Regardless of what you may have heard, grades are the most important thing when it comes to college admittance. A close second, however, is a proven track record of extra-curricular activities. A well-rounded student with a lot to show for the time spent in high school is more important than being the president of this or the captain of that. Behind-the-scenes players are just as important because you're demonstrating commitment and the ability to prioritize. If you need help getting started, start by considering the following tips:
1. Look around at school. Even if you've been playing tennis on the school team for years, allow yourself to evolve into new areas as well. Do you like photography? Chess? French? There are probably clubs or activities for just about anything that interests you.
2. Get a job. Even if you don't earn a paycheck (as would be the case in internships) working is a great way to take some of the learning you've done and apply it to real life. Time management skills are key to combining work and school, but the rewards are plenty if it leads to gaining acceptance into the college of your choice.
3. Help others. Charity work is good for the soul and it allows you to spend time with the kinds of people you feel strongly about. Are you drawn to the elderly? Spend time at your local nursing home and help out where you are needed. You'll feel good about yourself and likely cheer someone else up at the same time.
Don't stop with just one activity. If you do enough soul-searching, you can probably find a couple of vastly different areas of yourself that lend themselves to activities. Prioritize your responsibilities, make sure that your grades aren't suffering and then feel free to join away.
Admissions directors are looking for students who have made a commitment and demonstrated passion for an activity. They want to diversify their student body and are looking for a group of interesting incoming freshman. They want to see you as an individual, and what you choose to do with your time goes a long way toward defining you.
1. Look around at school. Even if you've been playing tennis on the school team for years, allow yourself to evolve into new areas as well. Do you like photography? Chess? French? There are probably clubs or activities for just about anything that interests you.
2. Get a job. Even if you don't earn a paycheck (as would be the case in internships) working is a great way to take some of the learning you've done and apply it to real life. Time management skills are key to combining work and school, but the rewards are plenty if it leads to gaining acceptance into the college of your choice.
3. Help others. Charity work is good for the soul and it allows you to spend time with the kinds of people you feel strongly about. Are you drawn to the elderly? Spend time at your local nursing home and help out where you are needed. You'll feel good about yourself and likely cheer someone else up at the same time.
Don't stop with just one activity. If you do enough soul-searching, you can probably find a couple of vastly different areas of yourself that lend themselves to activities. Prioritize your responsibilities, make sure that your grades aren't suffering and then feel free to join away.
Admissions directors are looking for students who have made a commitment and demonstrated passion for an activity. They want to diversify their student body and are looking for a group of interesting incoming freshman. They want to see you as an individual, and what you choose to do with your time goes a long way toward defining you.
About the Author:
Thomas Burke assists working adults in selecting online colleges and online degree programs.
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