I have a question about listing extracurriculars. Most of my daughter’s activities were more of a participatory role. She does have one where she is in a leadership position. However, she participated in both all-star and sideline cheer for most of high school. When you read various articles they say not to list activities were they “just participated”. However, that would leave out cheer which involved a lot of her time. If this activity is listed what should the 150 word description of the activity and accomplishments actually say when is reality she was just a team member?
TIA for any advice.
I am new here but my daughter is in the same position. She is a raising Junior and mostly participates. I am following your question and hope you get some answers.
This should definitely be on her EC list! Being a good team member is an important life skill. Being a “leader” is way more than holding a title, it’s how you support and inspire people around you, bring out the best in people, etc…
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I think when people say not to list something you just participate in, they are referring to clubs where all you do is show up for a meeting once in awhile. Anything like cheer, which takes a substantial amount of time should absolutely be listed. I would only start eliminating things from the list if all your spots are filled (I think there’s room for 10) and you need to prioritize. In that case you drop the ones where you spent less time.
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There are only so many leadership positions and being an active participant is just as important. Plus many kids don’t seek out formal leadership positions for a variety of reasons. They are content with being good team or club members and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s great. I can’t imagine leaving off something she enjoys and has devoted so much time to just because she wasn’t captain.
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Absolutely list it. It’s her passion. Her time. You can also demonstrate leadership without being in a leader’s role.
The way people make it sound is there’s 100 leaders and zero non leaders. That’s not reality.
The colleges know this.
Write it down and make sure you quantify hours participated etc.
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If this EC is something your D spent a lot of time on, then just describe her commitment to cheer. She clearly feels passionate about it, and that level of commitment will help with some AO’s.
On the margin, she may want to check the weighting that some of her top schools put on EC’s. If one school weights ECs as VERY IMPORTANT and another weights EC’s as just IMPORTANT, maybe that influences which school she applies ED to.
There are parts of my S22’s resume that I wish were stronger, but it is what it is at this point.
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Exactly. My daughter has been described as a “quiet leader.” She doesn’t seek out formal positions but she does a lot of things that could be considered leading from the pack.
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Definitely list. Include how much time/day week etc, or travel for competitions. Being involved gives her important skills and life experiences. Can discuss improvement or support role.
Cheerleader has “leader” in the name. Have your daughter define what she led and who she led. For example, did she lead the student body, faculty, admin, parents in supporting student athletes, creating school spirit (pep rallies), etc.? Did the cheer team do anything in the community like visiting nursing homes or elementary schools? Did they run clinics for future cheerleaders?
What else did she do besides cheer? Look back at who she was in elementary or junior high and how she has changed. Tell a story about who she is, her personality, her interests/passions/hobbies, drive, commitment, etc. so the schools can see how she will fit into their college community.
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