ACTIVITIES Colleges DON'T Care About - I Learned This The Hard Way...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2019
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Colleges don't care about these activities, whether you like it or not. Today, I share my personal experience participating in many extracurricular activities that I thought colleges like to see, but in reality made colleges care less about my application while stressing me out mentally and physically.
This list of college activities might seem like a great way to fill out the extracurricular activities section of your Common app, but this couldn't be further from the truth. I suffered through these activities so that you don't have to.
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Colleges may not care much about sports but there’s more to life than only doing things that appeal to elite college admissions. It’s pretty simple - if you like something, do it.
Colleges do care if you excell in those sports/ are dedicated to the sport
I love both volleyball and dance, and I really don't think I could drop those.
Justin Holmes I agree
I believe that colleges will care if girls play sports........
Yes, but also don’t do everything you like. Because there are only 24 hours in a day.
you're right, Brown did not care about my conspiracy theory club i started... but UCSB did 😎
Jasmine D. Lmao
It’s different because you started it
Goat
haha!
lmaoooo lemme join
1. Sports *everyone has played a sport* (unless you are really good or the captain)
2. Volunteer Work (make sure it you are passionate about it) *it has to have a theme*
3. Position of Club (if you are founder or officer of club) *most importantly your contributions*
4. Random activities that feel bottom slots (it is very tempting!)
Great synopsis!
the world needs more people like you
I just do what I like and strive to be the best at it. Don’t let an institution determine what you do with your life; do what u wanna do
Exactly bro, just don't spend these 4 valuable years of ur life just to get into a college do what u love !!
Vinayak singh it’s just high school dude. They’re not valuable lmao
He made a video on how depressed people are in ivy leagues but its probably because they quit activities that they genuinely enjoy just to “look good” to colleges
exactly don’t just quit a sport because you want to go to Harvard those memories will haunt you begin the degree
And what if you don’t know what your like/what you like is not that academically impressive
I would counter that sports argument because if it really does take up so much time (it does im on the track and field team) it shows that even with that strict schedule you are able to maintain great grades and even do some other extracurriculars it shows you are responsible and have great time management skills. Not to mention that you are dedicated to what you love to do.
I just want to point out that you may be a little biased since you are in a time-intensive sport.
Ishaan Sinha Track is crazy man.. time managing is literally everything
You are 100% correct. I am a year-round swimmer and have been since 6 years old. I dedicate almost 30 hrs a week to travel time, practice, and gym workouts. This commitment undoubtedly showed who I am to these schools. I still maintained high grades, received great scores, and still swam. They like to see you balancing more than just school to the extreme. I still had various other ECs that I was dedicated to as well.
ig it all comes down to what school you want to go to. a college that majors in computer science wouldn’t be as impressed with you being on the football team vs you being in a computer science club or extracurriculars related to such .
i 100% agree, i've been doing rowing since year 9, (frehsman year of hs in aus) and first of all, i loved it, still do, it allowed me to be aware that there are only so many hours in a day and if i wanted to row and do well in school i had to be aware that i had to knuckle down and get stuff done. I love sport, i found this argument toxic because it would detract people away from pursuing a sport they love. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!!
Ahahah! “2 languages at once😱”. I love how this is a big thing for Americans, but like in Estonia (or many other countries) 2 foreign languages are mandatory.....and many even take 3.
Carmen Meinson omg wowwwww
Carmen Meinson our education system is basically a joke :/
Carmen Meinson that's probably because there are a lot more common languages in Europe than in North America
I guess it could be because lots of these countries don't really teach it as thoroughly as they do in America. More than half the world struggles to speak simple English
I'm learning 3 languages at school, and one at home hahahaj
I agree about the volunteer work especially. I’m currently a junior, and wasted my freshman and sophomore years doing useless volunteer work. This year, I started volunteering at my local library to teach 1st-8th graders math because I’m very passionate about math and I’m planning to major in it. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life because most of the kids I work with weren’t interested in math and I understand that because I hated math at first until my 7th grade math teacher made me really interested in the subject. I try to teach them in a fun and interesting way to share my passion with them, and the best thing for me is when one of the students has a bright look on their face after understanding something challenging for them.
Sometimes people get too caught up in the next step and forget to enjoy the one they are at. I get it a lot of people play sports and it might not look that good for colleges, but in the end of the day the bonds formed on those teams wins out.
Actually, if you are honestly putting in hard work and effort into an activity, don’t hesitate to include it in your college apps. The ONLY scenario where colleges won’t care about activities you do (or will it hurt your app in any way) is if you just sign up for 1000 clubs/organizations and rarely show up or dedicate yourself.
