Tier 1: These are rare activities that show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level. Examples include national awards like a Congressional Art award, being a top-ranked athlete, or participating in the International Math Olympiad.

2. Tier 2: Slightly more common than Tier 1 but still showcasing high levels of achievement and leadership. Activities in this tier include student body president, playing in a state orchestra, or being a top-ranked tennis player in the state.

3. Tier 3: Lacking the distinction of Tiers 1 and 2, but still highlighting the student's interests. Examples include holding a leadership role in a club, being in the National Honor Society, or serving as a team captain in sports.

4. Tier 4: The most common and often seen by admissions committees. These activities include general club/sports/musical participation and general volunteering.

To build a strong profile, you should aim to have a balance of activities across these tiers, with a focus on developing a "spike" in one or more areas of deep interest or passion. Most successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurriculars, but many are seasonal activities, which allows a student to be highly-involved in a few of them. Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to choosing extracurriculars.

In terms of honors, it's essential to prioritize those that are prestigious and align with your interests or future goals. National or international awards, school-wide honors, or other highly selective recognitions will hold more weight than non-selective ones.

In summary, focus on being deeply committed to a few areas where you can excel and demonstrate leadership, while also participating in a variety of other activities to show a well-rounded and versatile involvement. Strive to earn honors that reflect your passion and achievements in your chosen field(s).