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Most colleges allow any activity outside of classes to count as an extracurricular. How Do Colleges Evaluate Extracurriculars?
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You cannot learn these skills in an academic setting. In a world of rising application numbers and an increase in the number of students reporting stellar test scores and top grades, admissions officers are relying more heavily on the extracurriculars to determine whether a student will gain admission.Īdditionally, if you participate in (or lead) extracurricular activities, you typically possess the types of character qualities, and professional skills admissions officers look for in potential students, including: While grades and the coursework difficulty matter most, extracurriculars for college matter more than you may think. Why do Extracurricular Activities Matter?
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Hobbies, interests, and volunteer work outside of school are also considered extracurricular activities. For example, athletics and student clubs are considered extracurricular activities. It typically doesn't carry academic credit but can be related to school. What are Extracurricular Activities?Īn extracurricular activity is anything that falls outside the scope of a regular curriculum. They look at grades, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation! Neglecting any of these pieces weakens the application and lessens the chances of getting into a top university. When college admissions officers review applications, they want to see students who have well-rounded backgrounds.
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