A crucial factor in the
college application process

The college admissions process becomes more competitive every year. Increasing numbers of students are applying to college, while the number of spots at colleges is not increasing. The result is that while top grades are necessary for admission to first-tier colleges, good grades alone no longer guarantee admission. One must also possess high SAT or ACT scores, compelling essays and outstanding extracurricular activities.

In fact, many students believe that their grade-point average is given more emphasis in the admissions process than it actually is. While most applicants to selective universities are academically qualified, there are simply not enough spots available. Accordingly, students should seek to distinguish themselves through their extracurricular activities. These activities provide another set of criteria by which admissions committees make their decisions. An ability to demonstrate a sincere dedication to a few meaningful extracurricular pursuits, rather than mere membership in many, can significantly enhance college applications. It’s best to show an important contribution to your school or community, and how participation or leadership has influenced you.

Arsean Maqami agrees. This graduate of NYC Lab School began at Swarthmore College in the fall. Maqami’s high school passion was soccer. The sport prompted him to ultimately choose Swarthmore over the University of Chicago, where Maqami was accepted through early action, because he preferred the soccer coach at the former school.

Maqami suggests that students promote themselves by emphasizing their activities. “College admissions is a pretty strenuous process for most people, and sports were a little bump for me,” he says. “It’s all about why you are better than anybody else. I played soccer, and a lot of people don’t do anything.”

Randy Subramany graduated from Xavier High School and started at Columbia University in the fall. Subramany believes that in his admission, “Test scores by far were the most important thing, but...demonstrating the ability to balance everything was also important. I was on cross-country and track. I was also a tutor for three years and a Big Brother, and I was in the math club and the medical science club. Colleges saw my ability to challenge myself. I didn’t just do one different activity per year. I always kept that level of challenge on my plate...while I made sure that my schoolwork didn’t slip at all.”

Subramany’s appetite for maximizing the opportunities available to him was not limited to his high school activities.

“I applied to 16 colleges, and my list was originally 10,” he says. “This was my one chance to apply to my dream schools, so I was very aggressive. My advice is: Don’t be scared to apply to your reach schools. I didn’t think I’d get into Columbia, so don’t let the statistics scare you. Believe in yourself. The only thing it’ll cost you is maybe the $60 application fee.”

While being elected to an important-sounding club position is a goal of many ambitious high school students, it is a misguided one. An explanation of why you were involved in a club, and of the contributions that you have made, impresses admissions committees more than simply obtaining a lofty title. At top high schools, it can be difficult to gain leadership positions in school clubs where there are many other qualified candidates. However, an abundance of opportunities exist in the “adult world” through community organizations, nonprofit organizations and internships. Many students launch fundraising campaigns for worthy causes or mobilize peers to tackle a problem themselves. Teachers, parents, friends and college counselors can help to plan and advise these endeavors.

Joining several clubs is a great way to learn where your interests lie and ascertain which groups may allow you to accept meaningful responsibility. However, don’t try to list every club on your college application. If you want to write about extracurricular activities, pick one that was meaningful and explain its impact. In the college essay, discuss a specific experience or activity, and concentrate on the details that draw a picture of the experience.

“You basically have to be full of yourself in your college essay,” says Maqami. “There are so many colleges out there for you, especially if you do something with yourself. You need to accentuate what’s better about you than anybody else. Also, use spell check. There was one word I spelled wrong in my opening paragraph. I freaked out and called the college to ask if I could re-send my application, but they said not to worry about it.”
Maqami was lucky in this instance, but as the admissions process becomes increasingly competitive, students in future years may not be so fortunate. The application is your only chance to show colleges who you truly are. A college essay about your most fulfilling extracurricular activity provides the admissions committee with a snapshot of your personality and with the lasting impression that you’re a focused, responsible and well-rounded individual who will be a valuable part of the college community.

Steve Schwartz is a professional college counselor and tutor for SAT, Regents and Advanced Placement exams. He can be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Thanks to tandtnews.com for this story.