Everything counts from freshman year through senior year. Getting on the right path and keeping track of what you do now will be a great help when you are applying to college in three years.

Extracurricular Activities, Service and Work Experience

As with coursework, colleges want to see students pursuing extracurricular activities and opportunities in a way that maximizes what is available to them. Some students must work every summer to earn money and can’t do after-school activities because they are caring for younger siblings. That is okay! In fact, it is important to be transparent about this, as colleges appreciate understanding a student’s background. 

For students with more opportunities, schools want to see a student going deep and giving back, and so for this reason, it is quality and not quantity that we care about. Your student should pursue what he cares about, whether it is improv or lacrosse or student government -- or all of the above. The important thing is to show commitment to the interest, building from year to year. Summer is a great time to do that as well, and at all price ranges, from taking a class on Outschool, to doing a summer internship at Town Hall, to enrolling in college courses to buttress an interest. 

What does leadership mean on college applications?

Finally, with leadership as the buzzword in college admissions, you may wonder what it means if you aren’t running for student body president. Leadership can mean many things, from rising through the ranks to become first chair trombonist to working as a TA for a favorite teacher. Instead of leadership, think of the word “depth.” Take an interest and fly with it, getting as creative and involved as you can. 

CTK pro tip: Although expensive summer programs abound, they are neither necessary nor particularly helpful for college applications. Schools know that these are financially infeasible for many families. Find the resources that make sense for your kid, and have her challenge herself, whether through a summer job, volunteer work, or a great summer course. 

CTK pro tip: Don’t let your activities slide during the pandemic. Come up with innovative ways to participate, and if what you want to do doesn’t exist, create it yourself. Here are some ideas: 

• Teach an online science course for kids

• Volunteer/work as a camp counselor at an outdoor camp

• Make a weekly or monthly commitment to a local food pantry

• Start a business to raise money for a favorite cause

• Gain skills: coding, architecture, engineering, construction  

How can service work help my college applications?

Some high schools have service requirements for graduation (which is awesome), but in the absence of that, many parents wonder how much service is enough service. I haven’t seen service be a major factor in admissions other than at the extreme ends. All students-- and humans-- should be involved in giving back to the community. For some, that is through an outside passion-- the musician might perform at nursing homes and do fundraisers; the athlete might do free sports coaching for under-resourced kids. For others, it is just service for the sake of service, like a monthly commitment at the food pantry or weekly tutoring for adults pursuing the GED. Whatever it is, think about a regular and lasting commitment to your community. 

CTK pro tip: Keep track of activity and service hours beginning freshman year. You’ll need that information for college applications in four years. You will need to track the following: which year(s) you have participated, how many weeks/year, how many hours/week, and any leadership roles you have held.

PS - If you’re new to my blog, remember to visit my Important Resources page as a one-stop shop to help you navigate the high school years and research the right-fit colleges for your family.