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I am trying to get into Software Engineering and the extracurriculars I have are not related to what I am aspiring to become. Is this bad or is it okay to show this to colleges?
Does it matter if my extracurriculars are different from my chosen major? Will it look bad on my college applications?
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
While students personal statement and transcripts are a integral part of a college admissions process, it is your extracurriculars list that provides admissions officers with a real insight into your leadership and extracurricular achievements and more importantly, how passionate, creative, entrepreneurial, and original you have been when it comes to taking these activities to the next level. Colleges look at extracurricular activities to learn more about you as a person, student, and community member. They can help admissions officers understand your interests, skills, personality, achievements, and passions. This information can help them decide if you're a good fit for the school. Colleges value extracurricular involvement because it can indicate skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership. It can also show personal interests and how you might contribute to campus life. Some say that colleges prefer depth over breadth, and that they're looking for future leaders and innovators.
Why do colleges and universities even care about what you do outside of the classroom? Your activities are a reflection of your interests and priorities and, therefore, an indication of the potential person you could be in your new community. While academic success is hugely important in determining who to admit to an incoming class, the reality is that your time in the classroom is only a part of your college experience. Colleges want to bring students to campus who will help to not only make new things happen but also to keep current things going. Participate in the theater productions as a non-major. Write for the newspaper. Play lacrosse. Organize a study group. You have the potential to have an impact on your college campus in your own way. Help admissions officers see that by putting the time into preparing your activities list in a way that accurately shares what you’ve done.
Your extracurriculars are one of many parts of your college application. A stellar list of activities won’t make up for a weak essay, out-of-parameter testing, or a transcript riddled with poor grades. It can, however, enhance your fit at the right institution when everything else is in line. It is a part of the process to treat with care. Pursuing interesting and exciting activities is also an opportunity for you to find out what you love doing. As you investigate new opportunities in high school or how to frame the work you’ve already done for the application process, keep in mind the it's not the things you did that colleges like to see, it's how you contributed.
Why do colleges and universities even care about what you do outside of the classroom? Your activities are a reflection of your interests and priorities and, therefore, an indication of the potential person you could be in your new community. While academic success is hugely important in determining who to admit to an incoming class, the reality is that your time in the classroom is only a part of your college experience. Colleges want to bring students to campus who will help to not only make new things happen but also to keep current things going. Participate in the theater productions as a non-major. Write for the newspaper. Play lacrosse. Organize a study group. You have the potential to have an impact on your college campus in your own way. Help admissions officers see that by putting the time into preparing your activities list in a way that accurately shares what you’ve done.
Your extracurriculars are one of many parts of your college application. A stellar list of activities won’t make up for a weak essay, out-of-parameter testing, or a transcript riddled with poor grades. It can, however, enhance your fit at the right institution when everything else is in line. It is a part of the process to treat with care. Pursuing interesting and exciting activities is also an opportunity for you to find out what you love doing. As you investigate new opportunities in high school or how to frame the work you’ve already done for the application process, keep in mind the it's not the things you did that colleges like to see, it's how you contributed.
Thank you Michelle for being such a great supporter.
Doc Frick
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Career Village Office Hours Team!
Comprehending the Value of Extracurricular Activities in College Applications
As students prepare their college applications, they often ponder the relevance of their extracurricular activities, particularly when these activities don't directly relate to their chosen field of study. For you, an aspiring Software Engineering student with extracurriculars that don't directly connect to your field, it's vital to grasp how this may influence your college applications.
1. The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities hold a significant place in college admissions. They offer a glimpse into a student's hobbies, abilities, and personality beyond their academic achievements. Admission panels seek well-rounded individuals who exhibit leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm. While having related extracurriculars can boost your application by demonstrating relevant skills or experiences, it's not the sole factor that colleges take into account.
2. Range of Interests
Possessing extracurricular activities that diverge from your selected major can actually be advantageous. Colleges value a range of interests as it indicates a well-rounded character and the capacity to engage in diverse fields. For example, participation in sports, arts, community service, or other clubs can underscore qualities such as teamwork, creativity, resilience, and social responsibility—attributes that are beneficial in any field, including software engineering.
