Other than volunteering, what are other extracurriculars that makes an applicant unique on a college application?
I already know that volunteering is an important extracurricular activity, but what are other important activities to consider? I am a part of a few clubs at school, play the piano, and volunteer at an elderly center, but what are some activities that can set me apart from other candidates? Also, I'm not the most financially situated being, and the summer programs that universities offer are awfully expensive. I love helping other people, I enjoy writing, I love animals, I love reading, and I enjoy learning history.
3 answers
Matthew’s Answer
Daniella, thanks for this question; it's certainly relevant for your current season of life. The extra-curricular activities you mentioned are good - various clubs at school, volunteering, etc. If at all possible, it's worth the effort to explore participating in a school sport. Actively maintaining a role with a sports team will look favorably on your college applications, simply because sports require a fair amount of time each week. If you can uphold some strong grades AND play a sport while volunteering and participating in clubs, you've got a very strong application in the works! Please don't worry so much about college summer programs. Yes, they're often quite expensive and may not necessarily provide you with the best experience for the cost. If you can afford them, great; if not, don't let that sway you from doing the best you can in other things!
Also, the more you can offer a personal glimpse of who you are in your college application, the more you'll distinguish yourself from other applicants. Think of something unique you've experienced or some obstacle you were forced to overcome somehow (i.e., parents' divorce, loss of a friend or loved one, some kind of financial hardship, etc.) The more you're willing to share about the way you've persevered, the more likely you'll stick out from other college admissions' applications.
Best of luck!
Matt
Thank you so much for your answer! I'll definitely take everything you said into consideration. Last year, during my freshman year, I played for my school's tennis team, but the coach we have is a complicated character who stressed me out and I ended the season playing worse than in the beginning. Sadly, I can't play any other sports, and if I stayed any longer, it wouldn't affect me positively. Are there any other activities I can do to show motivation, perseverance, and dedication? Also, how do I address the obstacles I've overcome? Do I write about it in an essay or is there something separate? Again, thank you so much for your time!
Daniella
Daniella, thanks for the reply; I'm happy to help! Dealing with a "complicated character" for a coach can often be frustrating, so your reaction is understandable. The best way to demonstrate your leadership is through community activities - whether it's through local organizations (i.e., Rotary, YMCA, or any particular organization that you're passionate about) or something sponsored by your school. The more you get involved, the more you'll learn and understand, and it might just change your life in ways you didn't expect! Yes, when it's time to apply for college and you're asked for some kind of writing sample or an essay, address the challenge or obstacle you've faced there. Talk about what the obstacle was, how you reacted, how you chose to overcome it and what you learned.
Matthew Armes, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC
Rebecca Beyer Shark
Rebecca’s Answer
Volunteering is great. Activities at your school also help as does having a part-time job. Playing a sport or an instrument looks good too. You don't have to have all of these things, but you should have something on your application that shows you are able to balance your academics and outside activities.
Thank you for your input! I'll definitely try to find balance.
Daniella
Stacey’s Answer
Entrepreneurship / entrepreneurial spirit and leadership positions. Have you started your own business or program? Have you been president, captain or co-captain of an organization? These types of experiences can make you stand out from the competition.
Thank you for your response! Do you know of any ways that I could take an entrepreneurial stance like starting my own business or program? Also, thank you so much for your time.
Daniella