{"id":16153,"date":"2020-05-06T16:38:57","date_gmt":"2020-05-06T21:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=16153"},"modified":"2020-09-11T20:39:53","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T20:39:53","slug":"college-admissions-extracurriculars-and-volunteering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/sat\/college-admissions-extracurriculars-and-volunteering\/","title":{"rendered":"College Admissions: Extracurriculars and Volunteering"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you are a freshman just starting high school or a junior getting ready to apply to college, getting involved in extracurriculars<\/a> and volunteering<\/a> is\u00a0<\/span>always<\/i>\u00a0the way to go. It is never too<\/span>\u00a0early\/late to get involved!<\/span>
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Why Extracurriculars Are So Important in High School<\/h2>
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\nHere are some helpful tips that can help you learn\u00a0<\/span>why<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>when<\/span><\/i>, and\u00a0<\/span>how<\/span><\/i>\u00a0you should pursue extracurriculars at your high school:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why? Learn more about yourself<\/span><\/h4>\n

The truth is, no matter what your experiences are, experience in general is always great. By putting yourself out there and doing something you wouldn\u2019t normally do, you would be surprised by how much you can learn about yourself.<\/span>
\nMaybe sports aren\u2019t for you, but that does not mean that you can\u2019t try something new. Aim to be bold and courageous! Take an art class, join the debate club, or join groups that meet up to talk about their nerdy obsessions with Marvel Superheroes and Harry Potter.<\/span>
\nWhen I was in high school, I was a member of leadership, glee club, cheese club, and even the National Thespian Society. And with those opportunities, I definitely learned a lot of things about myself. In fact, those were some of the most memorable and valuable moments of my high school career.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why? Show colleges who you are<\/span><\/h4>\n

Along with making new friends, finding new interests, and discovering more about yourself, extracurriculars can also help with college applications. According to College Board, staying involved is\u00a0<\/span>extremely important to College Admissions Offices<\/span><\/a>. In fact, colleges will use your experiences as a way to judge your character in ways that grades and test scores cannot.<\/span>
\nSo, whether you play on the school\u2019s basketball team, perform in annual school plays, tutor freshmen during your lunch breaks, or work a job outside of school, colleges want to know who you are and what you do. Students who are passionate and motivated are exactly what they are looking for in applicants. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When? Ease into high school \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Aim to start getting involved between the end of your freshman year and the beginning of your sophomore year. This is usually the perfect time for students to start exploring. Why? Adjusting from middle school to high school can be challenging. Easing into things gives you just enough time to get used to high school, but also enough time to gain plenty of experience before college comes into play.<\/span><\/p>\n

When? It\u2019s never too late \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Absolutely not! Though it is recommended by college admission boards to start EC\u2019s earlier on in your high school years, exposing yourself to new things late in the game is never bad. As long as you stay committed and can gain some value from your experiences, there is no reason why beginning a little later in the game should hold you back. If your interests and passions are clear in your applications, colleges will love to hear about your experiences!<\/span><\/p>\n

How? Ask your teachers<\/span><\/h4>\n

After deciding you are ready to take a step forward by getting involved, your first thoughts are most likely going to be along the lines of \u201cWhere do I go, and who can I talk to?\u201d Here is the golden answer:\u00a0<\/span>Ask your teachers!<\/span><\/i>
\nStudents are often too scared to ask their teachers directly for advice and help. Quite honestly, they can be your biggest allies in navigating through high school and eventually preparing for college. Also, take note that most clubs and activities on campus are all overseen by teachers. As such, asking the right teachers can always connect you to the right opportunities. In all, don\u2019t forget to stay open-minded, and don\u2019t ever be afraid to introduce yourself!<\/span>
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Making Extracurriculars Work in High School<\/h2>
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\nAfter learning about\u00a0<\/span>why<\/span><\/i>\u00a0extracurriculars are so important in high school,<\/span>\u00a0now is the time to figure out\u00a0<\/span>how<\/span><\/i>\u00a0to squeeze them into your schedule. Whether it be a sport, part-time job, or the school\u2019s journalism club, the key is knowing how to prioritize and fit extracurriculars into your calendar.<\/span>
\nOne of the best things about pursuing extracurriculars in high school is that it helps you develop the organization and time management skills you\u2019ll need in college. Here are some helpful tips that will help you find the right balance: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make a planner your new best friend<\/span><\/h4>\n

One of the most common pieces of advice given to high school and college students is to keep all of your dates and schedules in one place. It saves time and energy while also preventing scheduling conflicts, miscommunication, and procrastination. \u00a0<\/span>
\nIf keeping a planner is new to you, it may seem tedious at first. But after you experience the benefits of this small effort, it will start to feel more natural: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Find the right planner for you<\/span><\/h4>\n

