Outside Activities
In order to make yourself the most appealing college candidate, you need to make your college application stand out. While participating in after-school activities may seem like the easiest way to affect this, there are other activities that you can participate in, outside of high school that will make you seem like an especially desirable addition to your chosen college. Having some work experience, whether an after-school job, paid internship, or summer internship, and showing that you have done community service demonstrates many of the traits that make a successful college student.
After-School Jobs
By having an after-school job and maintaining good grades, you are demonstrating the ability to multitask and show responsibility. These are important traits for achieving success in college. You are also proving that you have a strong work ethic, which is very important to colleges and universities.
Summer Internship or Paid Internship
There may also be internships available in your community in which you can participate. A summer internship might provide you with real-world experience in a potential career in which you are interested. For example, depending on your area of interest, you might be able to get a summer internship working with a veterinarian or a local business. If there is a specific career that interests you, try calling area businesses. You can learn about that particular career by talking with them directly. Most businesses welcome extra help in the summer, especially if all it will cost them is the time it will take to train you.
You may even be able to find a paid internship that combines the benefits of a job with the opportunities of an internship. To find out about these opportunities, check the local help-wanted ads and the employment section of your local newspaper.
Volunteering and Community Service
Another way to make your college application more impressive is to show that you are interested in helping your community. Involvement in volunteer activities and local community service shows that you are actively involved and care about others. This involvement will definitely make you a better college candidate. The type of community service or volunteer work and the length of time in which you were involved, shows your personality and personal interests.
There are many ways to volunteer within your community. Participating in a local mentoring program or church soup kitchen may be a excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to your community. In addition, you can go to the following Web sites for more specific information on national and federal volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering - HUD
1-800-Volunteer
Volunteering - AARP