Given today's competitive academic environment, earning top marks and acing standardised tests no longer guarantees you access to top-notch schools and research institutions.
Instead, international universities look for well-rounded applicants demonstrating personality, motivation and potential for leadership.
Increasingly, importance is allotted to work you do outside of the classroom. It's no exaggeration to say that the difference between admission and rejection could be the development and presentation of your extracurricular activities.
Today, we'll look at the four main types of students seen by admissions departments, and discuss how each group can bolster their standing with US universities.
Tomorrow, we'll look at the four main groupings of extra-curricular activities, and what each can say about your personality.
For the most part, students fall into four categories in regards to extra-curricular activities.
Slim Pickings
These are the students who make a few token attempts to get involved, but are neither heavily involved in one thing nor involved across a broad range of extra-curricular activities.
If a student has precious few activities, and doesn't seem engaged in any one of them, it raises a few questions for the university: Is the student motivated? Is he or she passionate about learning and life? Will this person bring creativity and leadership to the student body?
You do not want to have to answer questions about your motivation and lack of direction -- only the highest marks and the top standardised test scores will save you. Even then, you won't earn near the scholarship money you should. Don't worry, it only takes a little effort and consistency to vastly improve your application.
If you are a student with a paltry list of extra curricular activities, it's time to brainstorm. Think of the all the things that interest you, and how to turn your interests into something you can display with pride.
For example, if you write poetry in your spare time, start going to poetry slams. Attempt to have your work published. Try and meet some 'heavyweights' in your local poetry scene and have them write you recommendations.
It's not so difficult to transform what you may consider as a 'stupid hobby' into a glowing point on your application that distinguishes you from a pool of aspiring students. Just remember, it's never too late to get involved, so get started!
Quality over Quantity
The second group are those who think they know the 'tricks of the trade'. These are the students who sign up for twenty different groups but never show up for a single meeting. For them, it's all about having their name associated with the organisation and being able to put it on a resume or application.
These students have also been known to stretch the truth when making their lists, which can lead to big problems. Universities admissions committees are not foolish; they can sift out insincere applications with ease. Nothing will disqualify you faster than being labelled a known liar, so don't risk your reputation by exaggerating your accomplishments.
For example, let's say you play basketball once a month at the gym, occasionally play chess with friends when you're bored, and check out the art museum once or twice a year. You cannot write on your application: 'captain of gym basketball team', 'top-ranked chess player in school' and 'art aficionado'.
If you find yourself compiling a mammoth list of dubious activities, pare it down and focus on your true interests. It's recommendable to have about three or four activities in which you have established a track record of involvement and expertise.
Here's a mantra to remember throughout the application process -- quality trumps quantity.
The Experts
The third group contains students who are only involved in one or two activities, but are considered 'stars' in their particular fields.
If you are one of these students, you may be concerned that your list of extra-curricular activities appears scanty. Obviously, if you're the top-ranked female tennis player in Kerala, you're not going to have much free time outside of school-work and perfecting your serve.
Don't despair, however, because universities are very interested in these types of students. Through heavy involvement in a particular activity, you show a genuine commitment and a desire to strive for excellence.
If presented properly, being this kind of student will earn you positive marks on your application.
To do this, you must highlight your extraordinary achievements. Don't allot equal attention to four activities; instead, focus on your specialised talent and how it will benefit you as a student.
Again, let's say you're a female tennis champion. Write in your personal essay how playing in front of a crowd of 2,000 taught you to deal with pressure. Show how endless hours of practice taught you that hard work is the only road leading to success. Receive a recommendation from a top tennis star, explaining how you have a similar passion for the game, and how this desire is necessary to reach the top.
Just remember, if you are a 'superstar', as a musician, athlete, writer etc, don't bury it among other extra curricular activities. Many students make the mistake of trying to appear 'modest', and refuse to accentuate their tremendous feats.
Don't let this happen to you. Instead, frame your entire application through your excellence in a particular field. If done properly, you'll be a highly coveted commodity and will be sure to earn great scholarships.
The Do-It-Alls
Let's face it, some of us possess the required determination, organisation and motivation to become genuinely involved in numerous and varied activities. If you are one of these people, congratulations, universities will be knocking down the door to sign you up for enrolment.
For example, if you're a player on the basketball team, vice-president of your class, an accomplished pianist, a mountain-climber, and to top it all off, a volunteer at a local hospital -- you're set!
On your application, make sure to present each activity as separate components that add up to you, a unique personality with a penchant for leadership. Emphasise your ability to network and your desire to continue your growth socially, intellectually and spiritually.
A good strategy for this type of person is to have a mentor comment on your dynamic personality. If this recommendation stresses your ability to multi-task, your ability to learn quickly and your knack for adventure, universities will envision a future leader. To be sure, they'll be delighted to have their degree attached to your name.
Review
Between standardised tests and heavy school work, it might seem difficult to build an impressive list of extra-curricular activities.
Fact is, those extra hours cramming for yet another round of the SATs might be better spent working with children or learning a new language. After a certain point, it's about making yourself likable and attractive as an applicant.
The best way to earn admissions at the world's top universities is not by acing every quiz, homework assignment and exam dating back to primary school. While having the scores and the marks is certainly important, no school wants a walking computer devoid of charisma and passion.
Instead, it's better to show how your interests inside the classroom correlate with your interests outside the classroom this gives universities an idea what you will do with their education.
So, roll up your sleeves and get involved. Like it or not, your academic future depends on it!
Tomorrow
Part II -- Four types of extracurricular activities
