Importance of Extracurricular Activities for College Admission in US

Yes, you need a high GPA and good scores in standardized tests like SAT and TOEFL. But the top universities in the US look for more than just that when reviewing applicants. This is good news and bad news for the international students. Good news because even if you have scored a little less in your previous tests and exams, you still stand a chance for admission. Bad news because even if you have an impeccable academic record, it doesn’t guarantee you a spot at your favorite university. Extracurricular activities are at the center of this mix.

What Extracurricular Activities Tell?

They are far from “extra”. While in school you may have been told that it’s optional, in reality, extracurricular activities are much more important than you realize. Depending on the activities you choose, a lot can be said about who you are, what kind of skills you have, how you are as a person, and so forth. Such insights are critical for admission committees to evaluate your application.

For instance, if you’re good at sports, it can demonstrate your soft skills like teamwork. If you have been a part of your school’s debate team, it underlines your communication skill. If you have been the chairperson of annual events, it demonstrates your leadership skills.

This is why such details should be mentioned in your college essay. And not just that but in addition to the mention, you must also establish how particular extracurricular activities have added to your personality, how they have improved you, and what skills you have acquired out of those activities; you must briefly explain these details.

What Extracurricular Activities to Get Involved in for College Admission?

This depends on the type of program you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying for political science, having a background in political activism is a great idea. If you’re applying for literature, having a demonstrated experience of published work would make your portfolio shine. Generally put, you can take up leadership activities, internships, sports (like soccer, chess, and basketball), writing, coding, traveling, volunteering, and more. Such activities can make your application stand out.

Get Admission to an American University

Getting admission to any of the leading universities in the US has its challenges. Even if you have a good academic background and many extracurricular activities on the portfolio, you need to be presented in a fitting way that hooks the admission committees and appeals to them. This is why it’s recommended to seek help from overseas education consultants. Frame Learning has helped hundreds of students get admission to the best universities in the US. Connect with us today and let us guide you throughout the admission process.