How do admissions officers view extracurricular activities within an application?

Admissions officers evaluate different extracurriculars based on their relative impressiveness. While it may seem very subjective, there is actually a pretty clear ranking system. This system is known as the four tiers of extracurriculars. The first tier is for extracurriculars that are very rare and unique.

Do admissions officers fact check extracurriculars?

However, they do have ways to verify important aspects like test scores and transcripts, which are often sent directly from the testing agencies or schools. As for extracurriculars and awards, they may not verify every single one, but if something seems off or suspicious, they may look into it further.

Do admissions officers look at all your activities?

The school cares about what kind of person they're admitting to their college. That student will go on to become an important part of the student body of the college, so they do check activities. The type of person you are is influenced by the activities you are involved with at school and at home.

Do extracurricular activities look good on college applications?

It's ideal to start with extracurricular activities as early in high school as possible. This shows a long-term commitment and gives you time to potentially earn a club leadership role, which looks great on college applications. That being said, it's never too late to get involved with extracurricular activities.

Do admissions officers read additional info?

While it's not guaranteed that every single admissions officer will read it in detail, including that information can be helpful for your application overall. Just make sure to be concise and clear in your explanation, and don't worry too much about making it sound perfect.

How Ivy League Admission Officers Look at Your Activities List

What is a red flag for admissions officers?

What is an application red flag? Simply put, it's something on a college application that can make an admissions officer second guess how qualified an applicant is or if they're a good-fit for the school. A red flag can be as serious as a disciplinary infraction, or as simple as not following application directions.

What is the single most important thing admissions officers consider in an application?

Academic Achievement

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important for college-bound students to understand that grades are the most important factor that colleges will consider when evaluating applications.

Is 7 extracurriculars enough?

Though 5 – 6 is the most ideal amount, that's not to say that some students don't do well with fewer activities – sometimes significantly fewer!

What is a Tier 1 extracurricular activities?

Any number of activities can fall under Tier 1—it's the success a student has had that influences the activity's value to colleges. Tier 1 activities can include athletic achievements, such as being a highly recruited basketball player or a nationally ranked tennis player.

How can I impress colleges with extracurricular activities?

What not to ask admissions officers?

What you do when you get to college is ultimately your business. But all the same, it's not a good idea to ask about the school's party culture or anything related to drugs and alcohol. Questions that make you seem uninterested. Don't ask the admissions officer questions that compare them to other schools.

How do you stand out to admissions officers?

Admission officers seek students with strong character traits such as integrity, leadership, resilience, and initiative. Such attributes should shine through their essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvements.

What do admissions officers read first?

In general, admissions officers start by doing a 1-2 minute scan of a student's application to assess their academic qualifications. Applications whose grades and test scores do not meet a certain threshold will typically be marked for almost certain rejection.

How many admissions officers read your application?

In a holistic review process, one or more individuals will read a file and render an admission decision. Students without a clear decision after one or more reads are discussed in a committee format. Depending on the circumstances, a file may be read by 2-3 individuals or as many as 20 different people.

Do admissions officers check social media?

Hesser says that if something in a college application is unclear, admissions staff will look to social media if it offers clarity on a matter. Admissions officers do look at social media accounts for prospective students, but the practice is declining, according to the Kaplan Test Prep survey.

Do admissions officers actually read essays?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it's impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

What is considered weak extracurriculars?

The most common “weak” extracurricular profile is simply one that is nonexistent or bare bones. Admissions officers don't want couch potatoes; they want to accept students who will become involved in the learning community. A student with little or no extracurricular involvement is undesirable.

Do UK colleges look at extracurriculars?

Activities like debating or speech/drama diplomas might be useful in this regard. In general, the UK does place less emphasis on extracurriculars, but certainly there are relevant activities you can do that might help to boost your application beyond just scoring well in your school subjects.

Is 4 extracurriculars enough?

A good number of extracurriculars can be around four. Although every student is different, having four extracurriculars allows you to branch out without being overwhelmed. Having a good variety of hobbies outside of school is important.

Is it OK to have no extracurriculars?

While extracurriculars are beneficial, they are not the sole determining factor the admissions committee will consider. If you have other outstanding qualities and a compelling application, you will still have a chance of getting into your dream school!

Is it bad to have no extracurriculars?

Although not having extracurricular activities in high school is not necessarily "bad," it can limit your chances for personal growth, development, and achievement. Extracurricular activities offer opportunities to develop skills, explore interests, and connect with like-minded peers.

What happens if your extracurriculars don't match your major?

No, extracurricular activities(ECs) do not need to be related to your major or even to each other. They're based on your interests, and there's nothing wrong in having diverse interests.

Does emailing admissions officers help?

If you have specific questions about academic programs or campus life (or just want to touch base with the admissions officer assigned to your geographic region), sending an e-mail to college admissions will get you the essential information you need AND show your enthusiasm for the school.

What are admissions officers readers looking for?

Admissions officers want to know what kind of student you are and how you will fit into their campus community. The best way for them to understand this is through your essays. Students often share topics or stories that the admissions officers might not be familiar with.

Should you talk to admissions officers?

It's ok to contact the admissions officer either by email or by calling them. In most cases, admissions offices will be more than willing to help you. send the same email to many universities. It's easy to spot an email that is generic.