5 answers
Ella
Student
Somerset, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What extracurricular activities do colleges look for if you don't play a sport? #FALL22
I would like to get into an Ivy League college but i don't play a sport. I do a lot of other extracurricular activities like playing the violin, community service, DECA, tech crew, and case rally, ect. I wanted to know if colleges look at these clubs as of equal value to sports.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Many colleges look at individuals who engage in activities that involve service to others.
This can means working or volunteering with agencies outside of the actual school.
This might include legal aid offices, or possible activities with the Salvation Army, or other groups that work with homeless or housing services. Another might be to volunteer with local trail improvement or garden beautification.
They like individuals who focus on the needs of others in the community, and focus on areas that improve their community and make it a better place.
This can means working or volunteering with agencies outside of the actual school.
This might include legal aid offices, or possible activities with the Salvation Army, or other groups that work with homeless or housing services. Another might be to volunteer with local trail improvement or garden beautification.
They like individuals who focus on the needs of others in the community, and focus on areas that improve their community and make it a better place.
Jordie Duncan
Senior Academic Advisor
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Jordie’s Answer
Hi Ella! I feel as though a lot of institutions are looking for team-based experiences in addition to all of the wonderful things you mentioned. Sports is just one of the most common team-based opportunities available to students. Other opportunities may include Student Body Leadership opportunities, debate teams, committee's at your high school such as planning prom or grad night. I hope this helps!
Lily Waxenberg
Student
1
Answer
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Lily’s Answer
To be honest college are not only looking for people who play sports. They really are interested in who you are as a person, what types of things you like todo (hobbies, sports, music, etc) and if you do any volunteer work
Marcy Taylor
Performance Analyst
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Marcy’s Answer
Look for opportunities for leadership or working with a planning/execution team within your community. For example, see if your area has a local Red Cross chapter that has many opportunities for project leadership.
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Ella,
It's true that colleges do look at sports but they also look at other things while in high school. You could volunteer in the same area you want to study or work in. This would show the college that you gave back to the community. Internships and jobs while at high school is another thing they look at as advantageous to your application by showing you are hard working. Also doing AP classes while still in high school is another thing they consider.
It's true that colleges do look at sports but they also look at other things while in high school. You could volunteer in the same area you want to study or work in. This would show the college that you gave back to the community. Internships and jobs while at high school is another thing they look at as advantageous to your application by showing you are hard working. Also doing AP classes while still in high school is another thing they consider.