By Ava Kesler
Spoiler alert: yes this title is clickbait. But stay with me.
It may seem like your entire high school years have been trying to live up to this ominous collective being of college admissions officers. Oftentimes we see an activity be promoted with the statement "looks good on college apps."
While this is true, there is actually a deeper layer to it.
Going out of your way to participate in some extracurricular actually contributes to your character development. You can gain so much more than just an item to put on your resume. By getting involved in things you love, you really develop as a person. You gain a better understanding of the world around you in addition to learning more about yourself. This can only be beneficial in life.
You should want to be involved in things not because it is expected, or it's what everyone else is doing, but because you truly want to. The results you'll get are so much more fulfilling and useful this way.
Summer is the optimal chance to do this.
Some inspiration to get you started:
Make a website
That's how MyMindsMap started
Join a community service organization
Just google local ones- there are plenty.
Organize an event for something you care about
For example, if you volunteer somewhere, talk to the leaders and propose an event such as a garage sale or fundraiser to help them. Adding your own touch to established organizations gives you a higher level of responsibility than that which you would find elsewhere.
Go to a camp
Camps are something that almost everyone becomes a part of. To increase the value of this experience, consider becoming a counselor or member of higher standing.
Research opportunities related to your major
If you know what area you want to study in college, then consider finding things that can give you exposure to it now. This can only help you, whether it makes you reconsider your major or if it helps you better understand what the future may hold for you.
There is so much more you can do even beyond this list. But the most important thing to remember is that you must enjoy the process. Do it because you want to, not because you have to. Then the results will naturally come.
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