What about Extra-Curricular Activities?

•  Quality and commitment are more important than quantity.

Participating, rising in the ranks and then being respected enough by your peers to be elected to leadership in one organization is more important that ‘doing’ (being on the membership rolls of) many groups.

• Remember why colleges are interested in extracurricular activities

  a.           They give evidence that you do something interesting AND stick to it AND become a leader.

  b.           They give evidence that your peers respect you (they elected you to be the leader, right?)  [Bird watching may be your most enjoyable hobby – but, unless this is an National Geographic Scholarship application, it doesn’t demonstrate  what the college is seeking:  ability to get along with a group (dorm living, remember?) and ability to contribute to the common good.]

• Avoid mentioning those activities that might detract from school work, e.g., auto racing.  Remember:  you want them to admit you so you can…study.

•       List the activities in order of  importance – what  is the impression you want to leave?

                         More impressive:

                Student newspaper – especially leadership

                Student government – especially executive office

                Varsity sports – especially if there are all-star honors

                Leadership position in an organization with substantial                 time commitment

                SUBSTANTIAL community service in ONE PLACE

                Eagle Scout or Gold Award status

• Extracurricular activities are NOT an excuse for mediocre grades.   Don’t overextend yourself.

•  Who’s Who Among American High School Students:  DO NOT list it.  It’s like belonging to the  National Geographic Society:  Anyone can.