Most colleges prefer candidates with holistic development in contrast to someone who only excels academically. Extracurriculars provide insight into who a candidate is and what they will be inclined towards during their time at college. Suppose you don’t really have any extracurriculars - is it the end of the world? Are the chances of getting into your dream college hurt? Definitely not! We, at GuidEx, have compiled some of the best ways to solve one of the lesser-known troubles associated with college applications, which is extracurriculars. Read on to know what you can do to improve your profile as a college applicant.
There are several ways to approach this matter, based on your interests and the time you have at hand to spend on ECs. Here’s a list of what you can do:
Take Initiative
When it comes to ECs, colleges love students who take initiative. If you’re struggling to find existing clubs or activities, why not create your own project? Whether it’s a blog on a topic you're passionate about, a community cleanup effort, or a small business selling handmade crafts, starting something from scratch shows leadership, passion, and creativity. Plus, it gives you a great story to tell in your essays!
Get Involved in Volunteering
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, help your community, and add valuable ECs to your application. Check out local NGOs, schools, or even online platforms that need help. Whether it’s teaching students, organizing donation drives, or raising awareness for a cause, there’s always something you can do to make an impact. Remember, you’re not doing this just for the sake of your college application! Be passionate about what you do and aim to create an impact!
Take up Online Courses/Certifications
Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer tons of free courses on everything from business to psychology. Not only does this give you something cool to list on your application, but it also shows that you are self-motivated and intellectually curious. A cherry on the top would be selecting courses related to what you’re planning to study in college.
Participate in Competitions
Whether it’s through school or online platforms, participating in (and winning!) competitions across different fields can provide you with immense knowledge, exposure, networks, and last but not least, something to show on your application.
Internships
There are lots of start-ups and other companies that are ready to offer internships to high schoolers. Try to leverage your interests and join such internships. Even if you can’t land a formal internship, reaching out to a professional in a field you’re interested in and asking to shadow them for a day (or even a few hours) can give you invaluable insight—and something impressive to write about.
Hobbies Count Too
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal hobbies. If you love painting, writing, coding, or even gaming, these can count as ECs—especially if you’ve honed your skills over time. If you’ve put in hours perfecting a craft or learning a new skill, showcase it! Maybe you've created a portfolio, started a YouTube channel, or performed in local gigs. Colleges are looking for passionate, well-rounded students, and your hobbies are a great way to show off your unique side.
School Committees or Leadership Roles
Look around at school and check whether there are any clubs or committees you could join. Even being part of an event planning committee or helping organize school functions can add valuable experience to your application. Take on a leadership role, even if it’s a small one. It’s not about having the biggest title—it’s about showing responsibility and teamwork.
It’s never too late to build up your extracurriculars! Even if you haven’t had the chance to rack up ECs over the years, you can still showcase your passions, leadership, and initiative in creative ways. Colleges want to see the real you, so focus on activities that align with your interests and goals. Stay proactive, think outside the box, and show that you’re more than just your grades! Check out GuidEx for more tips on how to perfect your college applications!
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