Would colleges such as the Ivy League schools prefer the arts over sports or vice versa? I’m aware that “no extracurricular is valued more so than another.” However, there surely must be a preference. Let’s say, hypothetically, two students are applying to Harvard, Yale, MIT, etc. John has an SAT score of 2400 and has a 4.0 unweighted GPA. Samuel has the same test scores, GPA, and has taken exactly the same classes. John shows a deep commitment to a sport while Samuel shows a deep commitment to the band. If there was only one spot available, which student would get in? Disregard other factors such as race, legacy status, letters of recommendation, etc. In your opinion, which do you think these schools would be more likely to accept?
They prefer you do what interests you.
Unless you are a recruited athlete, a sport is just another EC.
It depends.
Nope. There is no preference unless, as mentioned above, you are a recruited athlete.
Just to answer this extremely hypothetical question, the person with the most (or best) achievement in their activity would get in. When comparing the given Ec’s I don’t think it would matter. But, comparing something like national honor society (or any other generic club) to something more unique, unique has the edge IMO.
National Honor Society is not really a EC activity. It is a membership.
It would depend on how far they went with the EC. Also, have they shown leadership through their EC? Things to consider.
Want to read some biting but accurate advice? Belt yourself in and read this:
As happy1 suggested - you should do what YOU want to do.
If the band membership takes you to all kinds of wonderful places and experiences, it might be better than being on the jv tennis team where you’ve played against the other 6 schools in your district. If on the other hand you made the us junior teqm, that might be more interesting. It taters what you do with the experience. If you do something you love, it will show in your application.