I’m currently a junior in HS and with College looming just over the horizon I’ve begun to stress about it a lot, particularly my extracurriculars. I’ve been on the swim team for 3 years, but I’ve never done very well. Debated for 2 years, likely going to be varsity next year, and I founded the film club at my school.
Currently my GPA is around 4.55 weighted and 3.97 unweighted
1550 on the new SAT
what kind of prospective colleges would I be looking at and should I begin to focus more on extracurriculars than academics?
Honestly you’re completely fine with what you’ve got. Colleges will not care if you’re terrible on the swim team, especially if you got a 1550, because it’s the fact that you at least tried to participate in an out of school activity that makes you well rounded, the fact that you aren’t limiting you’re abilities to just academics. Plus, if you’re probably making it to varsity then you probably have a good grade for swim (if your school is like that) and won’t reflect any bad on your transcript. I’d look at colleges that have the majors you’re considering first and foremost, then affordability and campus life.
I would ask yourself why you participated in swimming and debate. Ok, you aren’t swimming because you’re the next Michael Phelps but if you understand how it helped you be the person you are then that helps universities know a bit more about you. I think telling colleges about your extra curriculars isn’t to show them how great you are but the character behind the student.
Extracurriculars and essays are how colleges get to know “you” aside from your numbers. They also set you and your unique story apart from the other applicants. In these next few months, partake in a diverse group of extracurriculars that you think you would do well at and have fun with. Not only will they look good on college apps, but you’ll also have new potential essay topics and, most importantly, grow as both a student and a person.