3. Applicable Skills
Numerous skills acquired from unrelated extracurriculars can be applied to software engineering. For instance:
Teamwork and Collaboration: Engaging in team sports or group projects equips you with the ability to work effectively with others.
Problem-Solving: Participating in debate club or theater can bolster critical thinking and innovative problem-solving capabilities.
Time Management: Juggling multiple responsibilities showcases your capability to manage time efficiently—a vital skill for any engineer.
4. Personal Story
Your application serves as a platform to narrate your journey. If your extracurriculars don't directly connect to software engineering but have contributed to your personal growth or imparted valuable lessons, you should emphasize these experiences in your personal statement or essays. Explaining how these activities have influenced your decision to pursue software engineering can craft a captivating narrative that resonates with admission officers.
5. Conclusion: It's Fine!
In conclusion, it's entirely fine if your extracurricular activities don't align with your intended major of Software Engineering. The key is how you portray these experiences on your application and what they disclose about you as an applicant. Strive to demonstrate your passion for software engineering through other avenues—like coursework, personal projects (such as coding apps), internships, or online courses—and utilize your unique extracurricular background to highlight the diverse skills and perspectives you offer.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
College Board: An extensive resource offering insights into college admissions procedures.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Provides guidelines and research on optimal practices for college admissions.
Harvard College Admissions: Shares information on what Harvard seeks in applicants in terms of extracurricular involvement and personal qualities.
Best Wishes,
JC.
Comprehending the Value of Extracurricular Activities in College Applications
As students prepare their college applications, they often ponder the relevance of their extracurricular activities, particularly when these activities don't directly relate to their chosen field of study. For you, an aspiring Software Engineering student with extracurriculars that don't directly connect to your field, it's vital to grasp how this may influence your college applications.
1. The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities hold a significant place in college admissions. They offer a glimpse into a student's hobbies, abilities, and personality beyond their academic achievements. Admission panels seek well-rounded individuals who exhibit leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm. While having related extracurriculars can boost your application by demonstrating relevant skills or experiences, it's not the sole factor that colleges take into account.
2. Range of Interests
Possessing extracurricular activities that diverge from your selected major can actually be advantageous. Colleges value a range of interests as it indicates a well-rounded character and the capacity to engage in diverse fields. For example, participation in sports, arts, community service, or other clubs can underscore qualities such as teamwork, creativity, resilience, and social responsibility—attributes that are beneficial in any field, including software engineering.
3. Applicable Skills
Numerous skills acquired from unrelated extracurriculars can be applied to software engineering. For instance:
Teamwork and Collaboration: Engaging in team sports or group projects equips you with the ability to work effectively with others.
Problem-Solving: Participating in debate club or theater can bolster critical thinking and innovative problem-solving capabilities.
Time Management: Juggling multiple responsibilities showcases your capability to manage time efficiently—a vital skill for any engineer.
4. Personal Story
Your application serves as a platform to narrate your journey. If your extracurriculars don't directly connect to software engineering but have contributed to your personal growth or imparted valuable lessons, you should emphasize these experiences in your personal statement or essays. Explaining how these activities have influenced your decision to pursue software engineering can craft a captivating narrative that resonates with admission officers.
5. Conclusion: It's Fine!
In conclusion, it's entirely fine if your extracurricular activities don't align with your intended major of Software Engineering. The key is how you portray these experiences on your application and what they disclose about you as an applicant. Strive to demonstrate your passion for software engineering through other avenues—like coursework, personal projects (such as coding apps), internships, or online courses—and utilize your unique extracurricular background to highlight the diverse skills and perspectives you offer.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
College Board: An extensive resource offering insights into college admissions procedures.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Provides guidelines and research on optimal practices for college admissions.
Harvard College Admissions: Shares information on what Harvard seeks in applicants in terms of extracurricular involvement and personal qualities.
Best Wishes,
JC.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello !
It is wonderful to be involved in extracurricular activities during high school and it will not matter what the activities are that you did and if they are not connected to your major once you enroll in college.
