509: What Colleges Want: Extracurricular Activities + How They Can Boost Your Application

On today’s episode, Tom Campbell (CEG’s Community Manager) is joined by Carolyn Starks, a former Pomona and Bates admissions officer and Associate Director of College Counseling at Oakwood School (North Hollywood, CA) at the time of recording, to talk about extracurricular activities and the activities list on college applications.
They get into, among other things:
▪ What are some of the benefits of getting involved in your school community?
▪ How can students explore activities outside of their high schools?
▪ How do admission officers evaluate a student’s activities list?
▪ Frequently asked questions about activities and summer programs
▪ And more!
📍 Chapters
00:00 Introduction
4:48 - What is Carolyn’s background?
6:20 - What activities was Carolyn involved in during high school?
8:36 - What activities did Tom participate in during high school?
10:45 - How can students learn about the opportunities at their school?
16:50 - Why should students get involved within their school community?
23:09 - How can students be involved in extracurriculars outside their school?
29:57 - What should students keep in mind when applying to highly selective schools?
36:13 - Do colleges have preferred activities or summer experiences?
36:41 - Does placement on an activities list matter?
37:37 - How many years should students participate in an activity?
39:05 - How important is having formal leadership roles?
42:18 - What might not be worth putting on your activities list?
46:25 - How many activities is enough?
51:22 - How can students maintain a balance between their home life, academic, and extracurricular activities?
55:47 - Closing thoughts
🔗LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO🔗
Full show notes: www.collegeessayguy.com/podca...
Extracurricular Activities: A comprehensive guide with 400+ examples and ideas: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/...
How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/...
A List of Activities You May Not Have Considered Including-But That Count!: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/...
80+ Real Examples for Writing Your Extracurricular Activity List: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/...

[@sarahconnell6332]

Thank you for pointing out that a “leader” is more than a title - it’s the ability to coordinate activities and motivate people. Most of the SG positions at our local HS are completely popularity contests and also completely ridiculous. It’s the quiet, hard worker who uses their informal power to persuade and encourage others that may be the truer leader

[@Collegeessayguy]

Facts!! Fear not, people in admissions understand the spectrum of leadership. Titles are just one piece of the puzzle :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

@sarahconnell6332 we actually go into this detail a little more in the blog guide... feel free to Ctrl F "leadership" and share with anyone you feel could benefit from the message! www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-guide