Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, and Leadership

Aside from the quantitative data provided within the college application such as GPA and test scores, colleges want to see other aspects of the student’s personality and accomplishments. Demonstrated commitment, passion, and meaningful leadership throughout the four years of high school are all important qualities in an applicant. Colleges want to know that the student has made an impact within the community and the school. Extracurricular activities show the applicant’s genuine interests and unique skills which will make them stand out among the thousands of applicants. It also demonstrates organizational and time management skills.

Examples of In and Out of School Involvement:

• Part time job
• Volunteering at a church or temple
• Sports (JV, Varsity, and/or Club)
• Honor societies
• Student Government
• Model UN
• Debate team
• Culture clubs
• Mentoring
• Newspaper
• Yearbook
• Tutoring peers or students in the community
• Robotics
• engineering club
• Performing or Fine Arts
• Publication of academic papers
• Meaningful summer experiences

College Admissions Video Submissions:  How to Standout!

More and more universities are requiring/suggesting the opportunity to submit an admissions video.

In the holistic admissions process, a video can show a side of the applicant that goes beyond test scores, essays, GPA, and a long list of activities.  The video can show your authentic self and help to personalize your application.  Colleges are looking for those students who will be the best fit for their community and add to their mission and purpose.

Tips for creating your video:

1. Follow the website guidelines of each university before you submit your video. Some will ask that you upload the video to their portal. Others may suggest that you use Glimpse or InitialView. Both Glimpse and InitialView are part of the InitialView platform.  Do not go over the minutes allowed ( the range is 90 seconds – 3 minutes).
2. Do not repeat what is already included in your college application.
3. Show, do not tell your passions ( for your talents, your favorite subjects, what excites you).
4. Plan the beginning, middle, and end of your “production”.
5. Lighting can make a big difference: Use a ring light in front of you.
6. Background: keep it clean and simple.
7. Sound: keep it quiet in the background. No loud music.
8. Get feedback on your finished production from your trusted sources before submitting your admission video.