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I am interested in business and I was wondering what extracurriculars look good on college applications.?

I am a junior in high school and I am currently building my college application and need so guidance.

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Theophilus’s Answer

Hi Prisha,

It’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about how to build a strong college application as a junior in high school. Based on my experience in business and entrepreneurship, here are some extracurriculars that can really stand out on your college applications, especially if you’re interested in pursuing business:

1. Leadership Roles in Clubs or Organizations: Colleges love to see leadership. If you’re involved in any school clubs like Business Club, DECA, or Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), try to take on leadership roles. When I was in school, I held leadership positions like President of the Visual Arts Club and Vice President of the Drama Club, and these roles taught me valuable organizational and management skills that strengthened my applications.
2. Entrepreneurial Initiatives: If you’re interested in business, consider starting your own small project or business. For example, I started my own business, Theophilus Gallery, selling body care products. It doesn’t have to be huge, starting something small, even an online business or a community project, will demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and creativity, which colleges look for.

3. Volunteer Work: Volunteering not only shows that you’re committed to helping others, but it also builds essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. I founded Good God Charity Foundation with the goal of supporting child healthcare and education. Through this, I gained experience in managing a team and organizing fundraising efforts. You could volunteer with a local nonprofit, or even start your own initiative if you’re passionate about a cause.

4. Internships or Job Experience: If possible, try to get an internship or a part-time job related to business. Even if it’s not directly in business, any job where you can develop customer service, sales, or organizational skills can be valuable. These experiences give you practical knowledge and show that you’re motivated to learn beyond the classroom.

5. Entrepreneurship Competitions: Look out for local or national business competitions for high school students. I’ve participated in and led events where we presented business ideas and projects. These competitions give you the opportunity to showcase your business ideas, practice your presentation skills, and meet like-minded students.

6. Online Business Courses: If your school doesn’t offer business courses or you want to go deeper, consider taking free online courses in business or entrepreneurship. These courses show initiative and interest in your field and give you extra knowledge that can set you apart from other applicants.

Finally, make sure to emphasize and quantify impacts in everything you do. It’s not just about being involved in many activities; it’s about showing that you’ve made a difference, whether through leadership, innovation, or community involvement.

All the best!
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Chris’s Answer

I would advise you to participate in clubs and events that allow you to showcase your skills in teamwork and leadership. These experiences are highly valued by colleges during student evaluations. If your interest lies in business, consider seeking employment opportunities outside of your high school that can help you further showcase your passion for the field. For instance, you could intern at an advertising firm or work at a business where you can learn about various aspects of the company, such as a restaurant. Lastly, try to find programs within your high school that are related to business, like Entrepreneurship or Business Start-up competitions. Best of luck with your endeavors!
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Darya’s Answer

Hi, Prisha! Building a strong college application, especially for a business-focused program, requires a combination of academic excellence, relevant extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. I guess I may help you, because also had this problem.
1. Join business clubs or even take a leadership role. These clubs often focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance, aligning well with business interests.
2. Gaining experience through internships or jobs in retail, finance, or other business settings can provide practical skills and insight into the business world.
3. Participating in student government or taking on leadership roles (like treasurer or president) showcases your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
4. Engage in community service, particularly in roles that involve fundraising, event planning, or organizing initiatives. This not only demonstrates leadership but also your commitment to social responsibility.
5. Participate in competitions like the National Economics Challenge, business case competitions, or other related contests. Recognition in these areas can highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills.
6. Consider taking online courses related to business, finance, entrepreneurship, or marketing. Certifications in software like Excel or QuickBooks can also be beneficial.
7. Attend business-related conferences or networking events in your community. Engaging with industry professionals can provide insights and connections that can be beneficial later on.
Remember, colleges value quality over quantity, so focus on activities that you are genuinely passionate about and that allow you to develop skills and experiences relevant to your business interests. Highlighting your leadership, commitment, and impact in these activities will make your application stand out. Good luck! With love, Darya
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Adaobi’s Answer

Great to hear that you're aiming high! College admissions offices love to see leadership and initiative, especially in business. Look for these types of activities:

- **Student Government**: Shows leadership and decision-making.
- **Business Club or DECA**: Demonstrates your interest in business.
- **Volunteer Work**: Shows community involvement and empathy.
- **Internships or Part-time Jobs**: Real-world business experience.
- **Starting Your Own Business or Fundraiser**: Shows initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Involvement in any of these can give your application a boost.
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deborah’s Answer

Great question Prisha! Here are a few things you can do to enhance your high school experience and prepare for college application:

- Student club at high school - There are business-related student clubs such as DECA or Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), or SkillsUSA or Business Professionals of America (BPA). If you don't have one, start one :) Or, join any club and see if you can hold a business that is business related.

