Navigating the college admissions process can feel like deciphering a secret code. You’ve aced the tests and secured those recommendation letters, but then comes the extracurricular activities section. Should you join every club under the sun just to impress admissions officers? The answer, surprisingly, is a resounding no. Colleges aren’t looking for a laundry list of superficial commitments; they’re seeking genuine engagement and a sense of who you are outside the classroom. And in a way, they’re trying to figure out if you’re the “heaviest cat” – someone who brings unique weight and value to their community.
Beyond Club Hopping: Finding Meaningful Extracurriculars
Many students mistakenly believe that college applications are a game of collecting extracurriculars like badges. However, admissions committees, like the one represented in this discussion, look deeper. They want to understand how you spend your time and what truly interests you. Joining clubs solely to impress colleges is transparent and ultimately unconvincing. It signals a lack of genuine passion and a focus on external validation rather than intrinsic motivation. Colleges are seeking students who are driven by genuine interest, not by the desire to simply check boxes.
Instead of padding your application with fleeting commitments, focus on activities that genuinely resonate with you. These activities reveal your character, your potential contributions to the college community, and what makes you, well, you. Think of it this way: colleges want to know if you’re going to be a “heavy cat” on their campus – someone who actively participates, contributes meaningfully, and leaves a positive impact.
It’s Not About the “What,” But the “Why” and “How”
The specific extracurricular activities you choose are less important than the depth of your involvement and the reasons behind your choices. Admissions officers aren’t necessarily looking for a particular type of activity. They are more interested in understanding your commitment, initiative, and what you gain from the experience.
Consider the example of the student who worked as an assistant manager at Five Guys. This wasn’t a glamorous extracurricular, but it demonstrated significant responsibility, hard work, and commitment. For this student, working was a necessity, but it also showcased valuable qualities that colleges admire. In such cases, a long list of clubs becomes irrelevant. The depth and meaning of one significant commitment can outweigh superficial involvement in many.
Leadership roles are often seen as desirable, but colleges aren’t just looking for presidents of clubs. Active participation and consistent engagement are equally valuable. Being a dedicated member of Model UN, even without a leadership title, demonstrates commitment and passion. Colleges recognize that meaningful contributions can come from various roles, not just from the top. They understand that a team of all leaders is ineffective; they need dedicated participants – the “heavy cats” who contribute consistently.
Defining “Extracurricular”: It’s Broader Than You Think
What exactly counts as an extracurricular activity? It’s anything you do outside of regular classroom work and basic personal responsibilities. This includes:
- Sports: Being part of an athletic team, regardless of your squad level (varsity, JV, C-squad), demonstrates teamwork, discipline, and commitment.
- Research: Engaging in research projects with teachers, university programs, or independently showcases intellectual curiosity and initiative.
- Volunteering: Volunteering highlights your willingness to contribute to the community and your compassion for others.
- Jobs: Working, even in seemingly ordinary jobs, demonstrates responsibility, time management, and often financial need and family support.
- Clubs: Participation in clubs related to your interests, from academic to hobby-based, shows passion and engagement.
- Arts and Creative Pursuits: Music, drama, creative writing, and other artistic endeavors demonstrate creativity, passion, and dedication.
- Family Responsibilities: Significant family responsibilities, such as caring for siblings, can also be considered extracurriculars, showcasing maturity and responsibility.
However, it’s important to draw a line. Simply owning a pet, even a cat, isn’t typically considered an extracurricular. But, if you have significant responsibilities related to family care or other demanding situations that take up considerable time and effort, it’s important to highlight these. If you feel like your responsibilities are heavier than those of your peers, making you a “heavier cat” in terms of commitments, then make sure to communicate this context in your application.
Passion vs. Well-Roundedness: Finding Your Balance
Is it better to be deeply passionate about a few activities or well-rounded with a wide range of interests? The answer isn’t either/or. Colleges appreciate both “pointy” students with deep expertise in one area and “well-rounded” students with diverse interests.
“Pointy” students might be deeply committed to a single passion, like scientific research or music. Within their area of focus, they often demonstrate well-roundedness by engaging in various related activities, such as performing, teaching, or volunteering within their niche.
