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28 Dec 2018, 19:38
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi everyone!
Where I come from, extracurriculars are not relevant for college applications, so I've never worried about leadership roles in them or if they "sound good in paper", but now that I'm preparing for my application, I wonder if they would be worthy for Top Schools (such as Columbia or Stern) or if I have to up my game. What could be going into my application is:
At the moment of my application, all of the previous would have been happening for 2/2,5 years. And if these were not enough, I was thinking on:
Could use any type of advice or recommendations: what to focus on, what would be better for the mentioned schools, if I should focus on what I'm doing right now and deep dive into it or if I should do more types of activities.
Where I come from, extracurriculars are not relevant for college applications, so I've never worried about leadership roles in them or if they "sound good in paper", but now that I'm preparing for my application, I wonder if they would be worthy for Top Schools (such as Columbia or Stern) or if I have to up my game. What could be going into my application is:
- - Marathon running (Angle: Discipline/perseverance/goal driven)
- Volunteering in a worldwide student exchange organization. Event organization, trainings, workshops, intermediary for different stakeholders. Working with teens.
- Website with self development, personal finance, local resources, useful/handy information specifically for women in my country (there aren't many websites with information suited for this profile)
At the moment of my application, all of the previous would have been happening for 2/2,5 years. And if these were not enough, I was thinking on:
- - Get more involved in organizations for women (such as breast cancer corp)
- Language exchange in my city.
Could use any type of advice or recommendations: what to focus on, what would be better for the mentioned schools, if I should focus on what I'm doing right now and deep dive into it or if I should do more types of activities.
28 Dec 2018, 20:10
Kudos
Bookmarks
Forgot to add that I'm also interested in animals: I could volunteer in a dog shelter in my area and help with community management for social media, fund raising, dog control and volunteer matching.
28 Dec 2018, 21:54
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hola Connie, my thoughts. First of all, I advise that what you select makes sense with your history, personal narrative and brand - what you are known for.
I am known for my communication skills and so I volunteer to write copy for various organizations. What I mean is, you dont really want to start something that is out of the clear blue and a major departure from your history, because that is a clear and obvious signal that you are stuffing in additional ECs for the purpose of your apps.
More DEEP than WIDE. Its a careful balance; you want to show various sides of you (wide), seem well rounded BUT not a scattered random mess of activities with nothing to really show for it. Seems overly calculated. Better to deepen your commitment, get promoted to a higher role in the org, and/or find ways to quantify your contribution. I would advise that you uplevel your role at the organizations where you currently volunteer. If you are a volunteer for say Youth for Understanding bump it up to doing public speaking to recruit host families or become an area rep. If you can get on the Young Professionals board for this or a similar/adjacent organization definitely go that route. Ideally someone from the board could write a recommendation for you.
For the schools you mentioned, CBS is very international oriented so I think that is a good angle BUT - many ppl applying will also have that same angle. Think about your personal narrative - what are you an expert in? Where can you make the most difference? This might be starting an investment club for Chilean women or who knows. The more personalized the better. The more unique it is the more value you offer in terms of diversity to the school.
So, answering your questions:
what to focus on - think of it like a business: where you can have the maximum tangible quantifiable achievement at the intersection of where you are an expert
what would be better for the mentioned schools: no one can beat you at being you. I mean i think raising cows is probably not ideal for NYC schools but, they are looking for evidence of teamwork, leadership, problem solving, innovation, communication. this is more critical than the actual activity
if I should focus on what I'm doing right now : yes = but try to take it to the next level
and deep dive into it or if I should do more types of activities: MAYBE choose things adjacent to what you are doing now but only if you are unable to "move up" with the activities you are doing now. Focus on leadership and impact as the primary criteria. And of course, that you enjoy it. This shines through more than most realize.
I am known for my communication skills and so I volunteer to write copy for various organizations. What I mean is, you dont really want to start something that is out of the clear blue and a major departure from your history, because that is a clear and obvious signal that you are stuffing in additional ECs for the purpose of your apps.
More DEEP than WIDE. Its a careful balance; you want to show various sides of you (wide), seem well rounded BUT not a scattered random mess of activities with nothing to really show for it. Seems overly calculated. Better to deepen your commitment, get promoted to a higher role in the org, and/or find ways to quantify your contribution. I would advise that you uplevel your role at the organizations where you currently volunteer. If you are a volunteer for say Youth for Understanding bump it up to doing public speaking to recruit host families or become an area rep. If you can get on the Young Professionals board for this or a similar/adjacent organization definitely go that route. Ideally someone from the board could write a recommendation for you.
For the schools you mentioned, CBS is very international oriented so I think that is a good angle BUT - many ppl applying will also have that same angle. Think about your personal narrative - what are you an expert in? Where can you make the most difference? This might be starting an investment club for Chilean women or who knows. The more personalized the better. The more unique it is the more value you offer in terms of diversity to the school.
So, answering your questions:
what to focus on - think of it like a business: where you can have the maximum tangible quantifiable achievement at the intersection of where you are an expert
what would be better for the mentioned schools: no one can beat you at being you. I mean i think raising cows is probably not ideal for NYC schools but, they are looking for evidence of teamwork, leadership, problem solving, innovation, communication. this is more critical than the actual activity
if I should focus on what I'm doing right now : yes = but try to take it to the next level
and deep dive into it or if I should do more types of activities: MAYBE choose things adjacent to what you are doing now but only if you are unable to "move up" with the activities you are doing now. Focus on leadership and impact as the primary criteria. And of course, that you enjoy it. This shines through more than most realize.
ConnieM