"Colleges really care that all of your activities have a theme in common and that you're not just doing volunteer work for college."
Hi Busan
Great videos man. You changed my perception of the college admissions process
Thanks! Glad I could help out
I want to say that adding a job, even a summer job, can be important. The dean of admissions for Tulane, a top 50 school, says it's one of his favorite activities to see on a application.
Thank you so much, I am a rising senior and this video helped a lot!!
These videos help me more than my guidance counselors at school!
FACTS
I’m almost done with my early applications and tbh I rarely thought about college through high school and nothing I did besides take ap’s was with the intention of helping me get into college. I just did what I liked and what I thought would be fun.
Also, you can just stick with an extracurricular if you enjoy doing it! As someone who also signed up for way too many clubs my freshman year (tennis, track, drama, model un, mock trial, etc) I can tell you that you should stick with what you love, not if it will make your application look “perfect” because the perfect application is the one that’s the most authentic! You don’t need to be president of the club to seem dedicated, you don’t need to be captain of the team to show you love a sport. It’ll all work out.
I know you posted this like 4 years ago but it’s so helpful to know that you don’t need to be a president to seem dedicated! Still having issues with that now haha
Hey Greg! I honestly love this advice you give us as the public. This is helping me decide which colleges I want to go now. I'm a sophomore currently, and I'm wanting to start a club myself as a junior. My passion is Computer Science. Can you give me some tips on how I can apply that knowledge to do something like community service? This would be helpful. One more thing, thanks for the great information!
One thing, from American education system, that I wish to have here in Europe, is the variety of clubs and extracurricular activities on school. We barely have more than 4 extracurricular activities in our schools (and most of them are sports).
You made all these “mistakes” and still got in...
Regarding Volunteer work, it's worth looking into sponsorship programs early into you highschool career. For example, Florida will give you hella money if you meet a few fairly easy standards, including 100 hours of volunteer work over your highschool career.
great vid! thanks a lot!!!
Thank god I’m finding out about you my junior year of high school. I am basing my application off of what you are saying
My passion is learning about the Universe and the extracurriculars I do are:
°Volunteering at my nearest planetarium.
°Publishing articles on scientific topics at the news paper every week
°Astrophotography
°Student Government
are these extracurriculars enough or should I do more? Is having all 10 extracurriculars necessary? If yes then can you suggest some more which are related to astrophysics? Other than joining clubs.
Most colleges dislike students who fill all 10 slots, as it speaks to a student that is spread thin. The goal should be to do as much as possible in a few activities.
Question: are people seeing my custom thumbnail? For some reason when I search this video up, I just see a frame from the video... this happened to all my videos recently...
Yes it is like you freaking out :) You are hiding your face with your hand
@@Park-xk6fy Thanks!!
Yup!! I can feel that fear of rejection over screen lol
hahhaha
Greg Smith Hey Greg, I have a a little bit of a disparate situation because I did something other than the common mistakes you described in video. It's not a mistake but not relevant to my major. Can I describe it more elaborately to you in email? Getting an advice from an IVY league student will mean a lot to me! Thank you in anticipation :) Liked, Subscribed, the first video I watched of you was SAT tips - I still remember your tip, to write down why I my answer response to a question was incorrect, since then I'm following you on TH-cam.
THANK GOD I only signed up for Key Club. I need to focuse on academics and sewing and writing. MY HOBBIES are the things I love!
You have helped me so much
I think sports can be useful for college depending on the sport you do. If you do soccer or football, it would be quite hard to stand out. However, if you did something like archery, or fencing (which I do), or sailing, not many people do it, so your chances of standing out will get higher.
Hey Greg! I'm very interested in literature instruction and the role that high school plays in student motivation to read (or lack thereof)-especially as a student from a country where nationwide reading rates are notably low. I've been involved in a number of projects related to this: started a student book club and a literary magazine, wrote a research project about how different approaches in class affect reading rates and interest, and am now hoping to spread reading habits joining a team of volunteers who teach English at a disadvantaged neighborhood. My "problem" is that while I know that I want this to be my "main thread" so to speak, I've also spent a lot of time, in the past year especially, involved in orchestra activities-festivals, conservatory classes, some work experience. It's a hobby that means a lot to me and has been my most consistent extracurricular over the years, but not what I want to focus on in college. I don't think omitting this whole musical background would make sense because it has inevitably been a large part of my life, but I'm struggling to find a way to connect it to the rest of my application. Any tips? (Sorry for how long this turned out!!)
