overrated vs. underrated extracurricular activities

Hey y’all,

This week, we’re discussing overrated vs. underrated extracurricular activities.

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an increasing number of students pursue research, start a nonprofit, and even write books.

While most of these activities will enhance your college application, some (in my opinion) don’t mean as much as they once used to.

And before we jump in, check out Next Admit if you need help with your college essays this summer. You can receive detailed feedback and edits from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

Alright, here we go:

❌ Overrated: Starting a Nonprofit

If you want to support a cause and feel that a nonprofit is truly the best way to to do so, then go for it.

But if you’re only hoping to obtain some resume clout by listing yourself as the “founder of of a 501(c)(3) organization,” then think again.

Time and time again, I see students start nonprofits, post a couple Instagram stories, and abandon their organizations as soon as they get into college. (And I’m not roasting y’all! I totally understand the pressure of an increasingly competitive admissions environment.)

However, admissions officers are smart, and they can see through these lukewarm initiatives that are usually just last-ditch efforts to bolster one’s application.

Consider this activity only if you’ll continue your nonprofit into college—and if you genuinely care about the cause. But don’t start a nonprofit just for the sake of starting one.

❌ Overrated: Volunteering

Hear me out.

Volunteering is great, and I encourage students to engage in community service during their high school years.

But volunteer for causes that resonate with you.

If you’re volunteering at a handful of places simply to collect as many hours as you can, it might not help you as much.

But if you immerse yourself into a few initiatives over the course of several years, your volunteering efforts will seem (and actually be) much more meaningful.

❌ Overrated: Expensive Summer Programs

Summer programs that are credible and inexpensive will bolster your college application.

Some reputable examples include MITES, RSI, SSP, TASS, and Mathcamp.

But any program that costs thousands of dollars and doesn’t have a rigorous application process won’t help you as much.

Pre-college summer programs are debatable. While they tend to be expensive and aren’t as selective, many prestigious institutions host them. My opinion? Check them out if you’re interested in the subject matter, but don’t expect an admissions boost.

✅ Underrated: Quirky Hobbies

Collecting coins, doing pottery, producing beats—these are the kinds of activities that add color to an application.

In a sea of applicants who have similar extracurriculars, hobbies will humanize your application, making you seem more authentic and likeable.

Now I’m not telling you to list five to ten different hobbies. Just include one or two to add some variety to your application.

And don’t force it either. Be honest with yourself. How do you spend your time outside of school? Share your genuine interests with the admissions committee.

✅ Underrated: Taking Care of Family

Many students don’t realize that taking care of family counts as an activity.

Your extracurriculars aren’t limited to your academic or professional endeavors. “Extracurricular” quite literally means “not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum.” So whatever you spend time on outside of school is inherently an extracurricular activity.

As such, family commitments should go on an application. Examples include taking care of a sick parent, babysitting a younger sibling, and having to (routinely) cook or clean for others.

✅ Underrated: Having a Part-Time Job

I’m not talking about having a fancy internship.

I’m talking about being a pizza delivery driver, a cashier, a lifeguard, or a babysitter. Jobs like these—while not carrying the flashiest titles in the world—highlight admirable traits that admissions officers will notice.

In an era where clout chasing has become the norm, I think there’s something special about having a simple and honest job (mixed in with your more traditionally impressive activities, of course).

Alright y’all, if you’ve made it this far and enjoyed this newsletter, send me a “🏀” on Instagram (@goharsguide). Will respond to everyone! (And feel free to send any feedback as well.)

If you want additional study advice, come join my Discord! We have a global community of students helping each other succeed in school. Would love to see you there.

And if you need help with college applications, check out Next Admit! We have a team of Ivy League consultants eager to help you navigate the admissions process.

I’ll see you next week!

Best,
Gohar