How do Colleges Weigh Extracurricular Activities?


Friday, May 7, 2021

Extracurricular activities are some of the most important aspects for colleges when it comes to accepting students. Find out how Colleges weigh extracurricular activities.




The process to be accepted into college is a Long and stressful one. High school students start to worry about what they should do to make sure they enter college early in high school, and one of the aspects that worries them the most is standing out. 

High grades are important, but they are not everything. If that is all that students have to offer, that might not be enough for admissions officers. They have left many students with impressive grades out because they didn’t stand out from many other students.  

How to stand out? Well, the most advisable thing to do for those college students who want to enter college is doing extracurricular activities. The catch is that you cannot do just any extracurricular activities, because admissions officers focus on meaningful ones. If you are wondering “what are meaningful extracurricular activities?”, you’ve come to the right place. 

Standing Out in the College Application Process

  • Quality over quantity: Many students decide to do as many extracurricular activities as they can because they think that would impress college admissions officers. However, it’s not about quantity, it’s all about quality. Admissions officers don’t expect all students to have 10 activities, with some meaningful ones it’s enough.
  • Serious commitment: what also matters is not only participating in the activities, but showing commitment with them, meaning that admissions officers focus on accomplishments and academic credentials in addition to participation. 
  • Examples of accomplishments

What would be some accomplishments related to extracurriculars that will allow students to stand out? According to college admissions experts, winning awards in competitions, getting elected in leadership positions, performing research or community service, producing art, and many others is what will set students apart.

Working on an impressive personal project independently from high school really impresses colleges as it shows commitment to a successful solo endeavor, conveys initiative, self-discipline and originality. 

Something else that can really help you stand out from the crowd is showing talent in at least an extracurricular activity.

In a nutshell, what really matters when trying to figure out which extracurricular activities you should do is quality over quantity. This way, you will make sure you impress college admissions officers and have a safe spot at college. 




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