“Well-rounded” students genuinely enjoy a variety of activities and excel in different areas. The key is authenticity. Don’t try to become someone you’re not just to fit a perceived ideal. Share what you genuinely enjoy doing, and let your true self shine through. Colleges seek a diverse student body with a range of interests and passions – they need both the “pointy” and the “well-rounded” “heavy cats” to create a vibrant campus community.
Extracurriculars vs. Resumes: Snapshots vs. Full Pictures
The extracurricular activities section in college applications, like on the Common Application or Coalition Application, is like a “Twitter version” of a resume. It’s a snapshot, a brief overview of your key activities. Space is limited, so you need to be concise and highlight the most important details: what the activity is, your role, and your level of involvement.
A resume, on the other hand, offers more space to provide a fuller picture. You can elaborate on your responsibilities, showcase progress, and detail different levels of leadership. While you can submit a resume as supplemental material, don’t simply write “See resume” in the activities section. Colleges ask for the activities section for a reason – they want a quick, standardized overview.
Keep your resume concise as well. Even for experienced professionals, resumes are typically only one to two pages long. Avoid overly long or embellished resumes. A resume can be useful for providing more context, especially for activities with acronym-heavy names or when you need to showcase a more detailed progression of involvement.
Navigating Application Platforms: Common App vs. Coalition App
The Common Application and Coalition Application are platforms that allow you to apply to multiple colleges using a standardized application. They essentially ask the same fundamental questions, although the layout and specific phrasing might differ slightly.
The best approach is to check which platform the colleges you are applying to accept. Some schools accept both, some are exclusive to one. Choose the platform that covers the majority of your chosen colleges to simplify the application process. There’s no inherent advantage to using one over the other; it’s purely a matter of convenience and which platform aligns best with your college list.
The Optional Interview (and UChicago’s Video Profile)
Some colleges offer or require interviews as part of the admissions process. Interviews are typically optional and should be viewed as an opportunity to further showcase yourself and learn more about the college. If you are comfortable with in-person conversations and feel an interview would allow you to present a more complete picture of yourself, it can be a valuable option. However, if interviews make you nervous, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt out if they are not required.
Required interviews signal that the college places significant value on this interaction. Regardless of whether it’s optional or required, remember that interviews are a two-way street. It’s not just about you presenting yourself; it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions and gain insights from someone connected to the school, whether it’s an alumnus or admissions staff.
The University of Chicago, instead of traditional interviews, offers a two-minute video profile. This allows students to share more about themselves in a personal way, beyond the written application. The video profile isn’t about reciting your resume; it’s a chance to showcase your personality, passions, or delve deeper into a topic you care about. Since the admissions officer reviewing your video has already read your application, you can build upon that foundation and offer a more nuanced and personal perspective – perhaps showing them why you are, metaphorically speaking, the “heaviest cat” they should consider.
Curating Supplemental Materials: Highlighting Your Best Work
If you are submitting supplemental materials, such as art portfolios, music samples, or writing samples, focus on quality over quantity. Don’t overwhelm admissions officers with everything you’ve ever created. Instead, curate a selection of your best work that truly represents your skills and passions.
For visual arts, choose a few pieces that showcase different techniques or highlight your artistic development. For music, select excerpts that demonstrate your skill and musicality, rather than submitting entire lengthy pieces. For writing, choose excerpts that represent your best writing style and showcase your strengths. Be a curator of your own work, highlighting the pieces that best represent you and your abilities, ensuring that your “heaviest cat” qualities are clearly visible.
The Bigger Picture: College is the Destination
In the midst of the application frenzy, remember the ultimate goal: to go to college. The college application process is a journey, and the destination is a fulfilling four-year experience of learning and growth. Focusing solely on getting into a “perfect” college can overshadow the broader purpose.
There are many colleges that can provide you with an excellent education and prepare you for a successful future. While aiming for your best is important, remember that the process itself is valuable, and the ultimate outcome is about finding the right environment for your growth and development. Regardless of where you end up, going to college is a significant achievement and a stepping stone towards your future – a future where you, as the “heaviest cat” you are, can make your unique contributions to the world.
