Updated: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Colleges want to see what students are doing outside of the classroom, so high school students should seek out extracurricular opportunities that they’re passionate about and match their interests. For high school freshmen and sophomores, it can be hard to figure out exactly what their interests are and the activities that best suit those passions. Luckily, there are a number of resources for high school freshmen and sophomores to help them identify their core interests and find opportunities that support them.
Colleges don’t just want to admit great academic students. They want to admit students who will also be involved on campus and, ultimately, make an impact. Colleges also want to build well-rounded classes made up of specialists, and how students spend their time outside of the classroom can give admissions officers a great look into not just students’ specialties, but how they might contribute to the campus if admitted. This is why it’s important for students to identify their interests early on (it’s ok if they change or evolve!) and find activities where students can better explore those interests.
As you think about your extracurricular activities and whether or not they’re working for you — or if it’s time to change your focus — it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Below are some additional extracurricular activity resources to help high school freshmen and sophomores identify their interests and find extracurricular opportunities that will help them become specialists and stand out when it comes time to apply to college.
At IvyWise we work with students throughout high school to help them identify and focus their interests, as well as find activities that match those passions where they can make an impact. Contact us today for more information on our college counseling services and how we can help you craft the optimal extracurricular activity plan.
Every college visit is a crucial part of the college search process. After all, the best way to learn about a college and its campus is to actually experience it first-hand. The spring semester is a great time to start planning college visits, as students have upcoming spring breaks that they can use to travel.
IvyWise Scholar Nevaeh Shares Her Top Tips for Students Applying to College
It’s so important to have perspective when going through the college admissions process, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Nevaeh, to share some advice for future applicants.
The University of Pennsylvania — or Penn, as it’s often referred — offers interviews to prospective students. Depending on volunteer availability, Penn may reach out to you to schedule an Alumni Conversation. This is essentially a conversation between you and an alum so that you can learn a little more about Penn and they can learn a little more about you.
Dartmouth, like many colleges and universities, invites applicants to interview. However, these interviews are not conducted by the admissions committee but alumni volunteers. The college does not offer campus interviews.
If you’re invited to an interview, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous. Being prepared can help boost your confidence, so keep reading to learn what to expect and for tips on acing the interview.
