Sarah
Are extra curricular's required on a college application to get in?
I am in 9th grade and I have heard that college applications need extra curricular's. At the moment I am doing none and I need to know if I should get into some so that I can get into a college I prefer. #college #college-applications #extracurriculars
3 answers
Jared Chung
CareerVillage.org TeamJared’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Oh yes. DEFINITELY. College applications have become really competitive in recent years, and you're going to get MUCH better results if you can string together a cohesive application that shows some combination of responsibility and creativity (in addition to academic performance). Here's what I recommend: school, two after school clubs (in Sophomore or Junior year you want to have a leadership role in those clubs if possible), a volunteer program that you do on your own time to "give back", a summer internship or summer job, and something that is a personal project like publishing an e-cookbook or making a game or supporting a sibling with some kind of tutoring.
One thing that can sometimes get in the way is needing to make money to help out your family. If you need to make money for the family, it's important that you work extra hard to find opportunities that are paid, or that you start applying for scholarships in your community designed to give you money so you can take unpaid volunteer or internship roles.
Welcome to 9th grade! It's time to HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HARD! I'd be happy to answer follow-up questions. Maybe we can even help you brainstorm some ideas if you tell us more about what your interests are.
Source: I was just talking about this with a guidance counselor at a local High School yesterday. Also, I went to college and was able to look around at the other students to see what their applications were like.
Thanks Mr. Chung for taking the time to respond, if I have an follow-up questions I'll be sure to ask!
Sarah
Ali Dodd
Ali’s Answer
Extra curriculars are great opportunities to explore your passions and connect with people who have similar interests. Also, they are great ways to apply what you are learning in classes into real life situations, and gain skills you might not be able to learn in a classroom. That being said, I would advise being intentional about what activities you get involved in. While building up a resume, make sure you are getting involved in areas where you see yourself enjoying your time and growing. Colleges appreciate extra curriculars to show your time management, passions, dedication and well-roundedness. They are more interested in your dedication and learning experiences than the number of activities you are involved in. As a 9th grader, spend your first few years trying out multiple things: sports teams, arts, professional development, student government, etc. Then assess what you think you may be interested in and be realistic about how much time you have to give to each, in addition to your studies. Once you have it narrowed down, seek to grow in leadership opportunities and involvement within those activities you have chosen. This way, you will enjoy how you spend your time, grow in new skills, and build valuable experiences that colleges are interested in hearing.
Best of luck!
Shelley Calhoun
Shelley’s Answer
I agree 100% with Jared! You also want to pick clubs and activities that you are passionate about spending time. Don't just pick a club for your college application. There are so many choices and it's better to be a leader in one or two clubs/activities than to sign up for a laundry list.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question, all of the feedback is greatly appreciated.
Sarah