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What are some good extracurricular activities I could do as a junior in high school?
In my past years of high school I haven't really done anything other than academics and I want to get involved to help me get accepted into better colleges. I already volunteer, attend school clubs, go to mentorship and college prep programs, and plan to do track in my senior year. What else could I do in my free time?
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Scott’s Answer
It's really a great idea to get involved with these extracurricular activities, but be aware that a University is not necessarily going to think one type of activity is better than another. Instead, what is more important is what you get out of whichever activity you choose. And the most important thing for you to get a lot of out it is choosing something that you are passionate about. When you really love something, you will go to great extents to be good at it, and it will benefit you so many ways throughout your lifetime.
So my advice is not to choose something based upon what somebody else might think looks good, but instead choose something based upon what you really like. And once you choose that, do everything you can to excel at it. Don't aim for just saying "I did XYZ activity", but instead aim for being able to say something spectacular about what you did.
Back to you post:
> I already volunteer, attend school clubs, go to mentorship and college prep programs, and plan to do track in my senior year. What else could I do in my free time?
You're already doing a lot, so I wouldn't add anything to it. Instead think about what can you do better in the things that you are doing? You go to school clubs, but are you a leader in any of them? You plan to do track, but will you qualify for regional or state level tournaments? Etc...
"It's not about the hours you put in, instead it's about what you put into the hours"
Good luck!
So my advice is not to choose something based upon what somebody else might think looks good, but instead choose something based upon what you really like. And once you choose that, do everything you can to excel at it. Don't aim for just saying "I did XYZ activity", but instead aim for being able to say something spectacular about what you did.
Back to you post:
> I already volunteer, attend school clubs, go to mentorship and college prep programs, and plan to do track in my senior year. What else could I do in my free time?
You're already doing a lot, so I wouldn't add anything to it. Instead think about what can you do better in the things that you are doing? You go to school clubs, but are you a leader in any of them? You plan to do track, but will you qualify for regional or state level tournaments? Etc...
"It's not about the hours you put in, instead it's about what you put into the hours"
Good luck!
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I think something important you can do with this time is to hone in on one of the activities that you like. Interviews at colleges will ask you why did you spend time volunteering at xy and z. Really hone in on the activities that you enjoy. Some of the big questions I was asked at interviews was what was your favorite activity you did that you put on your application. For me that was volunteering with the Salvation Army. I put a ton of time in volunteering with them, and that question really put me at ease because I was able to talk about that topic for a very long time because I had so much interest in that topic. Find what you love and dedicate more time into that thing. Like another commenter said it really is about quality and not always quantity. I know people who volunteered for thousands of hours but had nothing to say about in on an application because they didn’t care about what they were doing. Those hours don’t mean much if you have nothing backing them up.
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Kimanu’s Answer
There are a lot of great things you can do. Volunteer in your community. Try and join clubs that mean something to you at your school or create one yourself. This is a good way to give back and build your resume to get ready for college or whatever your new endeavors may be
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Michael’s Answer
I would look at doing things that will refine your interpersonal skills. Possibly become part of the debate team, language arts group, or any other groups that focus on the business trades. It is another way of making you multi-dimensional.
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Frances’s Answer
Since you are already doing so many activities, maybe you can start studying for the SAT exam. Usually colleges would need your SAT score when you send in an application, so prepping yourself to get a high score would be most ideal.
In terms of activities, I would mainly focus on whichever you feel is more related to the career you want as it may come up in the college applications.
In terms of activities, I would mainly focus on whichever you feel is more related to the career you want as it may come up in the college applications.
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Chirayu’s Answer
It's great that you're already involved in several activities, including volunteering, school clubs, mentorship, and college prep programs, and planning to join track in your senior year. In addition to track, consider joining a school sports team, such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, or tennis. This can help you stay active, build teamwork skills, and show colleges that you're a well-rounded candidate. If there's a topic or issue that you're passionate about, consider starting a club or organization at your school. This can show leadership and initiative, and also provide an opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. If you're interested in other cultures or languages, consider joining a cultural or language group at your school or in your community. This can help you build cross-cultural communication skills and show colleges that you're interested in diversity and global perspectives. If you enjoy music, drama, or art, consider joining a school music or theater group, or taking art classes outside of school. This can show colleges that you have creative talents and interests, and also provide an outlet for self-expression.
Consider participating in a science fair, math competition, or debate club. This can show colleges that you have strong academic skills and interests, and also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded students. Good luck in finding the extracurricular activities that are right for you!
Consider participating in a science fair, math competition, or debate club. This can show colleges that you have strong academic skills and interests, and also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded students. Good luck in finding the extracurricular activities that are right for you!