I totally agree about the sports one. I've spent so much time on sports in my freshman and sophomore years (6 hours per week in the spring) and it felt like a waste of time when I didn't excel in it nor have any leadership positions. Luckily I got to be the captain in my junior year and I wrote that in one of my essays. Thing is, you either spend a lot of time on it and make sure you get RECOGNIZED and get a million AWARDS or just not do it (unless it's for pleasure, like listening to music is to me).
This is only because your parents are reliving their past.
Hey Greg, I wanted to ask you about the whole 'IQ' thing and I've been wanting to hear what you had to say about it. I recall seeing an individual speaking about how you required to have a 125 IQ and if you had anything lower then you oughtn't consider going into a prestigious Ivy League.
Do you think it has to do with innate intelligence or does it have to do more with work ethic and putting time and dedication into academics?
Wow. Whoever told you that is so, so, SOOO wrong. Here at Princeton, I know a few people with really high IQs who are struggling, like, a lot. And I know others who are not conventionally super smart but do practice test after practice test for each final and have a stellar GPA.
Whether it’s getting into college, doing well in college, or doing well in life, work ethic will ALWAYS beat out raw talent.
If you adopt the mindset that YOU alone are responsible for your successes and failures, and that you have the power to decide them, then you will be much better off than the person whose ego relies on a test they took one afternoon five years ago.
@@CollegeAdvisor Thank you so much, Greg! I felt so demotivated when I came across that person's comment (especially with them attempting to come off as absolutely certain), but now that you debunked that myth it gave me so much hope again!
@@billalsheik5777 I'm glad to hear that! Honestly, I've never taken an IQ test and never will. Knowing whether an arbitrary test thinks I'm "smart" will do nothing except mess with my self confidence.
This was very helpful and honest. Thank you!
I want to pursue energy-engineering, please let me know if you have any ideas about what clubs I should join.
Hi, you mentioned that you raised lots of money. Where did you donate ? Do you need to show it to the colleges' receipt of donations ? Please suggest
Hey Greg, this was very helpful! I have been doing lots of volunteer work at this afterschool place for kids. I have organized fundraisers for them and organized several volunteer events for them throughout my hs experience. Is this the type of volunteer work that they would care about?
Hey I went to a military boarding school , never really had the opportunity to do any of things you speak of😕 , im now taking a year off to be an au pair in effort to be more dynamic . My dream school is northwestern
Is giving back to an organization that helped me a lot a good form a community service to put on applications even if it doesn’t fit my theme a good idea?
Yes!! I worked in the box office of a local theater that I did a lot of shows in growing up without getting paid and included that. Go for it!
i almost quit track freshman year because i wasn't as good as i was in middle school but then it ended up getting me recruited for williams and it got other good schools like emory and pomona to reach out to me so it's good i didn't quit
I only had an after school job as my "activities" in high school. I didn't do any sports. I told my interviewer at Williams College in 1983 that I "feel I can help out the Track Team". I got admitted to Williams College, matriculated, then forgot about this promise until I saw the indoor track team practicing in the field house in January. I was messing around on some of the equipment and the coach invited me to the track meet the following day. He gave me a huge pair of shorts that flew up like a dress and some track cleats that looked like they came from the 1960 😂. I ended up setting Williams College outdoor 800M record in 1986, which stands to this day. It felt great that someone believed in me to let me in to this prestigious school, despite not having great high school portfolio. Every time I trained in the hills around Williamstown I kept this gratitude in my heart. 👍
I am going to correct this kid. Do the activity you enjoy, do not do an activity just for college applications. If playing a sport makes you light up like a Christmas Tree level happy, then stick with it. Even if you are not good at it. Do the activity that is going to make you the most centered mentally. If doing a sport makes you miserable, than quit. Same goes for all other clubs and volunteer activity.
College admissions people can tell whether the activity that you chose was done just for an impressive app or done because you are passionate about it.
I was in a drama club in grade 8 (I’m in grade 9) and then the clubs stopped half way though the year , I play with dolls and draw stuff on a iPad so I wonder if that’s a good thing for future college application
thank you really helped
I like mock trial though. It’s really fun, but I’m sad they don’t care about it. I started last year and am doing it again. Good thing the only sport I do is archery.
I’m really into music but I feel stuck when considering what I can do. I’ve been in my church choir since I was eight but I’m a junior now and I don’t know how to do something interesting with music that colleges will be interested in that also gives me community service hours
Liyah D. see if any nursing homes or soup kitchens are looking for volunteers to perform!! i know tons of people who do that and it makes both the performers and the audience happy. look into non profit organizations online dealing with music (strings4smiles on instagram is a good one). join a youth choir!! a lot of them have tours for community service credit. coach younger kids maybe. hope this helps!!