Most students prefer a notebook style planner, where they can physically write things down and take them wherever they go. If this is what you do choose, try to get one that is larger in size and has a monthly calendar page at the beginning of each month. Placing all of your big and important events on this page is the best way to plan. You can save any details for the specific day\/week they pertain to. You can hang a big master calendar in your room.<\/span>
\nIf you are more of a technologically savvy kind of person, which is definitely not uncommon among high school students, an online planner or calendar is a great way to go. Using Gmail\u2019s Calendar or using a personal iphone app can work, but make sure whatever you use is easily accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn how to budget your time<\/span><\/h4>\n

If adding extracurriculars to your schedule is scaring you a bit, don\u2019t fret. It\u2019s also OK to wait until you get settled into your class flow to see how much you can add to the mix. Remember, extracurriculars aren\u2019t just a luxury, they\u2019re an investment in your college applications and time management skills.<\/span>
\nSo to help you decide much to take on and when, ask yourself the following questions:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nWhen am I available?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Try pursuing EC\u2019s that already fit into your schedule. If you\u2019re only available for an hour or two after school, try finding a club that fits that same time schedule. Don\u2019t feel like you have to move things around\u2014just find what fits naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does this work for my family?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Many high school students rely on their parents for transportation and have to be mindful\u00a0<\/span>of family schedules. Also, some extracurriculars, like sports teams for example, require money. That said, if either of these factors is preventing you from taking on desired extracurriculars, simply communicating with your parents and teachers can help you find a solution.<\/p>\n

Can I maintain my lifestyle?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Last but not least, don\u2019t forget that your grades and personal well-being come first. Don\u2019t\u00a0add so much to your schedule that your grades or sleep begin to suffer. Take your time, talk with your family and teachers, and think about the decisions you make before you make them. With proper time management and communication, you can balance it all.<\/p>\n

Budget your time\u2014and your finances\u2014by taking a\u00a0free online practice test with Kaplan<\/a>, the world leader in test prep.
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The Importance of Volunteering in College Admissions<\/h2>
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\nWhen you think about college admissions, you probably think about the basics, like SAT or ACT scores, grades, GPA, essays, and letters of recommendation. While all of those things are undoubtedly important on your application, it\u2019s also crucial that you start building your resume. One way to do that is by volunteering.<\/span>
\nVolunteering may not increase your SAT or ACT scores or boost your GPA, but it can provide you with the competitive edge you need in the college admissions process and help you stand out among other applicants.<\/span>
\nHere are four ways volunteering can help you on your journey to college:<\/span><\/p>\n
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  1. Experience.\u00a0<\/b>Volunteering can provide you with some great experiences outside the classroom while also appealing to college admissions officers\u2014especially if they read about your volunteer work in your application essay. Apart from test scores, grades, and GPA on your transcript, admissions officers also want to see who you are outside of the classroom. Volunteering allows you to showcase another side of yourself. It provides an opportunity for you to speak passionately about a cause or organization that you believe in and have dedicated some real time toward. Don\u2019t forget to include it on your LinkedIn profile or online resume, which many future employers will go to learn more about you.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Leadership.\u00a0<\/b>College admissions officers love to see students who are passionate leaders, and volunteering is a great way to gain some leadership experience. Instead of merely completing the mandatory service hours that may be required by your high school, take the time to research a cause that inspires you. The more inspired you are, the more likely you are to be involved and take on a leadership position. This will show admissions officers that you can meaningfully contribute to the campus community and be an active member of the student body.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Scholarships.\u00a0<\/b>That\u2019s right\u2014volunteering can lead to scholarship opportunities through various organizations.\u00a0<\/span>Do Something<\/span><\/a>, for example, offers two types of scholarships, one of which awards $10K to four lucky students. Join one of their volunteer campaigns and show how involved you are\u2014it can pay off, big time!<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Networking.\u00a0<\/b>While volunteering, you will encounter and work with many different types of people who can help you develop professional skills in a field you may be interested in. Some of these people may even become your mentors and be in a perfect position to write your letters of recommendation for your college applications.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Personal Enhancement:<\/b>\u00a0Don\u2019t just volunteer to boost your resume, application, or chances of getting into college; really do your research and find something that speaks to you. Not only will this help you speak naturally and passionately about it in interviews, it will help you learn about yourself and figure out where you\u2019d like to give back down the road.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What are the many various ways you can get involved and volunteer? Find inspiration in these examples, and remember that giving starts in your own community.<\/span><\/p>\n