What are the top extracurriculars for high school students to get involved in?

A bit stressed here, trying to figure out which extracurriculars would best complement my academic pursuits and enhance my college application. Based on your experiences, what might be some of the top extracurriculars for high school students to get involved in? Hoping to hear some of your experiences and suggestions.

Extracurriculars can indeed play an essential role in the college application process, but remember that quality typically trumps quantity when speaking of involvement. From a college admissions perspective, they are often grouped into four tiers that reflect the degree of leadership, accomplishment, or distinction associated with them.

Tier 1 extracurriculars are rare, widely recognized, and signify exceptional achievement. Examples include national or international awards or recognition, like being a top-ranked athlete in a national league or winning the Intel Science Fair.

Tier 2 activities showcase less unique yet still significant levels of leadership or achievement. If you're a top performer or leader in a state-level activity, you're in this category. Examples might include being the captain of a state-winning team, or heading your school's student council.

Tier 3 activities represent less distinguished achievements but are still valuable to show dedication to an interest. Examples include holding a leadership role in a club or extracurricular organization, being a part of National Honors Society, or being captain of a sports team.

Tier 4 includes widely accessible activities, like being a general member of a non-selective club or participating in typical volunteer work.

While striving for Tier 1 or 2 activities could enhance your application, remember that what really shines through is your passion and commitment to the extracurriculars you choose. Many admissions officers appreciate when students dedicate considerable time and effort to an activity that genuinely interests them, and they can tell when students are padding their resumes with activities they're not invested in. Consider your interests and skills and choose activities that genuinely resonate with them.

Finally, don't underestimate the appeal of non-traditional activities, like running a small business, community service initiatives, or other unique ventures that you decided to take on outside of school. These diversify your ability to showcase leadership, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.

So rather than trying to guess what extracurricular will impress a college the most, follow your interests, and invest your time in activities and causes that you genuinely care about.