Yeah! Quite good information you have given.
I found a community service organisation 5 yrs earlier. Does it impact on my profile? The thing is, this organisation is not so big. It serves just in our area. Activities like: Cleaning our surroundings, helping poor, teaching students for free and so on.
Moreover, I found a Physics club in my hi school after immediately graduating the senior year 😢. I had to manage the guidance, the Principal and many other issues. So I can't established it during my hi school time.
Does it impact negatively? Or positively.
I feel like it helps to join a bunch of clubs at the beginning of 9th grade just to get a feel of what you actually enjoy. After attending for a little while, just cut out the ones you don't find that interesting. I experimented and then stuck with the 2 or 3 that I thought I could pursue for the rest of high school.
Best tip^^
Hi Greg!! Throughout high school, I was not sure what I wanted to study because I liked both my STEM and humanities courses but found myself mainly doing the humanities with debating and writing. I am a junior now and still really love those extracurricular activities so want to for sure continue those but I find myself more and more liking business and technology because of how much I enjoyed my math and computer science courses. I am trying to gain more experience in the business/tech while continuing to do the humanities extracurriculars I am passionate about but I am worried that I don't have much consistency in my "story" and it's hard to choose what theme to really focus on as I like both STEM and humanities a lot but am stronger in terms of extracurriculars in the latter. I also feel like it's too late for me to get into anything like competitive math or coding since I've focused majority of high school so far in my other extracurriculars. I would be beyond thankful for any advice! Ur videos are awesome n I subscribed right away!.
Honestly same
do you think colleges(non-music universities) will be interested in music? especially composing?
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Hello, Greg. My name is Natália, I'm brazilian and the extracurricular system here in Brazil is very different, in fact there are not so many options.
I finished high school last year and started a two-year interdisciplinary course at a university (but the course is not considered an undergraduate course).
I will apply to the USA at the end of 2021 and I intend to choose the economics course, you can indicate extracurricular activities for that area, so you can choose one that you like.
Thank you
8 extra curriculars? Joker! I'm in what I think Americans call 'Middle School' (im 13) and I do 15! Try beating that😂😂😂
Hey Greg! I play basketball and since I didn’t make the team this year, I was a team leader, which means I went to the games of the team and I worked with the coach and player. Also, I am interested in economics, finance (and that sort of field). Do you know anything I could do that colleges will like?
I have a question. I take mock trial, debate, theatre, etc. On the college application will I be able to say how all these activities are connected because they helped with public speaking. For college I want to be in the performing arts. I don’t want colleges to think I slapped theatre and mock trial as something random. Is there an option for explaining?
I’m actually really interested in teaching esol since I went through the program in elementary school. Are there any programs online where I can sign up to tutor esl or low income kids?
Colleges like well rounded, passionate, and committed students
ive actually heard they don't want well-rounded students, but a well-rounded class. im not saying only do one thing, but they would rather see you do a few things and stick with them, compared to doing a bunch of activities but not doing them for a long time
@@_iamlilla exactly!
No, that’s a common misconception. You actually rather want to be a unique and expert at one thing. For example, college would be much more impressed at science olympia champion than seeing a person participating in 10 different activity while achieving nothing.
@@haruhidaso were not all going to Ivy League colleges, you don’t have top be top 10% in your class with insane achievements. Just be above average and you’re good high school does not matter after your accepted so don’t burn yourself out
@@haruhidaso yes exactly but you don’t want to only be good at one thing. Have at least 2-3 different small interests and one main passion is optimal
(I know I'm super late lol) I'm in FFA, and I'm wondering if I should just add FFA as an extracurricular or add all of the individual activities within FFA. Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Volunteer Work through FFA, etc.
I want to be an engineer and my father is a ceo of a large engineering company. How would I turn this into a extra curricular activity towards colleges because I’m thinking about doing an intern or maybe managing a social media account, or is there something more appealing to do?
I know that people recently have been saying to show a great interest in one area and not to be well rounded but what if I’ve been well rounded in activities for awhile? I’ve been playing piano since 2nd grade and lacrosse since 5th grade so want to continue both when I go to college next year. At the moment (although I know things can always change) I’m looking into engineering and my high school offers those classes. Anyway, is this too well rounded and too many time commitments or will i be fine with time management?
