3 answers
Charlie
Student
Hong Kong
3
Questions
Asked
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Does going to different high schools alter your life and choices?
From what I heard UK is much more acedemic heavy than the USA, which prefers extracurriculars. Is that really relevant or helpful for what the Universities are looking.
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3 answers
Krishan Gopal Maheshwari
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Krishan Gopal’s Answer
Don't fret over the necessity of extracurricular activities, even if some universities may require them. You can still soar to great heights without them. Remember, there's no definitive right or wrong when it comes to choosing an extracurricular activity. You're not obliged to participate in certain activities just because you've heard or read that universities favor them.
Extracurricular activities can indeed showcase your interests and skills, but universities are more interested in what sets you apart. The activities you choose to participate in can help you stand out from the crowd. Especially for a newcomer, these activities can be a valuable addition to your resume. Universities appreciate when you use extracurriculars to follow your passion, gain meaningful experiences, and expand your knowledge, whether academically or through volunteer work.
It's all about finding something productive that aligns with your strengths and weaknesses. What makes you unique? Are you academically inclined or athletically gifted? Do you have a creative streak? Do you prefer indoor activities or outdoor adventures? Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
My advice is simple: don't force yourself to change. Discover your passion, find what truly brings you joy, and identify where your strengths lie. Embrace your individuality and carve out your unique identity. Pursue what you love to excel in it. Don't let your talents go unused. Be proactive and strive to elevate your hobbies. Just ensure they don't interfere with your studies. Internships during summer or winter can offer valuable insights into your prospective career.
Don't feel pressured to do things solely to beef up your resume for university applications. Instead, focus on nurturing your passions. Learn a new skill that interests you. For instance, you might enjoy watching movies in your leisure time. While this may not count as an extracurricular activity, you could start a blog reviewing movies. This would be considered blogging, a recognized extracurricular activity.
Remember, admissions officers often look for that 'extra something' in applications to help candidates stand out and make a positive impact on their campus. Try to show initiative in various aspects of life and commit to activities for the long term. Think about how you can express yourself outside of the classroom.
I hope you find this advice helpful.
Extracurricular activities can indeed showcase your interests and skills, but universities are more interested in what sets you apart. The activities you choose to participate in can help you stand out from the crowd. Especially for a newcomer, these activities can be a valuable addition to your resume. Universities appreciate when you use extracurriculars to follow your passion, gain meaningful experiences, and expand your knowledge, whether academically or through volunteer work.
It's all about finding something productive that aligns with your strengths and weaknesses. What makes you unique? Are you academically inclined or athletically gifted? Do you have a creative streak? Do you prefer indoor activities or outdoor adventures? Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
My advice is simple: don't force yourself to change. Discover your passion, find what truly brings you joy, and identify where your strengths lie. Embrace your individuality and carve out your unique identity. Pursue what you love to excel in it. Don't let your talents go unused. Be proactive and strive to elevate your hobbies. Just ensure they don't interfere with your studies. Internships during summer or winter can offer valuable insights into your prospective career.
Don't feel pressured to do things solely to beef up your resume for university applications. Instead, focus on nurturing your passions. Learn a new skill that interests you. For instance, you might enjoy watching movies in your leisure time. While this may not count as an extracurricular activity, you could start a blog reviewing movies. This would be considered blogging, a recognized extracurricular activity.
Remember, admissions officers often look for that 'extra something' in applications to help candidates stand out and make a positive impact on their campus. Try to show initiative in various aspects of life and commit to activities for the long term. Think about how you can express yourself outside of the classroom.
I hope you find this advice helpful.
Alexis Wilson
Corporate Affairs
5
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
The specific high school you attend may not necessarily shape your life or your choices, as that's often beyond your control.
However, what you gain from high school can indeed have a significant impact on your life.
This includes:
- The effort you put into your studies, your graduation, and the grades you earn
- The friendships you cultivate, the relationships you build, and the experiences you garner during your school years
- The way you utilize your time at school to gear up for the real world, by positively contributing to the school community and/or focusing on your academic performance in subjects that may be important for university admissions
Some universities with stringent admission criteria consider a variety of factors to determine your eligibility.
As a high school graduate in Australia, I found that my Australian University was primarily interested in my performance in subjects relevant to my chosen degree.
They didn't pay any attention to extracurricular activities, although these might be of interest to future employers.
The score required for university admission, unfortunately, wasn't reflective of the academic commitment or intelligence required for the university subject, but was more a matter of supply and demand for classes (the less classes, and the higher the demand for them - the higher the academic score required to study).
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Best,
Alexis
Enjoy your time at High School, make memories that will last a lifetime
Appreciate your teachers - some of these teachers will impact you in ways you'll never realise
Make friends, do sports, contribute to your school positively (dont litter, grafitti, or bully other kids)
Complete all assessments and exams, study and apply yourself
Graduate
However, what you gain from high school can indeed have a significant impact on your life.
This includes:
- The effort you put into your studies, your graduation, and the grades you earn
- The friendships you cultivate, the relationships you build, and the experiences you garner during your school years
- The way you utilize your time at school to gear up for the real world, by positively contributing to the school community and/or focusing on your academic performance in subjects that may be important for university admissions
Some universities with stringent admission criteria consider a variety of factors to determine your eligibility.
As a high school graduate in Australia, I found that my Australian University was primarily interested in my performance in subjects relevant to my chosen degree.
They didn't pay any attention to extracurricular activities, although these might be of interest to future employers.
The score required for university admission, unfortunately, wasn't reflective of the academic commitment or intelligence required for the university subject, but was more a matter of supply and demand for classes (the less classes, and the higher the demand for them - the higher the academic score required to study).
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Best,
Alexis
Alexis recommends the following next steps:
Jiani Shen
Student
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jiani’s Answer
Hi, I think different schools have different policies and program levels. Colleges will look at more than just academic performance, but also extracurricular activities. It's a multi-faceted look.
Going to different high schools does affect one's life and choices in life. The high school I went to required a standardized test to get in, so it was very competitive. I needed to work very hard to have more opportunities. I have always challenged myself by taking difficult classes and setting goals for myself. Goals will bring me closer to my dreams. So going to a different high school will affect opportunities.
In high school, classes are one thing and socializing is another. You can learn different ideas and perspectives by communicating with people. Participating in competitions or clubs can also benefit you a lot.
When you apply to college, you will submit transcript and a college essay. Grades will not determine who you are, but the college essay shows your personality and ideas. So the essay can make colleges more impressed with you, as can extracurricular activities.
Going to different high schools does affect one's life and choices in life. The high school I went to required a standardized test to get in, so it was very competitive. I needed to work very hard to have more opportunities. I have always challenged myself by taking difficult classes and setting goals for myself. Goals will bring me closer to my dreams. So going to a different high school will affect opportunities.
In high school, classes are one thing and socializing is another. You can learn different ideas and perspectives by communicating with people. Participating in competitions or clubs can also benefit you a lot.
When you apply to college, you will submit transcript and a college essay. Grades will not determine who you are, but the college essay shows your personality and ideas. So the essay can make colleges more impressed with you, as can extracurricular activities.