Strategic Extracurricular Planning for College Success

Starting with extracurricular activities as early as possible in high school is ideal because it shows long-term commitment and gives you time to work toward leadership roles—something that college admissions officers love to see. But don’t worry if you’re getting a later start—it’s never too late to get involved and make a meaningful impact! ​ When I work with students, I help them explore the best opportunities to build a well-rounded high school resume. Here’s how I guide them:

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Finding Extracurricular Opportunities:

• Leverage Your Network: I encourage students to start by joining clubs or groups in which their friends are already involved. This makes participating easier and more enjoyable.

• Explore School Resources: I’ll help you navigate your school’s website for clubs, sports, and leadership opportunities that match your interests.

• Connect Locally: I can help you brainstorm ways to contact local non-profit organizations that advocate for a cause you're interested in supporting, community centers, and city offices to find volunteer or leadership roles.

• Go National: I’ll introduce you to national organizations that you didn't even know existed where you can gain valuable experience in a social cause that you want to advocate for. 

• Pursue Specialized Interests: I assist students in finding online courses or exploring community college programs that align with their passions or career aspirations.​

 

Choosing the Right Extracurriculars:

When deciding which activities to pursue, I make sure students consider:

• Career Goals: I connect their extracurriculars to future career paths, showcasing a clear and strategic focus.

• Academic Interests: If students have an intended college major or minor, I help them find related activities to strengthen their college applications.

• Passions and Hobbies: I believe that genuine enthusiasm always shines through, so I guide students to build on what they already love to do.

 

Can’t Find the Right Fit? Create Your Own!

If traditional opportunities aren’t available, I encourage students to start their own club, group, or even a small business. I provide step-by-step support to help them initiate, organize, and lead, adding a unique and powerful experience to their high school resume. ​ With my guidance, I ensure students make thoughtful choices about their extracurricular involvement, transforming their high school experiences into a compelling story for college admissions.