Do essays or extracurriculars matter more?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars.

Are essays or ECS more important?

Based on Common Data Set data from the top 60 ranked schools in the US, 88% of schools said that extracurricular activities were “Important” or “Very Important.” This figure is up there with other components of college admissions that are traditionally seen as more important - Academic GPA and Essay were rated as “ ...

What matters more grades or extracurriculars?

Extracurricular activities are not the most important factor in a college application. Coursework and GPA, for instance, bear more weight. However, this is not to say that extracurriculars have little or no impact on the admissions decision a student ultimately receives.

Do colleges care more about grades or extracurriculars?

Choose activities that you enjoy, you excel at, and demonstrate leadership. Different schools place different values on extracurricular activities. For admission, extracurriculars are often less important than grades, course rigor, and test scores.

Are essays the most important to admission in college?

Your college essay accounts for about 25% of your application's weight. It may be the deciding factor in whether you're accepted, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurricular track records.

How to make your extracurriculars IMPRESS TOP COLLEGES even as a freshman 🤯 | College Lead

Do essays really matter for college?

As you can tell, college essays are very important for applicants hoping to get accepted into prestigious institutions. And if you are planning to apply to any colleges that are test optional or test blind, then the essay probably becomes more important, since schools have fewer data points to work with.

Do essays play a big role in college admissions?

College admission essays play an increasingly important part of the college admissions process. Many schools require a college admission essay to decide between applicants who may otherwise share similar academic credentials.

What is a Tier 1 extracurricular activities?

Any number of activities can fall under Tier 1—it's the success a student has had that influences the activity's value to colleges. Tier 1 activities can include athletic achievements, such as being a highly recruited basketball player or a nationally ranked tennis player.

What if I have good grades but no extracurriculars?

When you lack extracurricular activities, emphasizing your academic achievements becomes crucial. Admissions officers highly value a strong academic record, so maintain dedication to your studies and aim for the best possible grades.

Can you get into college with B's?

Though high grades provide an advantage in the college admissions process, earning Bs will not prevent you from getting into a top college. Just as you are more than your academics, your application is more than your GPA.

What is considered weak extracurriculars?

The most common “weak” extracurricular profile is simply one that is nonexistent or bare bones. Admissions officers don't want couch potatoes; they want to accept students who will become involved in the learning community. A student with little or no extracurricular involvement is undesirable.

Is 5 extracurriculars too much?

Many people agree that three is a good maximum. If a child is at that maximum and wants to add a new activity, then ensure that they drop one.

Is 3 extracurriculars enough?

A good number of extracurriculars can be around four. Although every student is different, having four extracurriculars allows you to branch out without being overwhelmed. Having a good variety of hobbies outside of school is important.

Can essays make up for extracurriculars?

The essays are meant to give admissions readers an insight into your personality, something that your extracurriculars list and transcript can't capture. The best way to explain your identity and character is truly by writing about life stories.

How important are essays for Ivy League?

For Ivy League schools, you could argue that essays are even more important than for other universities. Since Ivies get incredibly high numbers of applicants, many of them have the strongest grades and the highest test scores. A stellar essay could distinguish you from other students.

Can you get into a good college with bad ECs?

At some schools yes. Even if you didn't have good ECs it's not like you wouldn't be able to get into college with a 3.0, and with great ECs you will likely have a much better shot at schools you would not have been able to get into without them.

Is 11th grade too late for extracurriculars?

Students should start getting involved in extracurriculars as early as possible in their high school career. However, if you're a junior or a senior, don't be discouraged about trying something new or expanding your extracurriculars. At the end of the day, a year's worth of participation is better than none at all.

Can I get into Harvard without extracurriculars?

There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.

Is junior year too late for extracurriculars?

No need to stress too much about it, it's definitely not too late to join new clubs and activities in your junior year. Colleges appreciate students who show genuine interest in their extracurriculars, and it's better to get involved now than to not get involved at all.

What are Tier 2 extracurriculars?

The second most prestigious group, Tier 2, includes activities that showcase students' larger achievements, such as being elected student body president. Tier 3 activities include smaller achievements, such as being editor of the school paper or treasurer of the history club.

How many extracurriculars should I have for Ivy League?

How Many Extracurricular Activities Do Ivy Leagues Want? For most students, two or three extracurricular activities is manageable while balancing a full course load, depending on the commitment involved in each.

What sport looks best on a college application?

What not to write in a college admissions essay?

Is it OK if my college essay is bad?

If a student's essay isn't great OR good, the admission officer will probably just skim past the essay and move right on to your transcript and your test scores to evaluate your candidacy for admission. Bad essays don't get read. Period.

What essays do colleges look for?

Colleges look for three things in your admission essay: a unique perspective, strong writing, and an authentic voice. People in admissions often say that a great essay is one where it feels like the student is right there in the room, talking authentically to the admissions committee!