So the activities box has only ten slots- does this mean at most I can put in 10 things? if so, would it be wise to concentrate on really refining the ten things over the next 6 months (as i would be doing A levels in Nov/Dec, and SAT2s in Oct), since I’m applying in the 2015 round, or should i shift focus away from academics to do more stuff in cocurriculars? I’m leaning towards refining, but some kids in my school seem to be doing a mad dash for cocurriculars (way more than 10) for college apps…
I’m still a bit confused to really how much a school (Columbia is my 1st choice) emphasises xtracuricular vs academics, esp. for international students.
Also for academic Awards, (5 slots), what kinds of things constitute as an academic award? e.g. does winning a debating contest count, or is it only like test score accolades?
thank you!
I would refine the activities you have. You want to emphasize “quality over quantity” when you are filling out applications because schools in the US view applications holistically and take into account student interests and passions. You want to demonstrate that you had a true love for the activities you did, instead of trying to list as many activities as you can.
Hmmm, I’m not sure but I want to say that admissions is a holistic process and as such, it’s best to have good academic strengths (good GPA, good test scores, challenging courses) as well as extracurricular activities you really like. You can use the essay to talk about some of those activities.
For the academic awards, here’s a link that has some more information about what to include: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/what-honors-and-awards-should-go-on-my-common-app/
I hope this helps! Good luck in applying to Columbia. 
Also put the activities that have the most meaning to you first.
Remember that your application should tell a story about you, as a person. The activities that you have done should give insight on your interests and abilities. You don’t want to inundate application readers with a long list of little things you have done. As MoiraiArete mentioned above, think quality. You should refine your ten things rather than add more, as it will show that your classmates were simply rushing in the questions that ask them how long and how extensively they have done an activity.
Extracurriculars are usually viewed as most important in admissions. Having good test scores and academics ensures that you can handle a certain level of work (which is important), but universities will never admit a student who has amazing academics and no extracurricular activities. The importance of a extra percentage in your marks plateaus the higher your mark is, if that makes sense.
Awards can be either of what you have stated. What I said about telling a story in your extracurriculars should apply in your awards section as well.
Good luck!
thank you all for taking the time to write your replies!
This may sound silly, but I’m just worried, as I honestly enjoy the cocurriculars I do and so end up spending a lot of time on them, that that will put me at a disadvantage.
e.g.: if I’m organising an event and have to drive some extra students to the location, the event takes up a whole day of my time, whereas some other students from my school (and i presume that for internationals they compare you to others in your school) 1. write once or twice for a magazine that submits everything electronically while 2. being part of a youth council that they go to once a month (that I’m also on) and never come to or help organise events, then spend all their time pursuing personal cocurriculars.
The admissions doesn’t know how much they contribute to the paper, or how many meetings they go to. Cant they just white lie and ham up their achievements, taking credit for the work of the team (that they are on, on paper) while touting their extra personal achievements?
where does that leave me?
Again sorry if I sound nasty and judgemental, I don’t mean to be in any way.
Don’t worry about them, it will do you no good. Don’t waste one second of time worrying about what they do. Just worry about yourself and your own activities.