How to Make Your Child’s Activities Stand Out on College Applications
When it comes to college admissions, strong academics open the door, but it’s your child’s activities and extracurriculars that help them truly stand out. With thousands of applicants boasting 4.0 GPAs and high SAT/ACT scores, admissions officers often look to what students do outside the classroom to see who will thrive on campus.
Here’s how to help your child’s activities shine:
1. Depth Over Breadth
It’s tempting to join every club in sight, but colleges value commitment and impact over a long list. A student who spent four years building a robotics team or leading a charity drive shows more initiative than one who tried 15 different clubs without much involvement.
2. Show Leadership and Initiative
Admissions officers love students who don’t just participate, but create opportunities. This could mean starting a new club, launching a tutoring program, organizing a community event, or even turning a hobby into a project that benefits others.
3. Highlight Impact, Not Just Membership
Instead of saying “Member of Key Club,” frame it as: “Organized monthly food drives that collected 2,000+ meals for local families.” Numbers, outcomes, and impact show admissions officers why the activity mattered.
4. Include Independent Projects
Not everything has to be school-based. Colleges appreciate students who pursue passion projects on their own from research papers to small businesses, podcasts, or apps. These show self-motivation and creativity.
5. Connect Activities to Future Goals
When activities align with your child’s intended major or career interests, it strengthens their story. For example, a future pre-med student who volunteers at a hospital or conducts science research is showing commitment to their path.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, activities are less about how many your child has, and more about how meaningful they’ve been. Colleges are looking for evidence that your child can bring the same energy, leadership, and impact to their campus.
At East Coast Admissions, we help students refine their activity lists, highlight what matters most, and present it in a way that resonates with admissions officers.
Explore our packages and apply now to ensure your child’s applications stand out when deadlines arrive.