So I’m trying to plan out my extracurriculars to get into an Ivy League and be an English major. I’m an incoming freshman this fall, by the way.
I’m striving for Italian Honors Society and National Honors Society.
Here is ultimately what I’m thinking for freshman year:
-Italian Club
-Student council
-Literary magazine
-Running for class officer
I’ll also be getting volunteer hours every year at my middle school and over the summer at a nature center.
Sophomore year I’m thinking of the same as freshman year to stay consistent, of course, and also:
-Book club
-The newspaper (I want to be head editor)
-Debate club
Then I’m going to join creative writing junior year although it’s a bit late to join another club. I was thinking about key club at some point, but I don’t think it’s worth it. I know it seems like a lot, but nonetheless, does this seem like a good layout? Are there any clubs you recommend joining? I also want to create a club in sophomore or junior year.
And no, I’m not trying to “pad” my application and I genuinely want to join all of these clubs for fun.
Do you think a sport or instrument is needed? Any feedback would be really beneficial.
Sorry for so many questions, you don’t have to answer them all, just the ultimate discussion title is enough for me, but again, I’d appreciate anything. Thank you.
(This has 2.0 added into the name because my prior post had absoloutely no format as I was rushing which was quite embarassing. I apologize for not using strong vocabulary in this as well, it wasn’t as thought-out as I would like.)
You should do what YOU want to do. Explore different activities.
Check out “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport.
“The basic message of the book is this: Don’t wear yourself out taking as many classes as you can and being involved in every club and sport. Instead, leave yourself enough free time to explore your interests. Cultivate one interest and make it into something special that will make you stand out among the other applicants and get you into the toughest schools, even if your grades and scores aren’t stellar. Newport calls this the “relaxed superstar approach,” and he shows you how to really do this, breaking the process down into three principles, explained and illustrated with real life examples of students who got into top schools: (1) underscheduling—making sure you have copious amounts of free time to pursue interesting things, (2) focusing on one or two pursuits instead of trying to be a “jack of all trades,” and (3) innovation—developing an interesting and important activity or project in your area of interest. This fruit yielded by this strategy, an interesting life and real, meaningful achievements, is sure to help not only with college admissions, but getting a job, starting a business, or whatever your goals.”
http://www.examiner.com/review/be-a-relaxed-high-school-superstar
Don’t worry about strong vocabulary! It doesn’t always help. I’m impressed by your attention to detail you put into this!
I don’t have experience with any world language clubs as I’ve never had time to attend them, but I hear they are great for building linguistic skills. Contributing to the literary magazine, newspaper, book club, and creative writing club are great ways to establish yourself as a writer and linguist in your school.
Only add a sport or instrument if you can feel you can handle it and if you really want to. This year, I am a part of three clubs, and I reserve Tuesdays and Thursdays for after school help days when I don’t have clubs and find that most of my teachers are available. Keep this in mind when you commit to clubs, especially where you are an officer or a musician. I find the piano to be a great instrument to pick up. I make my own music and like to carry a midi keyboard on-the-go when I want to write or practice, but I would suggest a 61-key keyboard, which I’d consider “full” size compared to my midi keyboard which I’d call mini. Guitar or bass guitar are also good options. I would test holding one in a music store before making a $100 purchase on a beginner instrument, and then more for an amp, strap, etc.
That’s why a piano set might make more sense…
If you can’t fit an actual sports team, try joining a relaxed club or if your school has a weights room, use it!??!
All of those are good extracurriculars, especially all that volunteer work, but make sure to have time reserved for you to go home early or stay after for help if you need to! There are only so many days in the school week.