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What are some really important things I can do in high school, that colleges are interested in?
(clubs, community service, etc.)
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6 answers
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! It's fantastic that you're looking into all the amazing opportunities you can explore in high school to make your college application stand out. Colleges indeed value students with strong leadership skills, so taking on leadership roles at work or in extracurricular activities, like student council, can definitely give you an edge.
Balancing part-time jobs demonstrates your time management skills and dedication to responsibility. Excelling in sports or athletic participation, as well as academic clubs and teams, showcases your ability to be a team player and your commitment to personal growth.
Embracing artistic and creative pursuits allows you to shine in your unique way, while volunteering and community service activities prove your caring nature and social responsibility. And let's not forget internships! They can help you gain valuable real-world experience in your desired field.
So, keep up the great work! By challenging yourself and engaging in these diverse experiences, you'll undoubtedly become a valuable and sought-after candidate for college admission. Remember, the sky's the limit!
Balancing part-time jobs demonstrates your time management skills and dedication to responsibility. Excelling in sports or athletic participation, as well as academic clubs and teams, showcases your ability to be a team player and your commitment to personal growth.
Embracing artistic and creative pursuits allows you to shine in your unique way, while volunteering and community service activities prove your caring nature and social responsibility. And let's not forget internships! They can help you gain valuable real-world experience in your desired field.
So, keep up the great work! By challenging yourself and engaging in these diverse experiences, you'll undoubtedly become a valuable and sought-after candidate for college admission. Remember, the sky's the limit!
Updated
Gus’s Answer
Most extra-curricular activities are viewed positively by colleges, mostly because they highlight leadership and multi-tasking skills. Community service (and clubs with a focus on community service) are particularly well-perceived by universities. An example is "Key Club", which is a service organization that can be found in most high schools. If you are interested in a specific major, there are also clubs that focus on that. For example, DECA is an organization/club that teaches key business skills that are favored by colleges. Overall - getting involved is a great way to separate yourself amongst other students. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Valentina
Updated
Clint’s Answer
As a former Guidance Counselor, I recommend doing exactly what fuels you and makes your feel positive/good. The extracurricular activities you want, the involvement in different community outreach, and most importantly; striving towards the future you desire. Obviously GPA/Standardized Test Scores, etc. are of strong importance, but frequently the applicant that trends towards being enjoyable, likable, and confident develops an innate ability to achieve and be successful.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Valentina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Valentina:
Today, colleges and universities are looking for a well-balanced high school applicant to be considered as a future student on their campuses. A well-balance student not only has the high academic performance, grades, grade point average and high SAT or ACT scores, but also has a wide variety of extra curricular activities. In high school, extra curricular activities can include clubs like FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Key Club (Service), Debate Club, Science Club, etc. There are also activities like sports (Cross Country, Track and Field, Volleyball, Football, Baseball, Swimming, etc.), Orchestra, Choir and so forth. Outside of high school, one can be involved with a church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Academy Sports, Volunteerism (Goodwill Thrift Store, Food Pantry, Recycling, Homeless Shelter, SPCA (Animals), etc.).
Involvement with extra curricular activities will teach one about multi-tasking, time management, forming relationships, being responsible and accountable and contributing to a worthy cause. Being active will also help one to balance stress levels to perform well academically. Having a solid and balance foundation with academics and extra curricular activities will help one transition as a future college student. Activity involvement is highly recommended to carry over as a college student. When graduating from college, future employers will review academic performance as well as campus and community involvement for well rounded future employees.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and future career!
Today, colleges and universities are looking for a well-balanced high school applicant to be considered as a future student on their campuses. A well-balance student not only has the high academic performance, grades, grade point average and high SAT or ACT scores, but also has a wide variety of extra curricular activities. In high school, extra curricular activities can include clubs like FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Key Club (Service), Debate Club, Science Club, etc. There are also activities like sports (Cross Country, Track and Field, Volleyball, Football, Baseball, Swimming, etc.), Orchestra, Choir and so forth. Outside of high school, one can be involved with a church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Academy Sports, Volunteerism (Goodwill Thrift Store, Food Pantry, Recycling, Homeless Shelter, SPCA (Animals), etc.).
Involvement with extra curricular activities will teach one about multi-tasking, time management, forming relationships, being responsible and accountable and contributing to a worthy cause. Being active will also help one to balance stress levels to perform well academically. Having a solid and balance foundation with academics and extra curricular activities will help one transition as a future college student. Activity involvement is highly recommended to carry over as a college student. When graduating from college, future employers will review academic performance as well as campus and community involvement for well rounded future employees.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and future career!
Thank you, Michael for the advice.
Valentina
Updated
Hunter’s Answer
Hi Valentina,
1. Your high school classes matter. I'd recommend taking higher-level courses that will help you prepare for what an actual college course will be like. Not only do you have an opportunity to gain college credits while still in high school, you potentially save money on tuition and it shows colleges you are willing to challenge yourself. Speaking from personal experience, I began enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) classes around my sophomore year of high school. This greatly prepared me for my freshman year of undergrad.
2. Get Involved. Participate in clubs or volunteer. One thing that's often overlooked is being actively involved in your community. It's important to give back, especially if you can.
3. Internship. This allows you an opportunity to gain an experience that could lead to a well-defined career path.
4. Utilize your time effectively and be proactive. For example, work a part time job that interests you or develops your skillsets. Join a summer program such as Upward Bound that lets students spend the summer living and studying on a college campus. Read and write more than you might right now. Never stop learning and developing yourself.
Best wishes on your journey!
1. Your high school classes matter. I'd recommend taking higher-level courses that will help you prepare for what an actual college course will be like. Not only do you have an opportunity to gain college credits while still in high school, you potentially save money on tuition and it shows colleges you are willing to challenge yourself. Speaking from personal experience, I began enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) classes around my sophomore year of high school. This greatly prepared me for my freshman year of undergrad.
2. Get Involved. Participate in clubs or volunteer. One thing that's often overlooked is being actively involved in your community. It's important to give back, especially if you can.
3. Internship. This allows you an opportunity to gain an experience that could lead to a well-defined career path.
4. Utilize your time effectively and be proactive. For example, work a part time job that interests you or develops your skillsets. Join a summer program such as Upward Bound that lets students spend the summer living and studying on a college campus. Read and write more than you might right now. Never stop learning and developing yourself.
Best wishes on your journey!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Valentina
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for the question. A lot of students may have similar questions.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Firstly, you may have to find out the colleges that offering the subjects you plan to take
2. Find out the entry criteria of the subjects in the college. Make sure your academic result can meet the college criteria.
3. Attend information session held by the college to understand the admission criteria. Speak to the professors if possible to acquire better understanding.
4. Participate the recreational clubs in high school related to the subject.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Firstly, you may have to find out the colleges that offering the subjects you plan to take
2. Find out the entry criteria of the subjects in the college. Make sure your academic result can meet the college criteria.
3. Attend information session held by the college to understand the admission criteria. Speak to the professors if possible to acquire better understanding.
4. Participate the recreational clubs in high school related to the subject.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thanks for the help.
Valentina