Filling in the Blanks About Extracurricular Activities

Hello everyone! I hear a lot about the importance of extracurricular activities for colleges, but what exactly do they mean? Can anyone tell me what they're considered to be and why colleges value them so much?

Extracurricular activities primarily refer to activities that you engage in outside of the regular school curriculum. These may include participation in various sports teams, arts clubs, academic societies, leadership roles, jobs, volunteering efforts, and even personal hobbies or self-taught skills. They can contribute to the development of robust soft skills such as interpersonal abilities, leadership capabilities, and time management, which are highly sought after by many institutions and employers.

From the perspective of colleges, extracurricular activities provide insight into a student's interests, commitment, character, and skills outside of the academic domain. They show colleges that you are multidimensional and that you can balance multiple responsibilities, a critical skill for college and beyond.

Colleges employ something called the "4 Tiers of Extracurriculars" to categorize and judge these activities. These range from Tier 1, rare activities that show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level, down to Tier 4, the most common activities like general club/sports/musical membership and general volunteering. High-tier extracurriculars can significantly boost an application, but remember, the quality of involvement matters more than the quantity.

It's worth noting that colleges aren't looking for a 'jack of all trades' type of student. Rather, they're interested in seeing a developed passion and depth in a chosen field of interest, which is also known as a "spike." Therefore, don't feel the need to join every club or activity available. Instead, focus on a few that genuinely interest you and where you can make a significant contribution or display leadership.

Keep in mind, however, that not all extracurriculars are treated equally. For example, joining NSHSS is not very impressive because it has loose academic requirements and is a "pay to play" extracurricular, so it's unlikely to enhance your application to a college.

In conclusion, extracurricular activities are a critical component of your college application, as they provide a more holistic view of you as a candidate. They demonstrate your dedication, leadership, and passion in areas outside of academics.