Extracurricular Activities Admissions Officers Love
March 24, 2010
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In this podcast, Mike Rivera offers some insights into what admissions officers look for in the college applicant’s extracurricular activities column. In short, quality triumphs over quantity every time.
Mike discusses that an admissions officer seeks to round out the college class with students who will make a meaningful contribution. Consequently, high school students who exhibit leadership and dedication – and therefore good time management skills – are looked upon favorably. In addition, meaningful participation in activities outside of school such as community, church or travel, are similarly viewed with favor.
Depth of involvement in one or two activities is viewed as an asset, while an academic resume that reads more like the high school’s roster of clubs is not necessarily a good thing. The reason? Mike explains that admissions officers look for students who finish what they start. By joining every club under the sun but not really “sinking your teeth” into any of them, a student gives the impression that s/he is unfocussed, has a short attention span, or worse, simply looking for resume fodder. So, look for ways to participate and admissions officers will remember you!
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