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What should I focus on more for my college applications: Internships or Extracurriculars ?
I am a 17 year old junior, and I am about to head into my senior year, and I know that internships are very helpful for gaining experience and showing professional development, which colleges sometimes use to determine admission and scholarships; but I also know that extracurriculars help showcase who you are and they help tell your story better, which colleges like using when viewing your overall application through holistic review. So, I am not sure which to pursue more.
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7 answers
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Emily’s Answer
Follow your passion, whether it's joining clubs, volunteering in your community, or interning to gain experience. When I think about my college applications and scholarships, I remember that it's important to show who you are, not just what you do. Volunteering was a great way for me to do this, and it also helped with scholarships. My advice is simple: do what makes you happy.
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Adam’s Answer
Thinking about how others will view your application can feel overwhelming. Internships and extracurricular activities are valuable experiences to share. It's important to be yourself because that's who the school is selecting.
Focus on activities that match the school or program you are applying to. Make sure you can link your experiences to the program. For example, if you're applying to a business development program, highlight activities that show your leadership, professionalism, and commitment to learning.
Focus on activities that match the school or program you are applying to. Make sure you can link your experiences to the program. For example, if you're applying to a business development program, highlight activities that show your leadership, professionalism, and commitment to learning.
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Michael’s Answer
Hi Sam! Internships are a fantastic way to explore your career interests and connect with people in your chosen field. Colleges love to see your extracurricular activities and how you contribute to the community. Try to get involved in community service, join high school clubs, and look for leadership roles your school offers.
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Joshua’s Answer
Both extracurricular activities and internships are important. Being well-rounded is the best way to strengthen your application, so try not to focus on just one thing. Most internships are short and usually happen in the summer, allowing you to do both. Internships help you discover what you want in a job, what you like or dislike in a workplace, and provide great networking opportunities. Extracurriculars are key because they shape who you are and help you build skills you might not learn at work. Follow your passions, but keep in mind that gaining work experience during college is also important.
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John’s Answer
Honestly, neither one is automatically better. What colleges actually respond to is a holistic picture and things like how long you stuck with something and what you actually did there. Three years in one activity where you took on real responsibility beats a two week internship you did because it looked good.
And the honest answer with internships at your age is that they really don't carry much weight at all. If you can land something genuinely hands on in the field you want to study, then that is great and worth doing. That being said, if it's not really substantial and just a line on the resume, skip it.
Since you are starting your senior year, I would lean toward what you're already in. If you can step into a leadership role in something you've been doing for years, that would be a strong play and a good story.
Most importantly, your grades, test scores, and mix of courses matter more than any of this. Don't let the side quest of trying to pad an application pull your focus off of what really matters.
And the honest answer with internships at your age is that they really don't carry much weight at all. If you can land something genuinely hands on in the field you want to study, then that is great and worth doing. That being said, if it's not really substantial and just a line on the resume, skip it.
Since you are starting your senior year, I would lean toward what you're already in. If you can step into a leadership role in something you've been doing for years, that would be a strong play and a good story.
Most importantly, your grades, test scores, and mix of courses matter more than any of this. Don't let the side quest of trying to pad an application pull your focus off of what really matters.
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Laura’s Answer
Hi Sam! Focus on both, but prioritize quality over quantity. Internships show real-world experience, while extracurriculars highlight your interests and leadership. Ideally, have at least one internship plus meaningful extracurriculars related to your career goals.
Thank you so much!
Sam
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Erika’s Answer
Hi Sam! When it comes to college admissions, being well-rounded is key. Admissions counselors often look for leadership roles you've taken on. Internships are important during college and can help with applications, but you can also show your leadership and growth through extracurricular activities and volunteering.
If your internship aligns with the program you want to apply to, it might be good to focus on it. Whatever you choose to do, try to take on leadership roles, whether it's being a president or chair or leading a project or helping your team.
If your internship aligns with the program you want to apply to, it might be good to focus on it. Whatever you choose to do, try to take on leadership roles, whether it's being a president or chair or leading a project or helping your team.