How Many Years of Social Studies Do You Need? Artistic extracurricular activities like art clubs, theatre, music, and dance showcase your creativity and individuality. Also, they include any jobs or internships the student has, as well as volunteer work the student performs. https://www.thoughtco.com/best-extracurricular-activities-788849 (accessed January 23, 2021). Participating in sports shows colleges that you have a strong sense of … It will be more impressive if you are involved with theater for four years rather than theater for a year, yearbook for a year, chorus for a year, and debate team for a year. You can also discuss the kinds of political issues you’re involved in the most and what motivates you to take action on these issues. Cross Country. Participating in sports shows colleges that you have a strong sense of commitment and that you’re willing to work hard to achieve your goals. John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, Financial Literacy & Responsible Borrowing, Center for Career & Professional Development. It shows the college that you are not just SAYING you want to be an architect or doctor, you are SHOWING them you took the initiative to explore this passion. What Admissions Boards Look for in Extracurricular Activities. To make it worth including on your college application, though, you should think about the activity in a little more depth. At my association’s conference that I attended earlier this month (IECA), I had the opportunity to attend a seminar with college admissions representatives from respected institutions (e.g., Boston College, Tufts, Allegheny…etc. How to Include Unconventional Extracurriculars on Your College Applications . That being said, it is important that a student enjoys the activities they are involved in. You moved from small roles to lead roles during your four years of high school, and you helped direct a play in the elementary school. Devashish Regmi. Here are 6 questions to…, 800 Country Club Road P.O. You played JV soccer in 9th and 10th grade. Dance team. You played flute in the concert band (1st chair). That’s a stumbling block for many MBA and … We all know that good grades are an important factor to getting into college . Grove, Allen. Don't be a dabbler. Whether you’ve been the president of a high school club or other organization or the captain of your sports team, these activities provide colleges with evidence that you have what it takes to be in a leadership position. If you have experience as a team captain, make sure you note this on your application, since this also highlights your leadership abilities. It’s no coincidence that a good portion of most four-year college applications inquire about a student’s activities outside the classroom. Develop a new initiative or campaign for an activity that you’re already in. Extracurricular Activities for College Application. What are the best extracurricular activities for a college application? Join your school's newspaper or yearbook. Students are pressured to volunteer at their local animal shelter, try out for a sports team, serve as secretary of a club, and more in hopes of demonstrating those elusive “leadership qualities” that colleges claim to seek in applicants. The Personality ActivityColleges are out to find students who are mature, have a good sense of direction and purpose, and have … Here are a few tips get the most out of your clubs and make them look awesome on your college applications! On the Common Application, you are allowed to list up to ten activities. Whatever your club/activity/sport of choice may be, the fact remains: The details of your involvement–what you actually did–is much more important than your simple participation.. Click here for 10 tips on how to up-level your list of activities. Author: Jason Patel Jason Patel is the founder of Transizion, a college counseling and career services company that provides mentorship and consulting on college applications, college essays, resumes, cover letters, interviews, and finding jobs and internships. These activities might seem like hobbies when you do them, but they offer a lot more when it comes to being accepted to the college of your choice. Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college. Big mistake! Colleges would rather see the depth of involvement in one or two activities, rather than a large number of extracurricular ... Whatever you do, do it well. What is important is what teenagers … Any or all of the following are among the best extracurricular activities for college applications. 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