Hey Greg, I'm an extremely academic person and want to do physics in college. I'm in several academic clubs but no volunteering or sports or art ones. What should I do to improve my situation?
I did 6 clubs for freshmen year and 7 clubs for sophomore. I’m going to try to do 7 again for junior, if that doesn’t work for colleges, donations... 😂😭😅
Hey Greg I was wondering what type of computer related volunteer opportunities I could pursue . Additionally I’m a Sophmore and still in JV tennis but I want to continue doing tennis even though I’m not good. Like I’m not doing it for colleges. Will the colleges view this in a negative way or will they be a little more understanding? Thanks
i’m interested in art, additionally psychology and human behavior really fascinates me, helping others + social change, and reading/writing. i feel like all my interests are too diverse to create one specific narrative for my application. do you have any advice? additionally, any volunteering which would correlate towards my interests?
Write an article on psychology
Protest involvement, the psychology of activist movements. Now is a great time for it, that’s what I did.
i have the exact same interests and same the EXACT same way. i have so many interests and love to try everything its too hard for me to narrow it down. but one thing is im always curious and question, but i just dont know what to really focus on
I am really interested in Computer Science + Economics. What are some ways to pursue those activities?
Hi Greg, would you say it matters if a volunteer service you did has something to do with your major? Thanks.
My current activities are FBLA, academic decathlon, volleyball, and chorus
Great! What's academic decathlon?
Academic decathlon is when you’re on a team and you compete against other teams and answer questions about random stuff
"everyone has played a sport"
My school doesn't even offer any sports ..my school has like 360 kinds and A BUNCH of clubs so most of the kids are in several clubs...I'm a senior in 5 clubs and I was president of my class last year. Honestly I'd just say to do what you want and work hard, if you love it and try your best you'll find the school that's right for you.
i’m a sophomore rn and my gpa is currently a 3.6 weighted and i want to be a criminal defense attorney and study political science in college and then go to lawschool. right now im in theatre, on the board for young social activists club which my friends and i founded ourselves and have done 4 service projects, i’m the secretary for our debate club (working towards president next year) and i’m now the secretary of mock trial (working towards president for senior year) and it’s the biggest thing that i’ve commuted myself to because i love it and i’ve won a best attorney’s award, and my team is 4th in country, 3rd in the county. it takes a lot of commitment tho because i have 10 hours of practice every week and it’s taken a lot of my time away for school. my passion is the law, legal studies, and politics. i also founded thirst project club where we hold fundraisers to raise money to give water to ppl in countries that don’t have access to it. to add on, i’m in 2 Ap classes, and one honors class so i’m CONSTANTLY stressed and i’m scared that i’m not gonna get into college with this many activities and stuff. i’m passionate about all the stuff i do so i don’t know anymore
i’m also south asian (indian) so i guess i fall into a minority group ? but i’m upper middle class and don’t have any connections cuz my parents didn’t even go to college in this country so i’m just like super stressed now
Hey Greg I loved your video a lot because I was freaking out on everything but I am in some few clubs and I don’t know how to contribute greatly to these clubs and I am also interested in fundraising for something but I don’t know how to. And I don’t know if making a club for it will be the right thing or not so I’m confused.
Hey! Do model UN conferences look good on college applications? That's pretty much the only activity that I'm into, if you don't count my school's Senate (I've held positions like the school's vice captain and the school editor which the editorial head). BTW your videos are very helpful :)
Hey Ananya,
I’m in the same boat as you. For my school, conference is only a weekend so I’m working with some friends to teach the public speaking skills and lessons that we get from a conference experience to smaller children, since they don’t have a lot of civics activities for kids in my area. If you’re looking to take your MUN passion to next level try bringing into your community in someway like this. Hope this helps!
Kevin S, sorry for the late reply, but I would love to know more about your project.
I’m planning to not do debate in high school though many say it’s useful
1, because it was boring when I tried it this year
2, I don’t wanna spend time on it
3, it’s going to take up too much time because I take forever to write speeches
Btw I hope to make USAMO next year.
What do you guys think?
I'm really confused on what to switch my extracurriculars with because I know school clubs are not as valuable as it seems. I know passion projects but not sure about anything else
Sup Greg, I just found your channel today by watching your video on getting into Princeton. I am going to be a freshman soon, and I have no idea what I want to do. I am not a star soccer player, but I am decent. I have recently found a love for skiing. I enjoy math and social studies, and I have been on the morning shows in our district for over 2 years (this is my 3rd year) and I am looking to continue this in high school. I am also the treasurer of our student leadership club. Any suggestions?
