What kind of extracurriculars do colleges like to see?

Community Activities Local clubs and sports teams. Political activist groups. Community arts or music groups. Volunteer work.

How can I impress colleges with extracurricular activities?

What extracurriculars does Harvard like?

Strong Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities can consist of community service, athletics, music, theater, or any other passions and commitments that students pursue outside of school. High school students who get into Harvard tend to have leadership positions when applicable.

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 looks best on college applications?

A good college application should showcase strong grades, high test scores, volunteer or relevant work experience, compelling letters of recommendation and an honest and thoughtful personal essay. It's also good to show improvement and a willingness to challenge yourself.

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

Do colleges check your extracurriculars?

As every college applicant knows, admissions offices look at extracurricular activities as one of the many factors that go into admissions decisions.

How do I stand out on my college application?

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.

Do UK colleges look at extracurriculars?

Activities like debating or speech/drama diplomas might be useful in this regard. In general, the UK does place less emphasis on extracurriculars, but certainly there are relevant activities you can do that might help to boost your application beyond just scoring well in your school subjects.

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.

Do colleges like unique extracurriculars?

While grades and test scores are important, colleges also want to see the person you're becoming and the skills you've learned outside of class. They want to know what makes you unique, and the extracurricular activities you participate in will help you stand out.

What extracurricular activities should I do for Oxford?

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.

Are grades or extracurriculars more important?

First things first: grades matter most

While extracurricular activities are a factor in college admissions, they are definitely not the most important—academic performance is! Grades, a solid GPA, and the strength of curriculum matter most to the admission officers evaluating your student.

Do hobbies count as extracurricular activities?

It typically doesn't carry academic credit but can be related to school. For example, athletics and student clubs are considered extracurricular activities. Hobbies, interests, and volunteer work outside of school are also considered extracurricular activities.

Is Model UN good for college?

Model UN can give students the edge when it comes to getting into colleges. If it is presented the right way, students can display the skills to learn and show colleges the value that they will gain by taking a student who has been in Model UN.

Do Oxford care about extracurriculars?

There's a myth that Oxford is looking for the most well-rounded applicants, with a long list of varied extra-curricular activities. In fact, tutors are primarily concerned with your academic ability and potential, as well as enthusiasm for your chosen subject.

What grades do UK colleges look at?

GCSEs will be taken in to account when we consider your application but they are just one aspect that we look at. GCSE results will be considered alongside your personal statement, academic reference, predicted grades and performance in any written work or written test required for your course.

How many extracurriculars do colleges like?

Though 5 – 6 is the most ideal amount, that's not to say that some students don't do well with fewer activities – sometimes significantly fewer!

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 10 extracurriculars too much?

There is never too many, but you have to show that you are genuinely committed and interested in the activity.

What is a Tier 3 extracurricular activities?

Tier III: Tier III activities are low-level leadership positions at a local school level (e.g. Treasurer of Spanish Club, Vice President of ASB, Assistant Production Head for Theater Group, etc.) Tier IV: Tier IV activities are low engagement, low contribution, and infrequent activities.

What matters most on a college application?

A student's grades in college-preparatory classes remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions. Highly selective colleges look for students who: Complete core academic requirements.

What are colleges looking for in essays?

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!

Can you put hobbies on college application?

Yes, colleges consider hobbies because they're interested in learning what students do in their free time outside academics! Colleges use a holistic approach when making application decisions, so you must demonstrate that you are well-rounded and excel in all your pursuits.