I'm in the process of filling out my UC application and unsure about which activities and awards to include. Should I focus on academics, leadership, or extracurriculars? How many activities should I list? Any tips on what colleges like to see most?
7 months agoWhen filling out the UC application, you'll want to strike a balance between academic, leadership, and extracurricular activities. The key is to demonstrate a diverse and well-rounded involvement in various areas of your life. Here are some tips to help you decide which activities and awards to include:
1. Focus on quality, not quantity: Aim for 8-10 activities in total, but remember that quality is more important than quantity. Showcasing your involvement in a few meaningful activities with substantial achievements will be more impressive than listing numerous superficial engagements.
2. Include a mix of activities and awards: When listing your activities, try to have a mix of academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurriculars. This demonstrates your commitment to both academics and personal interests.
3. Show progression and commitment: Prioritize activities where you've shown progression and commitment over time. If you've held a leadership role in a club or organization, or if you've actively participated in an activity for several years, make sure to include these details.
4. Highlight high-impact activities: Prioritize activities that have made a significant impact on your life or the lives of others. For example, if you've organized a major community service event or ran a successful fundraiser, these activities can demonstrate your ability to make a difference.
5. Use the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars as a guide: As a reminder, the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars range from Tier 1 (rare, exceptional achievements or leadership) to Tier 4 (common, less distinguished activities). Aim to include a few items in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories, as these will be the most impressive to colleges. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/
6. Don't forget about honors and awards: Including honors and awards, such as national academic competitions, art or music recognitions, or athletic achievements, can show your dedication and success in your chosen fields.
In summary, colleges like to see a variety of activities and awards that demonstrate your commitment, personal growth, and impact. Aim to include a mix of academics, leadership, and extracurriculars. Focus on quality over quantity and make sure to showcase items from the higher tiers of extracurriculars. Good luck with your UC application!
7 months agoCollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.