Extracurricular Activities Colleges Want to See | What I did to get into Ivy Leagues 🎓

Summary

In this video, the host addresses the importance of extracurricular activities for college applications, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. They suggest balancing activities related to one's academic interests with those that showcase personal hobbies and interests. The host shares personal experiences, such as sports and biomedical engineering internships, and encourages viewers to engage in projects that reflect their passions and contribute positively to society, ultimately presenting a well-rounded application.

Takeaways

• 😊 The creator is feeling better after being under the weather and introduces the topic of the video: extracurricular activities and how they enhance college applications.
• 🎓 Extracurricular activities are a key aspect of making a college application well-rounded and go beyond grades and essays.
• 📝 There's no guaranteed formula for extracurriculars, and no one can assure admission based on them alone—it's about putting your best foot forward.
• 🎨 Extracurriculars should reflect both your academic interests and your personal hobbies or passions, showcasing who you are outside of academics.
• 🏀 Personal hobbies like sports can count as extracurriculars, even if they aren’t directly related to your intended degree.
• 🤖 Passion projects related to your field of interest are highly recommended, as they show initiative and deep interest in a subject.
• 💡 Internships and shadowing opportunities can provide valuable experience, but it's important to reflect on what you learned and how you applied it, rather than just listing them on your application.
• 🛠️ DIY projects and self-directed research are powerful ways to stand out, especially if you apply your knowledge practically.
• 📚 College applications should balance extracurriculars that show both your academic passion and personal interests—ideally with around 10 activities in each area.
• 👍 Being authentic and bringing out your real personality, rather than trying to fit into what you think the college wants, is crucial for success.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing how to build a strong college application by focusing on extracurricular activities, honors, and achievements.

Why does the speaker emphasize going beyond grades in college applications?

The speaker emphasizes going beyond grades because colleges want to know about the applicant's personality, interests, and what makes them unique, rather than just academic achievements.

What is the speaker's perspective on having a 'magic formula' for extracurricular activities?

The speaker believes there is no magic formula for extracurricular activities. Every individual is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.

How should students choose extracurricular activities according to the speaker?

Students should choose extracurricular activities based on their interests and passions, while also balancing activities related to their intended field of study and those unrelated that reflect their personality.

What example does the speaker give of their own extracurricular activities?

The speaker mentions participating in sports like basketball and football, as well as interning at a hospital to shadow a biomedical engineer.

Why is it important to focus on how extracurriculars are applied, rather than just listing them?

It is important because admissions officers want to see how the applicant applied what they learned from their extracurricular activities to make an impact or further their skills, not just a list of achievements or certificates.

What does the speaker mean by 'passion project'?

A passion project is an initiative related to a field of interest where the student applies their knowledge and skills to create something meaningful, like a DIY project or research, that reflects their personal interests.

How does the speaker suggest students approach internships?

The speaker suggests students focus on learning as much as possible from internships and applying that knowledge in real-life situations, rather than just listing the internship on their resume.

What are some other extracurricular activities the speaker recommends?

The speaker recommends tutoring younger students, building apps for those interested in computer science, or organizing events like sports or educational workshops to demonstrate leadership and community involvement.

What is the speaker’s advice for creating a balanced set of extracurricular activities?

The speaker advises having a balance of around 10 activities related to the intended field of study and 10 activities that showcase personal interests and hobbies to create a well-rounded application.