U.S. Admissions: sought-after extracurriculars

There are many ways that the U.S. college admissions process differs from the UK process, and one of the key differences is that U.S. colleges and their admissions officers place a great deal of emphasis on a holistic student profile.

Of course, colleges demand a high level of academic achievement and rigour from their candidates, but to attain entry into some of the most competitive and prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S., this is not enough. Students are encouraged to build a profile around their interests, that they are then able to exposit on in their Common App essays and supplementals.

Students should aim to build a complete profile – one that includes co-curricular academic clubs such as debate, Science and Mathematics Olympiad, or organising book clubs with classmates. Students should also include sports and athletics, as well as the all-important service activities. U.S. college admissions officers love to see candidates who are willing to show commitment to a cause, and go outside their comfort zone on a regular basis.

Building a profile

While one-off experiences such as service trips and public speaking opportunities do play a part in building a candidate’s profile, what truly impresses U.S. admissions officers is seeing a genuine and sustained commitment to an activity.

The admissions consultants at BartyED always advise our students to start demonstrating this far before Grade 11. U.S. college admissions officers like to see that candidates can sustain a passion over several years, and are capable of building relationships within an organisation. For example, while it is great to participate in a one-off charity fundraiser, it would be even better for a student to develop a regular volunteering commitment with that same charity. Not only does regular time spent in an extracurricular activity help develop key skills over the years, but it shows that you are genuinely committed to that cause, instrument, or sport.

Making yourself known to colleges

A part of the U.S. college admissions process that can be overlooked by even the most promising candidates is the importance of making yourself known to the colleges before you even apply. Of course, all colleges advise on-site visits before students begin their applications so they can get a feel for the place, and tour key facilities. But most colleges now offer so many more opportunities than a simple tour.

If a candidate has a dream college in mind for their future, we would always advise attending multiple events. These can include on-campus tours, digital conferences, and even summer camps. There are many opportunities available to a well-organised student.

As well as being enormously enriching for the student in general, these visits and deeper associations with the college will allow key staff members to get to know the candidate, and demonstrates that the candidate is excited about attending this college. Our admissions consultants always tell students that the admissions process starts long before they create a Common App account, and goes well beyond submitting a few forms.

BartyED’s Admissions Consultancy

The U.S. college admissions process is notoriously opaque, and that can be a daunting prospect for any student. The fact that academics are most often not enough to guarantee entry into a candidate’s dream college can seem difficult for students to wrap their heads around, but it need not be intimidating.

There are simple ways that students can work to build their profiles and develop their skill sets in a way that U.S. college admissions officers are looking for, and BartyED has extensive experience in helping candidates to do just that.

If you or your child is interested in attending college in the United States and wishes for expert guidance in building a compelling extracurricular profile, reach out to us today by phone at +852 2882 1017 or email at enquiries@bartyed.com.