If you are thinking about attending a selective US university, you should start thinking about your extracurricular profile! Most students think carefully about what subjects to take or when they should start prepping for the SAT or ACT. However, preparing to attend a US university also requires excelling in your extracurricular activities. The key difference between the US and other global higher education systems is the emphasis placed on extracurricular activities by admissions committees. Decisions are often made based on the activities section of the Common App.

When Vela Education advisors meet with students and families, they often ask which activities they should choose! We encourage students to choose activities they sincerely enjoy. Excelling in an activity requires time and commitment– so spending time doing something that brings authentic satisfaction is best! US universities admissions committees want to understand students’ values, and passion projects to determine if they would be a “good fit” for the campus community. Thus, students should choose extracurricular activities that demonstrate their personality and talents. 

When choosing activities, Vela Education advisors encourage students to select extracurriculars that also impact those around them. Impact matters because universities want a sense of how this activity has promoted personal growth and helped people in your community. Our advisors are happy to talk with you about your interests and how to use them to demonstrate your talents!

How you frame these activities on the Common App also helps admissions committees learn about you and what you are about. Working with an expert advisor can ensure this part of the Common App stands out among an ever increasing application pool.

Because most students have the grades and exam scores needed to be selected at a top US uni, admissions decisions are often made on the qualitative aspects of a student’s application. This means that the activities section of the Common App is extremely important! As you move through secondary school, please stay focused on your extracurriculars activities and ensure that you have outcomes and impacts you can clearly point to on your application!

If you would like support as you make these important decisions., please reach out to us! Vela Education is here to help.