Don’t let anyone tell you that having a long list of extra-curricular activities from high school is more important than grades when it comes to college admittance. If, however, your transcripts show consistent good grades, they’ll want to see what else you did with your time in high school. You don’t have to have been the captain of the football team, a solid showing at practices and game days is good enough. The important thing is that you’ve found something that you really enjoyed and stuck with it. Here’s how you can go about finding what interests you:

1. Start at school. If you’ve never considered joining a language club or intramural sport, there’s no time like the present. You know the old saying, “Every pot has a lid”? Well, the same goes for students and activities. There’s bound to be a club or organization that is right for you, you just need to do some soul searching about your interests.

2. Look for work. Being gainfully employed says a lot about a person’s responsibility level and ability to manage time. The paycheck would help your college savings account, as well. Even if you find work that doesn’t pay, such as an internship, the college admissions board will be impressed with your efforts to juggle work and your studies at the same time.

3. Donate your time to a needy cause. Are you good with kids? Chances are there’s a daycare center at church that could use your skills and patience! Are you handy with tools? There’s a Habitat for Humanity group in almost all cities that is comprised of volunteers just like you. Imagine helping a needy family get their first home. Volunteerism is a great way to boost your self esteem while helping others.

Doing one extra activity is good, but if you’re lucky enough to find a couple of things that you can be excited about you should do so. Just make sure that your top priority is keeping your grades up and then get out there and spread your wings.

In the end, you’ll have made a strong case for yourself to be admitted to college. You’ll have shown passion and suddenly you’re application will stand out from all the others. Universities want a diverse student body and you’re various experiences should convince them that you are a unique individual.

Thomas Burke assists working adults in selecting online colleges and online degree programs.

  

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