I’m barely going into high school but I want to get a head start. Even though its 3 years away until I can start to apply I want to know what I should join so I get a better chance of being accepted. I do have good grade so far I have a 3.94 weighted GPA but I’m just worried that wont be enough.
Any activities that involves helping out the community to improve is always good. Getting involved with programs that help the elderly, children, disabled or immigrants/non-native speakers is always good. Leadership in club(s) is good. Forming a club/organization that will be of benefit to a good number of students is good. An internship, preferably related to your college major is good. Being an entrepreneur is good.
The ones you enjoy.
Go with the activities you enjoy, and do well in them. Show curiosity, passion, and leadership. When you’ve learned what you can at any given level, look for ways to expand into a new level and to share your skills with others. Always keep learning and growing.
Make time to try new activities once in a while too. You can commit to them or not after trying them. Not everything has to go on a college application.
Read “How To Be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport. It will help you think about the role ECs play in college admissions. But regardless, pick things you really like. You are more likely to put time in and perform at a high level if it is something you enjoy.
Don’t do any activities because you assume they are what the colleges want and that you’ll get accepted.
Any admissions counselor will see that you are attempting to “resume pad” so if you don’t show any passion for something, why would they select you?
Agree with previous posters. You need to do things that are fun and interesting to you.
Do you play a sport? instrument? Have a hobby? Start with what you currently do.
Do things you enjoy and make meaningful contributions to the activity.
One activity is not by definition better than any other.
Keep in mind that activities done outside of school (in your local community, religious community etc.) or a part-time job will be equally valued.
Well, a diversity of interests isn’t padding. But 9th grade (if OP is accurate that he has 3 years before applying) is too early to obsess. You have next to no record yet.
Pick Something that you actually care about and because of the college admissions.
If you interested in Medical/Bio-Medical then HOSA is for you which I am in.
If you like sports and good/hardworking you have the possibility of being in the sports team of your choice.
Ex: Soccer, Basketball, Softball/Baseball, Track, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis/Rigby, etc.
Want to be make a difference in the world then pick Key Club or PeaceJam
Care about Animals or Wildlife then go to the animal shelter or find a club/ people that share said topic
Like to know how to convise people to buy something? Want to learn how to work together in a team? Then FBLA or DECA is for you.
Point is found something that makes you passionate and dedicated to, once you do that your choices will be much easier for you to discover.
If you join things only because they will help with your college applications, you will be wasting what should be enjoyable time. Not only will you miss out on the enjoyment of activities that actually interest you, but it will show on your applications. If you choose activities that you enjoy, or even better, that you are passionate about, that will shine through.
I hate to be so general, but it all depends on what you’re interested on doing in college. Try finding an EC related to what you want to do, and if you’re really stuck, ask your counselor for help.