By Jennifer L. For many high school students, sports are more than just after-school activities — they’re a core part of your identity, discipline, and community. But when it comes to college admissions, how much do athletics really matter for you? The answer depends largely on how sports fit into your overall college plan. First, consider your role if you participate in sports but do not plan to compete in
By Sarah M. High school is a great time to explore your interests and start connecting them to possible careers. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do yet, but the clubs and activities you choose can give you clues about your strengths, passions, and future opportunities. Think of your extracurriculars as mini test runs for different career paths. Here are a few ways to start exploring
by David N., PhD People gravitate towards those whom they believe are leaders, but how does one become a leader? And, more importantly, how does one stay a leader? It is possible to accidentally become a leader, but without actual leadership skills you won’t stay there long. First, it’s important to understand the difference between a manager and a leader. A manager has authority because the social structure has assigned
by Sarah M. One of the most common questions students ask early in high school is how many extracurriculars they should pursue in order to make themselves as competitive as possible for college. There is no one simple answer to this question, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
by Sarah M. Academic summer programs are a versatile resource for high schoolers looking to set themselves apart on their college applications. There are many different kinds of programs, and they can be effective for different goals at different times. In general, applications for these programs will open between December and March: you should do your research early to know when you need to apply to your particular program. While
by Sophia S. Summers can be a valuable time to explore your career interests outside the classroom by gaining a better understanding of what different careers entail and how they align with your passions. This can, in turn, make college planning and identifying a major easier. If you are interested in exploring a career in medicine, below are a few types of summer activities you should consider. Shadowing a Healthcare
by Kathleen M. Are you a high school student who is considering applying to a summer program? Here are a few things to think about as you write your essays for whichever summer program you are applying to. Consider the question. This seems simple but you have to address the prompt being asked. The people who are deciding if you participate want to know something about you and why you
by David N., PhD There are many options for great STEM extracurricular activities, but not all of them require that you travel far or even leave the house. Here are three that you can do at home or at least remotely. Learn How to Do Image Analysis. Learning how to do image analysis unlocks the creative potential of STEM students who do not know how, or who do not enjoy,
by Ziba R. High school offers a chance not just for academic growth, but also to explore passions outside the classroom. For high school students pursuing careers in the sciences or healthcare, volunteering can provide hands-on experience, meaningful connections, and valuable skills. Here, we explore science- and healthcare-related opportunities for high school students and offer tips on finding these enriching experiences. Volunteering Opportunities: Hospitals and Clinics: Hospitals and clinics offer
by Ziba R. By engaging in STEM research internship programs, students can explore diverse fields and develop a deeper understanding of their interests. These experiences not only bolster college applications but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for their future careers. Ultimately, research program internships empower students to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community while paving the way for their academic and professional growth. Below is
by Michelle P. From our past blog posts, many students would be aware of the importance of summer research or other research project experiences during the school year. Not only is research a good way to demonstrate a specific academic interest for colleges, it also helps students deepen their enthusiasm and exploration for later career directions. But whether your research project centers around analyzing data on native bumblebee populations or
by Jennifer L. Both the Common App and the University of California (UC) application request students to include a list of activities that they have participated in over the course of their high school years. How important is this activities list? Very important! This section of the application is another big opportunity for colleges to get to know more about you. With carefully selected words and constructed phrases, you can
Amnesty International was an organization which started in 1961 after its founder, Peter Benenson, started an Appeal for Amnesty campaign in London on behalf of unjustly imprisoned students and people. The purpose of Amnesty International is to educate and take action for human rights. Amnesty International USA currently has almost 250,000 members in high school clubs, college, or community groups who tackle global issues like poverty and censorship. (Source: Amnesty
When Harvard’s undergraduates asked for additional funding for Harvard’s student groups, it set off a debate about class and extracurriculars throughout the campus. At Harvard, besides 399 student groups, other extracurricular options include 65 club sports teams and 86 student-directed service programs. For first-year students at Harvard, it is not unusual to join 4 or 5 clubs at a time. Students state that the extracurriculars on campus provide opportunities for