Colleges like to see that high school students were active in their school and/or their community, contributing and learning skills, working as a team and learned how to work independently. It shows that the student has experience interacting with others, able to take direction, developed some communication skills with any involvement it may be and possibly helped other. Colleges do however like to see that the student stayed with the involvement throughout their stay in high school. It can reflect that the student is consistent, possibly has leadership qualities and enjoys being dedicated and focused. It is wonderful to show colleges your extracurriculars if they do not pertain to your future college major.
If you did any website work or learned any new programs while you are active in non-major related groups, you can mention that information, too. Learning new software is connected to your future major so your major subject could possibly be a part of the activities you've done. Consider the possibilities.
You can obtain experience in Software at any time, even now. I have left a link for you below for a website that lists possible experiences you can have for software engineering now, during the school year as well as next summer. You can also do a search for software companies near you and once you obtain their contact information, you can inquire about doing volunteer work.
Best wishes to you moving forward and have a wonderful school year !
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/10-software-engineering-programs-for-high-school-students
It is wonderful to be involved in extracurricular activities during high school and it will not matter what the activities are that you did and if they are not connected to your major once you enroll in college.
Colleges like to see that high school students were active in their school and/or their community, contributing and learning skills, working as a team and learned how to work independently. It shows that the student has experience interacting with others, able to take direction, developed some communication skills with any involvement it may be and possibly helped other. Colleges do however like to see that the student stayed with the involvement throughout their stay in high school. It can reflect that the student is consistent, possibly has leadership qualities and enjoys being dedicated and focused. It is wonderful to show colleges your extracurriculars if they do not pertain to your future college major.
If you did any website work or learned any new programs while you are active in non-major related groups, you can mention that information, too. Learning new software is connected to your future major so your major subject could possibly be a part of the activities you've done. Consider the possibilities.
You can obtain experience in Software at any time, even now. I have left a link for you below for a website that lists possible experiences you can have for software engineering now, during the school year as well as next summer. You can also do a search for software companies near you and once you obtain their contact information, you can inquire about doing volunteer work.
Best wishes to you moving forward and have a wonderful school year !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Olayinka Durojaye
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Student,
Each educational institution has its unique set of admission criteria. For example, the software engineering program has specific prerequisites that prospective students must fulfill. While your application is evaluated comprehensively, some schools may emphasize certain requirements more than others. Thus, meeting the academic prerequisites is key to gaining admission, regardless of your involvement in extracurricular activities.
However, if you can align your extracurricular pursuits with your chosen program, it could potentially strengthen your application. For instance, have you acquired any leadership skills or experiences from these activities that you could highlight?
If not, there may be little benefit in including unrelated extracurricular activities. Remember, your primary focus should be on meeting the academic requirements. Keep striving, and you're sure to succeed!
Each educational institution has its unique set of admission criteria. For example, the software engineering program has specific prerequisites that prospective students must fulfill. While your application is evaluated comprehensively, some schools may emphasize certain requirements more than others. Thus, meeting the academic prerequisites is key to gaining admission, regardless of your involvement in extracurricular activities.
However, if you can align your extracurricular pursuits with your chosen program, it could potentially strengthen your application. For instance, have you acquired any leadership skills or experiences from these activities that you could highlight?
If not, there may be little benefit in including unrelated extracurricular activities. Remember, your primary focus should be on meeting the academic requirements. Keep striving, and you're sure to succeed!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Career Village Office Hours Participants!
Grasping the Significance of Extracurricular Activities in College Admissions
As you gear up to apply for colleges, especially for competitive majors like Software Engineering, it's common to fret about how your extracurricular pursuits align with your chosen field. This apprehension is understandable, but it's crucial to grasp the wider perspective of college admissions and the role extracurriculars play in it.
1. The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are a key element of college applications as they offer a glimpse into a student's interests, abilities, and personality beyond their academic achievements. Colleges are on the lookout for well-rounded individuals who can enrich campus life in diverse ways. While it's advantageous to have extracurriculars that align with your prospective major, remember it's not the sole criterion that admission panels evaluate.
2. The Value of Diverse Extracurriculars
Don't fret if your extracurricular activities don't directly align with your chosen major. In reality, a variety of experiences can showcase your adaptability and versatility - traits that are prized in any field, including software engineering. For example:
Leadership: Your involvement in sports or student government can highlight your leadership skills.
