8
3 years ago
Admissions Advice

Extracurricular activities

What extracurricular activities could i possibly do in order to get into top universities? I know few of them but still curious to find out about the ones which i don't know.

achievements
extracirriculars
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6
🎉 First post
Let’s welcome @Huzefa to the community! Remember to be kind, helpful, and supportive in your responses.
@Mano20063 years ago

I really suggest doing an internship, even if it is not a paid internship it shows top universities that you are ready, and you take initiative. If you aren't ready for that commitment, then try community service. Go to your nearest public library and see if they need help restocking books, chaperone a field trip for kids, you might be able to be in a non-profit organization. The sky is your limit

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4 answers

6
3 years ago

Do something you like, if you like it you will automatically be more involved. Ex. Robotics, DECA, Speech and Debate, Research clubs. I think that colleges want to see enthusiasm and commitment more than anything. There are lots of opportunities other than school-related activities such as jobs, volunteering, and internships that will also show commitment. If your school doesn't offer anything you are interested maybe start a club, that shows that you are taking initiative and being a leader.

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2
3 years ago

Thousands and thousands of students apply to top colleges, all demonstrating a powerful work ethic and academic capability. What sets apart the students who get in and don't get in, is their spike.

I like to think of a spike as something that literally pops out in a flat plain, sort of like that picture of a flower that's a different color from all the other flowers. Point is, you need to be that flower that stands out from the rest. The best way to present yourself as this is to distinguish your extracurriculars and achievements from the rest of people. You'll want to achieve something monumental with your extracurriculars, and theme it around a specific goal, interest, or passion project you're trying to achieve.

The reason why you're trying to do this is because when submitting your application, everything on their needs a purpose, sort of like a conclusion to an essay or something. Your extracurriculars need that "why does this matter" aspect, and this can only achieve with depth and purpose, rather than quantity over quality. Of course, if it's themed correctly, you can have quantity. It's also important to be somewhat well rounded and to have depth and breadth in other areas, but make sure your spike is notable and not in so much compensation.

Now, how do we achieve this spike? this is a question that I can't directly answer, because it's different for everyone. However, like I said, it usually revolves around a goal, interest, or passion project. It's usually something you care about or can present talent in, such as your artistic capability, writing capability, research capability, sports capability, activism capability, etc. You'll need to ask yourself what you're truly interested in, and then do research or make a collegevine post on extracurriculars for this interest.

Also, welcome to collegevine. You'll find blogs and such around here to also help you on this journey!

Additional resources:

https://www.collegevine.com/livestreams?search=spike

https://www.collegevine.com/livestreams?search=extracurricular

https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-find-your-college-application-spike/

2
0
3 years ago

Try not to get involved in too many extracurricular activities. Colleges would rather see you be focused on fewer extracurriculars that you are truly passionate about. For example: if you are interested in pre-med, you can get an internship at a hospital, join clubs related to health in your school, and help with COVID relief. Also, try joining honor societies, they are a great way to be involved around school and show colleges that you are responsible.

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0
3 years ago

I would recommend doing something that corresponds with your intended major - ex. an English major writing a novel. It shows that you are passionate about your area of study, and I've heard from both counselors and college admission officers that they like a spike on an application list more than a student who tries to do everything.

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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
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800

Extracurriculars

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