January 22, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR CAROL TOMAN IN IL
Schools like well rounded students but they also like students with a
passion for something. Does that sound contradictory? It isn't
really. If you love soccer, then play soccer, coach younger students at
soccer, write a soccer column for your school paper, etc. Substitute
the name of any subject for which you have passion and explore it from
many angles. Schools realize that it's easy to join a whole bunch of
clubs so you can list them on your application. They really are looking
deeper than that. And let me emphasize what another mentor already
said: take on leadership roles in the things you do.
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A: FROM MENTOR LIZA FULLER IN PA
I have three children who have just recently gone successfully through
the college application process. My advice would be to join a few clubs,
music groups or teams that truly interest you. Colleges want to see that
you are committed to something you really like and have an aptitude
for...whether it is music, sports or something else is your choice.

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January 21, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR CHARLENE CASSIDY IN SC
Sylvia, I'm not sure that colleges give more weight to one extra-curricular activity over another, admission boards are looking for well rounded students, not those who just excel in one area. What they will look at are things like how well you balanced your participation in an activity with keeping up with academics; what was you level of participation -- (e.g. did you take on leadership roles?) in the activity, did you get any awards or recognition for your participation, etc.

I think what you need to do is find an activity or activities that you will enjoy and become involved in those. You don't have to participate in only school extra-curricular activities; participation in things like scouting, dancing, community or church youth groups, volunteer or service activities that are not organized by are your school are also considered. All of these things can demonstrate that you are a well rounded person, not just good at academics.

Participation in any activity will benefit you by giving you confidence in yourself and provide an opportunity to make new friends.Best of luck to you!
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A: FROM MENTOR BARB KONTOGIANNIS IN CO
First of all, you have to be yourself and get involved with activities that interest you, not just to fill your resume. There is no right answer for whether orchestra or a sport is more appealing - what is more appealing to you? If you are involved in either one (or even both), it helps make you a more "well-rounded" person. Colleges are looking for people that are intelligent and enjoy learning, as well as enjoy life in general. Having interests outside the classroom is key to building a community on campus. It takes all kinds of people with a variety of interests to run the world! Choose activities that you like, honestly. Community service, tutoring, music, dance, sports, drama, or even lighting and set design for drama events, etc. - there is so much to choose from, and it is all beneficial to building your character, learning, and enjoying life. It's true that colleges look for more than just academics. How boring a community would be if everyone just studied all day and had no other interests. As a Stanford graduate, I will say that there were very few people on campus that didn't have a passion for some activity other than just academics. In high school, I was active in music - marching band, jazz band, orchestra and musicals, as well as one sport, and peer tutoring. There were so many other choices, but that's what I enjoyed doing. And I carried with me my interest in music, continuing to play in bands at Stanford. High school is a great time to explore and find out what you like. Try a variety of activities if you don't know what you are interested in. Those activities that make you "you" are what colleges are interested in. Best of luck to you!