Hello there...
First thing, I love your videos! I know, cliche, but it's the truth
Second thing, I had something similar to my freshman year(all clubs, but no sports), but I remained the first of my class for the year....
and I was wondering...
How do college students run their clubs with the creativity that got them into college in the first place?
Hey Greg I have a business studies stream and am looking for colleges in Canada/USA, along with that I am perplexed with what activities to take up to get into good universities.
Hi Greg, I'm not sure this is good, but I'm restarting the french club in my school. Do you think this is a good idea as I have model un and global leadership as some of my other clubs. (note: Other clubs I'm in include academic games, academic decalthon, and chess club (hold officer spot)).
Interesting video. But on the other hand, few who apply are going to get into Ivy League schools, and there is a great deal of luck involved in getting in. Plus there is the enormous tuition involved should one get in. Bottom line: Don't count on getting into the Ivies. Enjoy the extracurriculars in high school, achieve scholastically, and hope for the best. There are many fine colleges and universities that can prepare you to be a success.
3:07 recruiters will GO THE EXTRA MILE ahaha sorry I had to
They will never do that unless you they like you in the interview in my opinion
I go to an international school. But I am seriously deciding whether I should play basketball or not. I really love basketball and my grades are also good. But varsity basketball is too hard for me, so I am currently a captain in JV basketball. Do you think being a captain in a JV basketball team would help? Or would Varsity basketball captain only help?
I want to apply to university for chemical enginering. But my extracurriculars are based off of performing arts and helping the community through performance. Would this affect my application for getting into an engineering school?
Hi Greg! Love your videos, they're so helpful! I am on my school's tennis team, go to my school's Columbia Writing club (which is where Columbia graduate students come and teach us about creative writing), take violin lessons but I'm not part of any sort of writing club, volunteer at a hospital in my community and my church, performed in many school plays as I go to a performing arts high school and am a drama major, and speak two languages other than English. I feel that I have many activities but none with a real "wow factor" when it comes to leadership. My goal is to be a bio major in college. I would really appreciate your advice! :))
Hey Greg! Im Japanese boy who are currently attending to Canadian boarding highschool right now. Im joining music band at Japan over this summer. I do live performance with my friends at a club or pub. Also Im in a basketball club as well. Do collage care about music band's that I do? I dont really do any charity but I just perform in front of everybody. Do those help out for collage?
Right now im joining music band at Japan. I do live performance with my friends at a club or pub. Also Im in a basketball club as well. Do collage care about music band's that I do? I dont really do any charity but I just perform in front of everybody. Do those help out for extra curricular actives that collage care?
I've figured that doing academic olympiads are super helpful. like if you excel in USAMO, USABO, USAPhO, USNCO, USACO, you're basically guaranteed into MIT.
Hey Greg! I‘m an international student. I wonder whether building a website with computer knowledge can be an appealing EC for colleges? esp. I want to use this EC for the main EC to support my application. The main theme or function of this website is the international students' community in which everyone can share and communicate.
I'm in key club, culinary arts alub, yearbook club, national art honor society, hand bells group, and created my own club which i did it for a year. Are those helpful at all? I also did track but I only did it for 1 and a half year. I love being part of those clubs but my grades aren't that good which is also why I'm continuing to be part of the clubs.
Great video Greg! Just a suggestion, could you make a video on improving your writing for college essays or how to write one?
Also, my admissions situation is like this so far: I'm super passionate about the visual arts, and also interested in computer science, but to a lesser extent. My current extracurriculars are: Being part of a selective art program at my high school, volunteering at a local library where we give kids art lessons, creating web applications for clients wanting to digitalize some part of their routine (including the local recreation center), and working on a comic book that promotes environmental health. Despite being a part of these activities, I'm not sure how to make an impact or major contribution. Also, do you think these are good things to put on my college resume? Thank you for reading!
Hi Michaela,
I actually did a video on the Common App essay over the summer! Head over to my channel to check it out.
I think you've done a really great job of making sure all of your activities/passions follow a common thread-- great job! I also think you're already doing some high-impact work to improve the community around you- volunteering at the library, using computer science skills to help local businesses, etc.
Maybe you could talk to the librarian about teaching some of the kids how to code, and you can develop the curriculum etc. yourself. That's just an idea off the top of my head, as it'll help you to stand out as proactive and innovative-- you saw that art class was helping kids, and you wanted to share your second passion with them as well.
Hope this helps! Overall you're looking really good though!
Hey Greg,
I’m currently a junior in the second semester. Music, specifically my violin, has been my spike throughout my high school career, so I have a lot to say about that in my upcoming college apps.
