staying active outside of the classroom

Activities that you do outside of the classroom will be taken into consideration when it comes to competitive college admission and scholarships. Try to be as well rounded as you possibly can. Your extracurricular and co-curricular (activities that augment and enhance your in-class experiences) involvements can be part of the package of criteria that college admissions staffs consider with your application. Here are a few helpful hints:

• Keep a record of your involvements beginning your freshman year of high school.
• In almost all situations the depth of your experiences is more important than the number.
• Don't worry about trying to do everything under the sun. Try to do as much as you can within the activities that you choose.
• Choose activities that are "meaningful and important" to you. Not everyone is going to be in the Key Club or the captain of the baseball team, but that is okay.
• Take advantage of leadership roles and opportunities that develop in the activities you have chosen.
• Some scholarships are based entirely upon community service. Get involved.
• Don't neglect your own individualism. Continue to nurture your own special talents and interests. These things may set you apart from others when it comes down to an admissions decision.

Posted: 5/27/2001