Understanding the Role of Extracurricular Activities As admissions consultants, we are often asked about the role that extracurricular activities play in the college application process. Many students and parents are under the impression that only traditional activities such as being president of the class or captain of the sports team are important. However, thinking outside…
As a busy high school student, you may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to maintain good grades, make and keep friends, and engage in community service. You may wonder why volunteering matters so much. The Importance of Community Engagement In the world of highly selective admissions, we are often asked, “how many hours do I…
Clubs, and sports, and jobs oh my!!! With so many choices for extracurriculars, it can be very difficult to determine which activities are best. Maybe you are preparing to apply to college during the fall of your senior year and you’re wondering what activities to include n your activity list. Maybe you are in your…
It may have been a while since you’ve been on a college campus. For your child, they may never have been to a college outside a sporting event or musical competition. Visiting colleges is an integral part of the college process as your student will learn about academics, become familiar with physical layouts, and ultimately…
Millions of high school students play all kinds of sports, but only a small percentage will become a “recruited” athlete with the possibility of earning a college scholarship. Here are some tips that might help:
Teenagers and young adults entering college, the job market, or graduate programs face immense competition. The New York Times states that top universities such as Stanford accept less than 5% of applicants. With steadily more individuals attending college, entering the job force, and getting advanced degrees, competition amongst applicants is intensifying. Whether you’re applying to…
There’s no secret that colleges look beyond student grades and test scores. They also seek feedback and perspectives from your teachers, guidance, and college counselors. Your essays also matter. Whether it’s the Common Application personal statement or the college supplemental essay, they invite you to voice yourself. Equally important are your extracurricular activities (ECA) that…
If your intentions are to go to a top college or university, you need to make productive use of your summer. Think about it. You have literally 8-10 weeks off from school. Doing nothing will not cut it. Neither will sleeping your days away, or excessively watching TV or playing video games. At some point…
Ahhh summer…long lazy days, beaches, parks, marathon video game sessions, Netflix binging…or not. No one is saying you can’t enjoy your summer break, but it’s also a time to explore ways in which you can strengthen your college prospects. Here are some ideas on how to spend a productive summer that can add value to…