However, I want to go into the engineering or computer science field, and I unfortunately haven’t done any engineering/cs related activities throughout my high school years.
So how in the world would I be able to stand out amongst the others applying to the elite engineering schools?
Hi Jason! Not to worry.
Do you have any plans for the summer yet? I would head over to my "how to get a high school internship" video and look at interning at a small tech company near you. Even if you're not doing much intense coding work yourself, you'll get to see what it's like to work in that environment and talk about it on your college application (and potentially get a letter of rec from a CEO - not bad!)
I sent out my resume/cover letters around March, so you have a bit of time to prepare. I would look into learning 1 or 2 useful programming languages in the next month and a half, maybe Java & Python. There are hundreds of free and paid courses on the Internet; the hardest part will be setting aside the time.
Then use the tips on my internship video to write a kickass cover letter and mention that you are self-taught, this is a huge bonus if you're applying to startups, which typically are made up of people who love being 'self-taught' and 'self-made'.
Hope this helps! Even if you're booked this summer, you should begin learning languages independently and working on some projects for local businesses etc.
Hi Greg! I have a question.
I am in an arts school wanting to transfer to Harvard.
I already have many classes:
Music theory (lots of hw)
Ear training (lots of hw)
Piano lesson (lots of hrs needed)
Musical history (lots of essays)
Piano seminar (just attendence)
Choir (lots of prep)
And I also have 6-7 hours of work weekly.
My main focus is piano performance and I want to do well in it by winning competitions within school.
But I was wondering if having this extra class with a harvard professor who teaches at our school would be an exception about what you said. To be honest, I feel it would become extra stress to me as it would mean another essay writing class on top of what I already have. Although I have done well in literature classes in the past, I have fear of getting something less than an A as I hear that this professor is particularly demanding. Would it be worth it? I personally have mixed feelings about my interest - I am generally open minded about learning new things in terms of exploring ideas through analysis course in a piece of literature, I feel with the amount of work that I already have i have doubts and pre-stress over whether if I can manage the stretch, and if the stretch is worth my effort at all in the first place. Do you think the connection with a harvard professor would be helpful for my harvard transfer process?
I am sure that you may already know this but I wanted to note that transfer process in harvard or any other top notch schools are so much harder than the freshmen application. I was wondering if you could give me an advice that ties the transfer factor and my aforementioned concern of having an elective literature class with harvard professor.
Thank you for reading this and I hope I can get your insight on this. And thank you so much for your video, Greg!
Hi there! Hope I can answer your questions.
First, I really want to applaud you for fully taking on your passion - I think it will be super clear to Harvard that piano performance is what your "spike" is. I would definitely try to win some competitions, because, as you said, the transfer process is even MORE difficult than high school application process, which is already ridiculous.
Second, I think you should add this class. If you check out my "deferred from Princeton" video, I talk about how making a genuine connection with a professor at the school you're interested in is super important because it's something you can bring up in essays and other communication with the admissions office -- better yet, if they write you a letter of rec, that can be the key to getting in.
Hope this helps! Seems you were right on the money.
Why do you want to transfer to Harvard? If it is just for the prestige, that is a terrible reason to transfer. Harvard is not strong in music and art if that is your career goal. You did not specify a potential major change. It may not have the same classes and and performance opportunities that a Conservatory may offer. If you want a career change, or you feel that it is the right school for you, then perfect. It is also very difficult to transfer to a place like Harvard. Some lower raked ivy leagues are more transfer friendly, like Cornell and Penn.
Hey, I'm really into economics but don't know what activity I could do with that, for my applications
Abraham Bueso look into different clubs/programs at your school that offer business/economic related activities. Consider forming a club/company yourself, demonstrating leadership and pursuing your interest and the same time!
Hey, if I want to pursue a career in computer science, what kind of volunteer work would I have to do to stand out towards Princeton?
Hey greg! I'm an indian high school student and i play badminton and I'm a district quarter finalist,I've also learned to play guitar,piano and drums and teach guitar to Christian and non Christian childrens at the church and i also play for my school choir 4 times a week and I'm also planning to start a speech and debate club....will these activities help me or should i do more?
I am really interested in engineering/computer science and leadership. For leadership, I do boy scouts (working on my eagle) and also the president of a programming club. Are there any activities I could do that would fall under either of these categories. Thanks so much!
Hello Greg!
