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6 months ago
Admissions Advice
[edited]
Discussion
confusedjunior
extracurricular

Are my extracurriculars where they should be for PolySci and/or Urban Planning at USF, FSU, or UF?

As a junior in high school, I’ve been working to build up my extracurricular portfolio. I’m interested in majoring in either urban planning or political science, ideally at Florida State University or University of South Florida. I’m not sure if my extracurricular activities are focused enough to get me there, and I'm looking for advice on how I could potentially improve them, whether by getting more involved or adding EC's that would have a greater impact and dropping those that are a time sink.

For some context, below are the extracurricular I did freshman and sophomore and what I'm planning on/currently doing for junior year. I was not able to participate in many things during freshman year, so I only did things virtually during the spring semester.

Freshman Year: Virtual graphic design internship with my county's public library system(about month and a half), volunteered to help with social media and graphic design for a local nonprofit centering on homelessness, volunteered in a local foundations MLK Day of Service, junior ambassador for Goodwill virtually (about a month long, got some volunteer hours from it). Future leaders in planning summer program with my cities planning commission that was a week long and about the length of a school day.

Sophomore Year: Continued volunteering w/ social media for the same nonprofit, MLK Day of service again, Editor position for school's online newspaper in the section with the most articles, and Future leaders in planning program again. Not sure if it means anything, but nominated to participate in a law program in Washington DC, but was not able to participate due to financial reasons.

Junior Year: Job shadowing with a local planning organization. I'm going to see if I can inquire about something more official like an internship position over the summer. MLK Day of service again. Not counting on being selected for Future Leaders in planning, since I've been in it twice but I'm hoping to help as a student volunteer if not chosen as a participant. In the running for a chess club leadership position to help run the club. Member of Spanish Nuts at Practice club, no opportunities for leadership but the club does presentations and participates in things locally. Currently waitlisted for a literary mentee/mentor program If I'm paired with a mentor will work with them on a project related to my potential major/s but it isn't set in stone. Continuing virtual volunteering with nonprofit, but on a more infrequent basis.

I’m not sure if they demonstrate enough focus towards my intended majors/career fields, or if its alright if not many of them have been for extended periods of time. Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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6 months ago
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So far they look great, especially the local planning organization, if your looking to go for political science, and/or pursue that as a career perhaps look into local government internships. For instance locally for me there is an internship with the county gov which would allow you to work directly with a government office of your choice. I would also recommend speaking to a career coach/counselor or your guidance counselor about opportunities if you can.

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