Will joining more extracurriculars now significantly boost chances in lower acceptance schools like NYU or USC, or is it already too late?
|1 answer
Stepping up your extracurricular activities can positively impact your college acceptance chances, even in the months before applications are due. Selective universities like NYU and USC look for quality and depth of involvement rather than simply the number of activities you join. Starting new activities now can help your application, but you'll need to demonstrate meaningful engagement rather than surface-level participation.
The timing of when you begin extracurriculars matters less than what you actually accomplish within them. Admissions officers at competitive schools understand that students discover new interests throughout high school. What's crucial is showing initiative and leadership in the activities you choose. Even if you're starting something new, focus on making significant contributions and taking on responsibilities that showcase your abilities.
When considering selective schools with lower acceptance rates, authenticity in your extracurricular choices is paramount. Rather than joining multiple clubs just to pad your resume, select activities that genuinely interest you and align with your intended major or career goals. For instance, if you're interested in business at NYU Stern, starting a small entrepreneurial venture now could be more valuable than joining five unrelated clubs.
Remember that colleges evaluate your activities within the context of your opportunities and circumstances. If you're just now able to participate in certain extracurriculars due to previous commitments or limitations, explain this in your application. Focus on making the most of the time you have left, whether that's three months or a year, by deeply engaging in a few meaningful activities rather than spreading yourself thin across many.
Post an answer to this question to help other readers