I love your videos a lot and they are really informative for me as a senior ready to apply for college. I have watched your tips on the common application essays and they have changed the way I thought about these essays. Moreover, I was wondering if my lifelong hobby of Coin Collecting would be considered an extracurricular. I have done this since 1st grade and I actively have a blog website where I discuss the history and the analysis of a particular coin.
Thank you!
I'm a senior in high school, I never join clubs or activities in school, but I do learn an instrument outside of school. Is it ok?
I love to help people. I really love to help people with their situations and get them into a better place or take off some of their work load. I don't know what volunteering I should do for this, though, because it sounds so cliché that I'm worried that colleges just won't care. I've always been giving as much as I can to people who ask for things they need. Please help. I am also interested in puzzles! Not jigsaw puzzles or rubiks cubes. I like box puzzles, Hanayama puzzles, metal puzzles! But there isn't really much I can do with this.. I can't find any organizations or clubs or meetups/groups that explore this sort of thing, and I don't think there are many people who are interested or even know of this. I am also interested in nature and spend as much of my free time as I can in the ravine outside my backyard! What can I do to get leadership positions or volunteering etc. in these ? I'm feeling pretty hopeless as of right now. I was thinking I could create a puzzle club but we already have a board game club and I'm afraid the school would think it's too similar.
Any suggestions are appreciated! :)
Hi Greg.
I want to major in pediatric medicine. But I have numerous of passions other than medicine.
I am in the theatre club, the debate club, optimist (similar to red cross), used to be in a youth development club and I used to be in the science club (you can only be in the science club for 1 term) (I don't live in the US). {I am very dedicated to these clubs and was devastated when I couldn't get to continue doing those two clubs}.😥
Do the collages mostly want extra curricular activities that focuses on my major? and if so could you recommend some activities that I should do to boost my chances of getting accepted into ivy league schools?
Hey, I couldn't find the link to sing for crimson in the description. Some help, please?
I am really interest in healthcare related things, for example, I am interested in neurology and cardiology as well as surgeries, but i dont know how to really start a club or anything about it, i was wondering if you could give me some ideas. Thank you!
I am a freshmen in high school and am very close to achieving my Eagle Scout do you think this will be something that will help me as it teaches leadership and various skills
What if you were on a varsity team since freshman year? I'm nothing special, but doesn't it still look good?
I have a question. What if I am on varsity tennis and I want to tutor kids how to play tennis?
Where do I advertise myself and is this a good form of giving and passion?
Hey Greg, I do neuroscience research and have started a Science Bowl club at my school. I also am trying to create a TH-cam Channel in which I make short films after being introduced to film through a science film program at my museum where I made science videos for their TH-cam channel over the summer. Is there some cool way to do charity work with one of my passions?
Where I am from clubs and “volunteer work” doesn’t exist. When I entered the U.S. school environment I now just realize the competitiveness. It’s not good for children though I personally think because there’s so much on the plate, no one will truly feel passionate about a specific subject when they’re told to do EVERYTHING, and go above and beyond. You can truly only have passion for something if you are truly focused on that specific something.
Hey Greg I am a freshman in highschool who hopes to one day attend film school. I was wondering if you had some recommendations on how I could improve my chances of getting into my dream school USC
Hey Dan! Sounds like an awesome goal you've set! I would join your school's photography/film club if there is one, or start your own. I would also do photography courses online (there are free ones here on TH-cam) and start creating short films (maybe do a TH-cam channel). You can then submit these to a ton of film festivals and hopefully rack up some rewards!
Pay to get into lol
Dan Goad If you ever want *FREE* softwares for editing photos and films, for storyboards, VFX, greenscreens, check out the open sources as those below:
*Gimp* - useful for editing photos.
*Krita* - alternative to Photoshop for photo editors, artists and animators.
*MyPaint* - EASY, light-weight digital painting software. One of my favourites.
*Inkscape* - free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
*Hitfilm Express* - free lite software for video editing. This is plentiful for your needs, unless you want advanced features as those in *Hitfilm Pro,* which is the paid version.
*Blender* - free open source software for video editing, 3D modelling, 2D & 3D animation, etc. Beware, Blender has a steep learning curve.
*Audacity* - free audio editing.
*Storyboarder* - free storyboarding software.
*Daz Studio* - alternative to Poser Pro. You can pose 3D models for your storyboards.
*Natron* - alternative to Nuke Studio.
*LMMS* - digital composing music.
On my PC, I have roughly over 25 free open sources and affordables, none of your overpriced rental softwares like Maya, Houdini, etc.
i actually think a job is worth mentioning (esspecially a service job) bc it shows your humility and it’s real life experience with money