So, I've been thinking that I need more involvement in my school community. What are some extracurricular activities for students that you would recommend? Ideally something that could also add value to my college applications.
When choosing extracurricular activities, it's essential to consider activities that resonate with your interests and future aspirations. Here are some recommendations:
1. Student Government: If you have leadership skills, or aspire to develop them, joining the student government could be a fantastic option. You'll have a hand in planning activities, representing your fellow students, and solving problems. It's a Tier 2 activity that demonstrates leadership and dedication.
2. Sports Teams or Individual Sports: Participating in a sports team at school can be a rewarding experience and a good addition to your college application. If you're particularly skilled and end up in a leadership position or receive regional/statewide recognition, it can be a Tier 1 or 2 activity.
3. Quiz or Debate team: If you're academically inclined and enjoy competition, consider joining a quiz team, debate team, or even the Model United Nations club.
4. Music or Drama Groups: If you have a creative bent, participating in music, drama, or other arts-focused clubs can show your dedication to these areas.
5. Volunteering/Community Service: Many schools have service clubs that work on community-related projects. It's a great way to give back, and also shows colleges that you are involved with and committed to your community.
6. Special Interest Clubs: If there's a subject or hobby you're passionate about, see if your school has a related club. If not, consider starting one. It could be anything from a coding club to a film appreciation society.
7. Academic Clubs/Teams: If you excel in a particular academic subject (like math, science, or history), joining a related club or team can be beneficial. It shows your dedication and passion for the field, and competitions/achievements can boost it to a higher tier activity.
As you choose your activities, remember that quantity is not as important as quality—being highly involved in a few is often more impressive than being lightly involved in several. Different activities can show different skills and characteristics, so consider a mix of leadership, service, academic, and passion-based activities.
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