The Extracurricular Activities that Top Colleges Do/Don't Want to See

Today, we'll be talking about how there is no list of the extracurricular activities that top colleges, like the Ivy League, want/don't want to see. Every year, they accept over a thousand applicants, none of whom all share the same activities. There isn't a checklist or blacklist of extracurricular activities because everyone has their own story that they use to carve out their own path. This means that whatever extracurricular activities you choose to do, as long as they are meaningful to you, will help you get to where you need to be.

Music:
Like a tulip by Joakim Karud

[AnaCosta-zurd]

“As long as you’re not an international applicant” that hurt lmao

[omotunde]

This is very nice to hear as a rising junior 😭!

[mary_]

Wooow perfect video🔥 Everything's clear even for me (Russian speaking girl). This video motivates me to reach my goals

[ydhu]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation:

00:57 *🎓 Understanding Harvard's Rating System for Extracurriculars*
- Harvard uses a rating system from one to six for evaluating extracurriculars.
- Factors like honors, scope (local vs. international), and elected positions significantly impact ratings.
- Most admitted students fall into the two-plus or two-minus range.
05:25 *🌟 Tips for Highlighting Extracurricular Activities*
- Commitment over time (e.g., from 9th to 12th grade) is crucial in demonstrating dedication.
- Tailor activities to align with your academic or career interests for a coherent narrative.
- Quality over quantity: You don't need to fill every slot on the Common App; focus on impactful experiences.
08:23 *📝 Structuring Your Extracurricular Section*
- Prioritize important activities by placing them at the top of your list.
- Detail your involvement, achievements, and leadership roles within each activity.
- Use this section to showcase your personal growth, impact, and alignment with future goals.

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[ChocolitLion]

BUT WHAT IF I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT?!☹

[hajratalib]

I'm from the UK, 17 nearly 18 but I don't do anything much other than go college and come home and I haven't really had any extracurriculars that I've been a part of which I really regret now, and my college doesn't have many clubs to join so I'd have to do it outside of college as a club, but I don't know what to choose and I'm worried 😓

[suryatejsuryadevera]

I dont think I count as international student as I have an American citizenship but live outside america in another country...

[oe-r]

Thank you very much ! Great video and great advice !!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[hitemwidt]

was the yale interviewer kiss based on that one a2c post

[shairaanjuman]

Why is it said “as long as you aren’t an international applicant, ” what are the major differences? What did you specifically mean?

[fred]

Does getting into extracurriculars in your late junior year hold any actual relevance for college applications, or am I just late to the game? My activities outside of school include reading, games, and physical fitness, which are all seemingly irrelevant to me.

[MatyskoCZE]

Hi, I actually do have a lot of extracurricular activities (like the school council or some sports), that I could execute very well but I dont really have any activites in the field I am interested in (engineering, IT ect.). Do you think it would be possible for me to get in to a university?

[Beepboopbooom]

I thought he was being real at first 😭

[AhmedBinMizan]

well, what about any writing or literature activities ? i mean, i have zero sports skills . never played anything for as long as i can remember, so i don't think sports is my criteria

[frederickw]

In my country we have schools that only focuses on basic stuff. They focus on grades you got. Education is not even good tho. And no opportunity of being head of a sports team., debate club or anything etc. They don't care about sports. No teams, no science fairs. nothing zero. Minds that are drier than deserts.

[noi_drhdr]

I know this video is 3 years old but can you give me some words of encouragement or advice for being a student who hasn’t joined any clubs or did anything outstanding in my freshman and sophomore year of high school. I’m a rising junior btw.

[luckygrape]

u sound pretty cleaver, im gonna listen to u

[rayhonayuldasheva]

Do you think it’s too late if I’ve been gaining activity since September and submit an application in December? or am I late?

[taherss]

What projects i can do in programming that might got me in?

[JonakT]

Well if I get the post of Class Prez as teacher randomly selected me. N no one really cares about it... Can I still consider it?