I know the general answer is “what you’re passionate and interested in”, but I would like to know what are the strongest extracurricular activities that almost all colleges like to see on your application (clubs, organizations, leadership positions etc.).
You answered your own question.
There is no point rating differential between ECs, generally, unless the college is looking to plug a certain hole (e.g. tuba player). So the general answer is as noted above. Don’t do an EC just because you think a college will “like” it; they can see right through the phoniness.
Got it. So say, I’m interested in finance/business, writing, and computers. What are some possible ECs, jobs, volunteer work, etc. that you would recommend?
The general answer IS the correct answer. Other than becoming a highly recruited athlete, there is no one EC that is valued above others.
And you have asked a very similar question in a different forum. Look for things within your school or community that interest you. See if your parents or their friends can take you on for a volunteer internship, Honestly, the best ideas will not come from people who never met you on a blog. Be thoughtful and creative.
It doesn’t matter what the EC is, what matters is through the EC(s) you have demonstrated qualities such as dedication, perseverance, teamwork, leadership and empathy. Titles and lists are meaningless without accomplishments to back them up.