The single most important thing that colleges consider when looking at your application package are your grades. If you have a proven track record of being a strong student, then they will look at what else you have to offer their university. That’s when a look at your extra-curricular activities factor into their decision process. It doesn’t matter if you end up being a leader or a strong team-player behind the scenes, but get out there and find something you can get excited about. Then, stick with it! Here are some suggestions on where to start:

1. Start at school. If you’ve never considered joining a language club or intramural sport, there’s no time like the present. You know the old saying, “Every pot has a lid”? Well, the same goes for students and activities. There’s bound to be a club or organization that is right for you, you just need to do some soul searching about your interests.

2. Get a job. Even if you don’t earn a paycheck (as would be the case in internships) working is a great way to take some of the learning you’ve done and apply it to real life. Time management skills are key to combining work and school, but the rewards are plenty if it leads to gaining acceptance into the college of your choice.

3. Donate your time to a needy cause. Are you good with kids? Chances are there’s a daycare center at church that could use your skills and patience! Are you handy with tools? There’s a Habitat for Humanity group in almost all cities that is comprised of volunteers just like you. Imagine helping a needy family get their first home. Volunteerism is a great way to boost your self esteem while helping others.

Don’t stop with just one activity. If you do enough soul-searching, you can probably find a couple of vastly different areas of yourself that lend themselves to activities. Prioritize your responsibilities, make sure that your grades aren’t suffering and then feel free to join away.

In the end, you’ll have made a strong case for yourself to be admitted to college. You’ll have shown passion and suddenly you’re application will stand out from all the others. Universities want a diverse student body and you’re various experiences should convince them that you are a unique individual.

Thomas Burke assists working adults in selecting online colleges and online degree programs.

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