- Volunteer in your community. Nonprofits are always seeking volunteer help. Some nonprofits may have an age minimum - usually 16 years old. You can volunteer for events, or get an ongoing volunteer position for a few hours per week.

- Working or internship while in school is a good way to gain experience and get exposure to how a business works.

I hope my answer is helpful for you. Good luck!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi Prisha!

Boost Your College Applications with These Extracurricular Activities for Business Hopefuls

Creating a robust college application, especially for those eyeing a future in business, requires thoughtful inclusion of extracurricular activities. Colleges favor applicants who are versatile, exhibit leadership, dedication, and a fervor for their chosen field. Here's a comprehensive guide to extracurricular activities that can elevate your application:

1. Leadership Positions in Student Organizations

Involvement in or leading student business organizations can greatly enhance your application. Examples of these roles include:

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America): DECA prepares future leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Active participation or holding an office position shows your dedication to business education.

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America): Like DECA, FBLA offers students the chance to participate in business-related competitions and networking events. Leadership roles within FBLA can highlight your initiative and leadership abilities.

Entrepreneurship Club: If your school has an entrepreneurship club or a similar group, becoming a member can give you hands-on experience in initiating and managing projects or businesses.

2. Community Service and Volunteer Work

Participating in community service demonstrates to colleges your social responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact. Think about volunteering for organizations that focus on economic development or financial literacy programs. For instance:

Financial Literacy Programs: Volunteering to teach financial literacy at local schools or community centers not only benefits others but also shows your knowledge and enthusiasm for finance.

Nonprofit Organizations: Collaborating with nonprofits that focus on economic empowerment can display your understanding of social entrepreneurship.

3. Internships and Work Experience

Obtaining real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs related to business is invaluable. This could involve:

Internships at Local Businesses: Pursue internships with local firms where you can learn about operations, marketing strategies, or financial management.

Part-Time Jobs: Jobs that may not be directly related to business but require customer service skills or teamwork can be advantageous.

4. Participation in Competitions

Participating in competitions can showcase your analytical skills and ability to perform under pressure:

Business Plan Competitions: Many universities organize competitions where students present their business ideas. Participating in these events can exhibit creativity and strategic thinking.

Stock Market Simulations: Participating in stock market simulation games allows you to apply theoretical knowledge practically while demonstrating analytical skills.

5. Academic Clubs Related to Business

Joining academic clubs that focus on subjects relevant to business can also bolster your application:

Math Club/Science Olympiad: Strong quantitative skills are vital in business; active involvement in math-related clubs indicates proficiency in these areas.

Debate Club: Skills acquired from debate—like critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation—are highly sought after in the business world.

6. Personal Projects

If you've started any personal projects related to business—like launching a blog about entrepreneurship or creating a small online store—these experiences reflect initiative and self-drive.

In summary, when choosing extracurricular activities for your business-focused college applications, aim for a balance of leadership roles, community involvement, practical experience through internships or jobs, participation in competitions, involvement with academic clubs, and personal projects that showcase your interests and skills.

Remember, it's not just about the number of activities, but the depth of your involvement that counts. Colleges value applicants who show genuine interest and dedication over time rather than those who simply list numerous activities without significant engagement.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

1. National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
This organization offers guidelines on effective student engagement through extracurricular activities that nurture leadership qualities vital for college readiness.

2. College Board - Big Future
The College Board provides extensive resources about college admissions processes, including insights into how extracurriculars affect applications specifically designed for aspiring college students.

3. U.S. News & World Report - Education Section
U.S. News offers articles detailing the significance of extracurricular activities in college admissions, along with expert opinions from educators about what colleges seek from applicants’ profiles.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

STAY BLESSED!
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