The Importance of Extracurriculars
Although having a good GPA and SAT/ACT scores are important, extracurriculars can play a major role in college application decisions. It shows the admissions committee that you are more than just a number. It gives them better insight into your personality and what you like to do. More importantly, you need to explore your options early in high school. High school is such a challenging time for people since most adolescents are trying to find their identity. Extracurricular activities can help you not only determine your interests, but can help you meet new people.
When applying to colleges, many admission offices not only look at your high school grades, and your SAT scores, they also pay special attention to how much community service you have done, and what kind of activities you participated in. It doesn’t matter what type they are, sports, clubs, theatre, band, the most important thing is to show perseverance! Schools LOVE to see that you have done a certain thing for more than just a semester, before you decided to try something else. They like to see commitment and progress. If you’ve been in an organization for a while, apply to be a leader in that club. Being a leader not only shows that you have the capabilities to lead, but also that you are willing to take on responsibilities!
Secondly, it is important to have community service hours. Community service can come from many different sources, whether it is with your church, school, National Honor Society, or any kind of group. Again, it is important to show commitment! Be sure to accumulate some hours of community service per semester to show the admissions office that you are aware of more than just yourself, and that you are willing to give to others as well.
Finally, participating in sports is an excellent idea. Many students in high school are active in sports. It may not be everyone’s favorite thing, but it is a great way to meet new people, while getting exercise! Schools like to see activity, and that you are not completely sedentary. Be adventurous and try something out! You never know if you will be the next star player, and who knows, you might just get a scholarship for playing your sport in college.
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