3 myths of extracurriculars
1. Colleges don't really care about extracurricular activities.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: Colleges care a great deal about how you spend your time in high school whether that is a job or a sport or school club or something you take part in outside of school. This helps a college get to know you and it helps to differentiate you from other candidates. Listen to a Dean of Admissions at Yale University talk about why extracurriculars matter HERE.
2. Getting really involved in several things in Junior Year is the way to go.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: Colleges don't expect that you bit off more than you can chew at any time but they do like to see a school/life balance and they like to see you practicing that from the start of high school.
3. The only reason to get involved in extracurriculars is to impress colleges.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: The point of participating is to learn about yourself and show something about yourself. Investing time and energy into something can help you to develop new interests and passions, it can get you connected to your school or community and can lead to think outside of yourself. Colleges want candidates to show leadership, commitment to service and sense of community spirit. Listen to a a Dean of Admission at the U of Tulsa talk about what colleges are looking for HERE.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: Colleges care a great deal about how you spend your time in high school whether that is a job or a sport or school club or something you take part in outside of school. This helps a college get to know you and it helps to differentiate you from other candidates. Listen to a Dean of Admissions at Yale University talk about why extracurriculars matter HERE.
2. Getting really involved in several things in Junior Year is the way to go.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: Colleges don't expect that you bit off more than you can chew at any time but they do like to see a school/life balance and they like to see you practicing that from the start of high school.
3. The only reason to get involved in extracurriculars is to impress colleges.
MYTH BUSTED REALITY: The point of participating is to learn about yourself and show something about yourself. Investing time and energy into something can help you to develop new interests and passions, it can get you connected to your school or community and can lead to think outside of yourself. Colleges want candidates to show leadership, commitment to service and sense of community spirit. Listen to a a Dean of Admission at the U of Tulsa talk about what colleges are looking for HERE.
Where do I find places to get involved???
Elgin Parks and Rec
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SEHS Clubs and ActivitiesVolunteer Match |
Gail Borden Volunteer
Other Options-Academic interests: attend camps or enrichment activities. Volunteer in an area where you have a career interest (ie- want to be a nurse? Volunteer at the hospital. What to be a vet? Try the animal shelter.)
-Religious organizations often have activities or clubs |