How do I order extracurriculars for college?

Before they start filling out this section on the application, they should make a list of all the things they do. Then assign points or tally marks to determine the order. Activities should be listed from most important to least important, or for purposes of this exercise, most points to least points.

How should I order my extracurricular activities?

Putting your most important activities first is the way to go. This may flow in something close to a reverse chronological order since the activities that most demonstrate your passion, leadership, and abilities are likely ones that you stuck with over the years.

What order should I list my activities on common app?

However, there's a big caveat to this: always start with the most notable activity/activities first, and then move into chronological order. Many students miss this critical instruction provided at the top of the Activities section: “Please list your activities in the order of their importance to you.”

How do I choose extracurriculars in college?

How do you prioritize extracurriculars?

The key to choosing extra-curricular activities is to discover the things about which you are most passionate – it's about quality, not quantity. As a former admissions officer, I would always rather see an applicant with two or three deeply explored activities than a list of ten superficial club memberships.

The Extracurricular Activities that Top Colleges Do/Don't Want to See

Is 4 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.

What is a good number of extracurriculars?

The Goldilocks “just right” number of activities is 5 or 6. This is a good amount because it's achievable for most students without being overwhelming.

What are Tier 1 extracurriculars?

Tier 1 activities are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership. The impressiveness of what a student has accomplished in their pursuit and the scarcity with which such activities are seen make them extremely impactful with admissions officers.

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.

What is a good amount of extracurriculars for college?

How Many Extracurriculars Should You Do? Strong applications tend to have between 8 and 10 extracurricular activities. This sounds like a lot, but many activities are seasonal, so it's possible to fit, for example, three to four sports into one year.

Does the order of your activities list matter?

With so many possible ways your child can list activities on the Common App, they may wonder if the order even matters. In a word: yes! Keep in mind that activities listed earlier will be better remembered by admissions committees, so your child should lead with their most impactful and meaningful ones.

Should I fill all 10 activities on Common App?

You can add up to ten activities to your application, but that doesn't mean that you need to enter ten. On average, students applying through Common App report 6 activities. Don't forget, this section is how colleges can get to know more about you.

How to write extracurricular activities in college application?

You'll want to choose an activity that is the most significant, long-term activity that you have participated in during high school. Then, you'll want to explain why it was enriching, what you learned in this activity, and how you plan to continue with this type of activity in college and beyond.

What can I say instead of extracurricular activities?

What is the most common extracurricular activity?

Sports might be the most common extracurricular activity that springs to mind. Almost all high schools offer athletic programs, whether varsity, junior varsity, or club sports. Check with your teen's school for a complete list of school-sponsored athletic programs.

How do I list honors on Common App?

The most competitive and well-known honors should be listed first, followed by awards that are lesser known. A general rule of thumb is that national awards should be listed first, followed by state, local, and school awards.

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 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.

Do colleges look at senior year extracurriculars?

Colleges will be looking to see that you've kept your grades up and have continued involvement in your extracurriculars. They want to see that students are still putting effort into school at this point.

Do colleges check if you were actually in a club?

They do sometimes! Usually, however, club participation is discussed during an interview. Also, be very careful who you list for recommendations.

What is an example of a Tier 2 extracurricular activity?

Tier 2 Extracurricular Activities

For example, you might serve as student body present, make it to state tournaments for tennis, or you could win a local or regional contest.

Who are Tier 3 students?

At Tier 3, these students receive more intensive, individualized support to improve their behavioral and academic outcomes. Tier 3 strategies work for students with developmental disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and students with no diagnostic label at all.

Are essays more important than extracurriculars?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.

Is 2 extracurriculars enough?

Admissions officers would far prefer to see “only” three or so activities that: a) Are aligned with your future academic/career goals. b) Demonstrate your ability to lead and get results (titles matter less than your actual duties/responsibilities).

Which common extracurricular activities don t impress admissions officers?