subject: 5 of the Strongest High School Extracurriculars [print this page] 5 of the Strongest High School Extracurriculars
When applying to college, a good GPA andSAT scores will only get you so far. The application process is becoming more and more competitive, and so it is important to spruce up your application with extracurriculars that show your work ethic and set you apart from other students. Including any of the following five extracurriculars on your application is a reliable method of gaining points from college application officers and puts you one stop closer to being accepted to your dream school.
1. A project you organized yourself
One of the strongest extracurriculars you can include on a college application is any sort of project, group, or event that you organized yourself. This could include a school club, a band, an art collective, a political organization, and more. By showing that you are able to run such a project, you are not only showing leadership and organizational skills, but that you are devoted to a certain purpose and have the motivation to carry it out.
2. An internship
Internships are impressive features on a college application because they show that you're curious about and driven toward a certain career path. Most high school internships are inevitably unpaid positions, which reflects that you're willing to do work without receiving payment. This aspect accentuates acollege application by proving that you don't need a tangible incentive to work hard.
3. A college summer program
College summer programs are extremely helpful towards gaining acceptance at many schools because they are typically similar to college itself. These programs show you how to learn in a rigorous environment, expose you to a college lifestyle, and force you to quickly socialize with many new students from around the world. Such summer programs provide a way to open your eyes and see beyond the education that is offered by your high school and colleges know this.
4. Involvement in an organization not affiliated with your school
If you're involved in any form of art, music, or athletics, it can be helpful to show that you are involved in a local community organization. These organizations are generally comprised of all kinds of people from different parts of your community, which shows that you are able to work well with people outside of your inner school circle. Devotion to these organizations shows your commitment to your hobby. Also, instructors in such organizations make good resources if you need a recommendation letter.
5. Volunteer work
Volunteer work can never hurt a college application. While it is not a sure-shot way to gain acceptance to a school, it shows that you are willing to give your energy to the less fortunate without compensation. One useful method to approaching volunteer work is to try to find work related to the other hobbies listed onyour application. If not, it is always a smart move to volunteer somewhere unique to help set your application apart.
