What EC's make a difference in college applications?

Hi, friends! Lately I have been wondering about Extracurriculars (EC's) and their impact when applying for colleges. Which extracurriculars really make an impact and how should I choose what to focus on? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

This is a great question! When it comes to extracurriculars, what matters to colleges is not so much the specific activities you participate in, but the depth of your involvement. It's better to dedicate yourself deeply to a couple of activities you're passionate about, rather than spreading yourself thin across numerous clubs and sports.

Colleges often judge extracurriculars on the 4 Tiers system. Here's a brief rundown of each tier:

- Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level. Examples include winning a Congressional Art award or being the number five cross-country runner in the country.

- Tier 2 activities show a high level of achievement and leadership and include things like being student body president or playing in a state orchestra.

- Tier 3 activities highlight the student's interests and may include being a club president or a sport's team captain.

- Tier 4 activities are the most common and often seen by admissions committees. These include general club memberships or volunteering regularly.

Remember, quantity of extracurriculars isn't as important as quality. The best thing you can do is choose something that truly interests you, and strive to excel in it. The more you enjoy the activity, the better the experience is likely to be, and the more committed you'll be to achieving excellence within the activity. This will shine through in your college application!And of course, it's not just about impressing the admissions officers. Engaging deeply in activities you're passionate about can also provide you with valuable skills, experiences and life lessons that will serve you well beyond the college admissions process.