As students settle into school this month, with most in-person activities resuming, students will continue extracurricular activities they have already been involved in or explore new activities to pursue in the new school year. Extracurricular activities are an important part of high school as they provide an outlet for students to explore interests outside of the classroom and provide important leadership skills, as well as social and emotional benefits. It is also one of the most important criteria in how a college differentiates one applicant from another. Especially for highly selective colleges, where most applicants have near perfect grades and test scores, what students do outside of school is a key differentiator. Students that are involved deeply in meaningful activities and are achieving state and national recognition are at a significant advantage. But what extracurricular activity is meaningful? What level of involvement is required? What counts as leadership? What is unique?
By now, everyone should already know that students should absolutely pursue activities that they are interested in and that they care about. Sports, arts, music, science research, community service, business internships - colleges do not prefer one category or another. It is most important that students pursue what they care about, because that will encourage them to spend time on it and have a meaningful experience. However, it is important to note that the level of involvement is very important, and that is where a student can differentiate themselves with a set of activities that show talent, dedication, and hard work.
Level 1: Minimal involvement
Students entering high school should aim to start with level 1 as well as level 2 activities. The activities in level 1 are easily accessible to most students and require minimal to moderate involvement. For example, this includes being part of the school band or getting involved in the freshman team of a sport. Being a member of the French club or being a staff member of the school paper would fall into this category. Most students are involved in these activities, and college admissions officers see them listed on most applications. This is a great place to start, and most 9th graders will start here. Pursuing these activities will pave the way for students to figure out what activities interest them. They can then pursue these at more involved levels.
Level 2: Significant involvement
The second level of extracurricular involvement shows that a student is committed to this activity and is spending dedicated time to pursue it. For example, a student takes on leadership positions such as secretary or treasurer of a club. Similarly, students involved in sports move up to varsity teams. Students are now working towards making an impact, earning recognition, and being involved in competitions if applicable. While this level of involvement shows commitment and interest, students should not stop here. Instead, they should aim for an even higher level of involvement.
Level 3: High impact or achievement
Getting involved in level 3 extracurricular is a goal that students can work toward accomplishing. This level of involvement refers to activities that have high levels of achievement or impact. For example, involvement in school clubs and organizations must now reflect significant levels of leadership - becoming the Editor in Chief of the school newspaper, or Captain of the Debate team. Varsity athletes are now captains. This level of involvement shows colleges that students are committed and immersed in the activities, excelling, and taking on leadership roles. Other examples of this level include doing significant volunteer work, starting an organization, or winning regional competitions.
Level 4: National/ international recognition
Level 4 is the highest level of achievement that only a small group of students will reach. This includes high levels of achievement garnering national or international recognition. Students at this level are finalists in Regeneron STS, participating in National and International Math/Science Olympiads, winning Scholastic Art and Writing awards, and partaking in competitive summer programs such as the Telluride, PROMYS, and SSP. Athletes at this level are nationally ranked or are on teams winning national and international tournaments. This level of involvement in an extracurricular activity is not going to apply to most students. So, do not fret if you do not fall into this category.
What should be the goal?
When students apply to colleges, their goal should be to include higher levels of extracurricular activities - if possible, level 4 and level 3. Given how difficult it is to attain level 4 activities, it is OK if students do not have this to show as part of their application. Students should ideally have one or two activities at level 3, and/or few level 2 activities. Students should avoid listing ten level 1 activities. Depth is more important than breadth of activities.
For those students whose interests do not clearly line up with high school activities...
Watch two great webinars on helping students pursue unique opportunities through independent projects and research.
Comments
- Versed Editors's Blog
- Log in or register to post comments