Collaboration: Participation in clubs or community service projects can emphasize your team-working abilities.
Creativity: Engaging in arts or music can demonstrate your creative prowess, a trait increasingly valued in tech fields where innovative thinking is key.
3. Showcasing Your Enthusiasm for Software Engineering
Even if your current extracurriculars don't directly connect to software engineering, there are other ways to express your passion for the field:
Personal Projects: Highlight any personal coding projects or hackathons you've participated in, even if they aren't formal extracurriculars.
Online Courses and Certifications: Undertaking online courses related to programming languages or software development indicates your dedication to learning.
Internships or Volunteer Work: Any tech-related experience, whether through internships or volunteering, can bolster your application.
4. Building Your Application Story
When applying for colleges, it's vital to weave a compelling narrative that encapsulates who you are as a student and as an individual. Elucidate how your varied interests have shaped you and how they can augment your aspirations in software engineering. Use your personal statement or essays to draw connections between your extracurricular activities and your future objectives.
5. Conclusion: Striking a Balance
In conclusion, while software engineering-related extracurricular activities can bolster your application, they aren't a prerequisite for admission success. What truly counts is how you portray yourself holistically - your interests, achievements, and aspirations all contribute to this image. Embrace the uniqueness of your background and leverage it as a strength, not a weakness.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Offers detailed guidelines on what colleges seek in applicants.
College Board: Provides insights into the college application process and the significance of extracurricular activities.
Harvard College Admissions Office: Imparts information on what constitutes a strong applicant beyond just academics.
Blessings to you,
JC.
Grasping the Significance of Extracurricular Activities in College Admissions
As you gear up to apply for colleges, especially for competitive majors like Software Engineering, it's common to fret about how your extracurricular pursuits align with your chosen field. This apprehension is understandable, but it's crucial to grasp the wider perspective of college admissions and the role extracurriculars play in it.
1. The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are a key element of college applications as they offer a glimpse into a student's interests, abilities, and personality beyond their academic achievements. Colleges are on the lookout for well-rounded individuals who can enrich campus life in diverse ways. While it's advantageous to have extracurriculars that align with your prospective major, remember it's not the sole criterion that admission panels evaluate.
2. The Value of Diverse Extracurriculars
Don't fret if your extracurricular activities don't directly align with your chosen major. In reality, a variety of experiences can showcase your adaptability and versatility - traits that are prized in any field, including software engineering. For example:
Leadership: Your involvement in sports or student government can highlight your leadership skills.
Collaboration: Participation in clubs or community service projects can emphasize your team-working abilities.
Creativity: Engaging in arts or music can demonstrate your creative prowess, a trait increasingly valued in tech fields where innovative thinking is key.
3. Showcasing Your Enthusiasm for Software Engineering
Even if your current extracurriculars don't directly connect to software engineering, there are other ways to express your passion for the field:
Personal Projects: Highlight any personal coding projects or hackathons you've participated in, even if they aren't formal extracurriculars.
Online Courses and Certifications: Undertaking online courses related to programming languages or software development indicates your dedication to learning.
Internships or Volunteer Work: Any tech-related experience, whether through internships or volunteering, can bolster your application.
4. Building Your Application Story
When applying for colleges, it's vital to weave a compelling narrative that encapsulates who you are as a student and as an individual. Elucidate how your varied interests have shaped you and how they can augment your aspirations in software engineering. Use your personal statement or essays to draw connections between your extracurricular activities and your future objectives.
5. Conclusion: Striking a Balance
In conclusion, while software engineering-related extracurricular activities can bolster your application, they aren't a prerequisite for admission success. What truly counts is how you portray yourself holistically - your interests, achievements, and aspirations all contribute to this image. Embrace the uniqueness of your background and leverage it as a strength, not a weakness.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Offers detailed guidelines on what colleges seek in applicants.
College Board: Provides insights into the college application process and the significance of extracurricular activities.
Harvard College Admissions Office: Imparts information on what constitutes a strong applicant beyond just academics.
Blessings to you,
JC.