Making the Most of Your Freshman Year
Picture it: it’s the summer before high school starts, and you’re about to dive into the open house experience. You’re meeting your soon-to-be teachers, figuring out how to unlock your locker, snapping an ID photo, and eyeing all the activities your school offers. If you’re anything like most students, the sight of booths lined with branded pens and stress balls can be a bit much. Every club and activity wants you on board. How do you decide which ones to pick? If college is in your future plans, it might be wise to consider which activities will shine on a college application. Don’t let the colorful displays distract you. Let’s dive into which extracurriculars can boost your future college applications.
Clubs: Your Ticket to Connection and Leadership
Clubs often top the list for activities that catch a college’s eye. They’re usually pretty easy to get involved with, too. Most schools offer a similar slate of clubs, though if you’re in a rural area, options might be a bit limited. Can’t find one that grabs your interest? Consider starting your own! Many schools are open to students launching clubs, especially if a teacher is willing to sponsor them. To make your participation count, choose clubs that align with your college or career aspirations. Want to delve into agriculture? Future Farmers of America might be your match. Eyeing entrepreneurship? An entrepreneurship club could be just right. And if you can swing it, aim for clubs offering leadership roles; colleges love applicants with leadership chops.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a handy list of potential clubs: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), math club, coding club, 4H club, National Honor Society (NHS), game club, cooking club.
The Subtle Power of Part-Time Jobs
While school-based activities are a no-brainer for your resume, don’t overlook opportunities outside of school—like jobs! Working in your community not only boosts your application but also teaches invaluable skills such as time management and responsibility. Plus, it lets you explore new interests. Got a part-time gig? Try sticking with it for the long haul. Colleges appreciate students who show commitment over time.
Thinking about where to begin? Consider these options: fast-food restaurants, daycares with evening hours, local businesses, grocery stores, tutoring services, dog walking.
Hobbies: More Than Just Pastimes
Think you need to abandon collecting baseball cards or playing chess for something more “application-friendly”? Not necessarily. Hobbies can be a great asset on college applications, especially if you’ve been nurturing them for years. They’re a testament to your dedication and commitment and offer ways to engage with your community.
Need some hobby inspiration? Consider these: piano playing, fencing, chess tournaments, spelling bees, photography projects, writing endeavors.
Volunteering: A Win-Win Situation
Got some free time and wondering how to use it wisely? Volunteering might just be your answer. There’s always a need somewhere nearby—be it food drives or shelter assistance—that you can fulfill. Colleges love applicants who invest their energy into the betterment of others because it’s a good sign you’ll be active in campus life. Who knows? Exceptional volunteer experience might even earn you scholarships or fellowships.
Curious where you could lend a hand? Start here: animal shelters, food pantries, homeless shelters, schools nearby, parks needing upkeep, hospitals looking for extra help, nursing homes.
Wrapping Up: Find Your Passion and Have Fun
As you’ve seen, there are loads of activities that can make your college application pop: clubs, jobs, hobbies, volunteering—the list goes on! The key takeaway? Get involved in what truly interests you and aligns with your goals. Still unsure which path to take? Chat with your guidance counselor or a teacher for advice.
Remember—above all else—have fun! Explore more about activities that enhance college applications
