23 July 2009

Activities Outside of School: The Secret to College



Do you want to go to a good College? Most people want to go to a good school, but there is so much competition to get into college today. A student needs some way to edge out everyone else and earn that coveted spot. So what is the secret to getting into a good college? Besides performing well in school, extra curricular activities are the determining factor for college admissions. A school might have two very smart and qualified applicants; one who plays computer games during his free time and another who volunteers at the local animal shelter. Who do you think that the school will admit most of the time? In most cases the answer is clear. Pretty simple secret right?

Image by Harish Sharma

The way a student chooses to spent his or her free time leaves a very powerful impression on a college. Activities outside of school are very important to all universities. These activities can be almost anything, as long as they are something. Colleges love to ask about extra curricular activities, so have something good to say. Some of the most notable questions that a college tries to answer before admitting a student are: What will this student bring to our school? Will admitting this student make our school a better place? and What can this student add to our community that the other student (who plays video games) cannot? Extra curricular activities are the best way to show colleges what a student is interested in and how he or she expands on that interest. Because most of admissions are tests and grades, activities outside of school are the best way to show a student's personal self. They put a human face on an application.

It is important, however, not to overwork oneself with activities outside of school. It is better to have 2 or 3 particular hobbies or activities to spend time on than to have 6 or 7. Participating in just 2 or 3 means that the student can dedicate more time to these activities and become better at them. Schools like to see dedication, not sheer numbers. Colleges also realize that a student cannot do everything and do not expect him or her to. For this reason, less is more, regarding extra curricular activities. However, at the same time, it is important to make sure to do SOMETHING. I understand that it is difficult for many, if not most teens to sleep, let alone dedicate time to other activities, but it must be done. There is no choice. Sure you could do nothing other than focus on school, but such a limited view will not get anyone far in college. Make time for extra curricular activities- that is one of the biggest secrets to college admission.


Most importantly however, is not to abandon living a normal life. It is very easy to get lost in the bubble known as school and forget about everything other than the test on Monday, or the SAT a few weeks from now. It happens to everyone so do not fret. Although school and applications are important, it is only one part of life. Colleges want students who enjoy living life, because these people make life worth living. Living and experiencing life is the best extra curricular that any student can participate in. Try and work hard, but never give up living life to its fullest.


For much more on this same topic please read my article Using Extra Curricular Activities for College. It goes into much more depth about extra curricular activities and how to use them for college admissions.

    

8 comments:

Sandra said...

I agree. Outside activities are most important, not only when in school, but for your whole life. A well-rounded application, resume, or life will include your work,life-long learning, AND "extracurricular" activies.

Sandra
www.realmathinaminute.com

Hot relax said...

Very useful tips
hrelax.blogspot.com

Lynn M said...

This is an excellent article. I couldn't agree more. While it is very important to focus on your grades, you need a way to stand out that goes beyond good grades. Extra curriculars are not only a great way to do that (including sports, clubs, activities, part-time jobs, and volunteering) but ultimately they make YOU better in the process. Such experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.

Admin said...

Lynn: One of the biggest problems today is that students feel that their grades are everything. They do not explore or experience life beyond school. It hurts them not only during the college process, but also in life in general.

Mrs. W: Thanks agreeing :) Any exposure outside of school helps to make well rounded people and citizens.

Hot Relax: thanks hah

Anonymous said...

As a straight-A high school student, I must admit that grades pretty much are everything, but they aren't necessarily the reason why I don't participate in a lot of extracurricular activities. The fact of the matter is, I am usually bogged down by homework! I can handle the concepts I am faced with in Honors classes, but I still struggle with the workload. I (and many others) don't get enough sleep because the interminable assignments take precedence over everything. And if we don't have time for sleep, what makes you think we have time for extracurricular activities?

Admin said...

I realize that there is barely enough time to sleep. I am a straight A student myself and average around 6 hours of sleep a night because I am just so busy, but I still find time to take part in activities. My weekends for example are full of things other than homework, although there is plenty of that too. After school I play tennis among other things. The secret is to manage time well ( which everyone says anyways, so its really not a helpful tip) and be willing to make sacrifices. For one, if you do not have the time for homework, then Facebook has got to wait until you are done. Also do homework instead of going out with friends. It sounds harsh, but it is only the rest of your life that you are preparing for.
It is different for everyone, but you need to find a way to incorporate extra curriculars so that you look more interesting.

Unknown said...

I agree with you that school and applications are important, it is only one part of life.........
Thanks,
Online juris doctorate

Education in Robocity said...

In a student's life, there must be time for everything, from classes to study to activities. Also, sleep, proper eating and hobbies are essential to avoid breakdowns and other health issues.

The key is in optimizing one own's study time, make the most out of class and notes from lectures, and revise quickly. The more a student manages his/her time in an optimal way, the more he/she can make time for other things, such like extra-curricular activities and hobbies (as well as some extra nap).

~ Education in Robocity (Admin)