Extra Curriculars for College!

Applying to College
1

Hi!

First off, thanks for reading this!

I am freshman in the Bergen County Academies, a magnet highschool in New Jersey (I am in the medical academy), and I was starting to think about my extra curriculars for college ( I am hoping to persue something in the medical field). As of now, I have three topics in mind and was hoping I could get a few opinions on these:

  1. Public Speaking
    I have given numerous motivational speeches- but none at a very high level. I know that I have a lot of potential in this area, and I could excel in this area if I persue it. I also genuinely enjoy writing and giving motivational speeches, because I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing I can actually impact someone’s life in a positive manner. However, I am not sure if this will be appealing to colleges… On that note, I am also looking for some good public speaking/ motivational speaking competitions/opportunities if anyone knows of one.

  2. Healthy Lifestyle
    I am very passionate about having a healthy lifestyle. However, I am not sure how to show this to colleges or if it will be attractive to colleges… I have listed what I mean by a healthy lifestyle :
    - Clean Eating ( I am a strict vegetarian, I haven’t taken any juice/soda/chips/etc. in the past year, I take time to plan my meals, I make sure to include healthy fats/protein, etc.)
    - Excercise ( I ran a mile every day over the summer, and I workout every weekend at minimum during the school year)
    - Mindfullness ( I am a big advocate of mindfulness, which is also how I manage my stress, I keep a gratitude journal, and I also practice meditation every night)
    - Religion ( I am very religious, I go to a religious Sunday school, I pray every morning and night, I am an apt believer of religious tolerance, and I believe religion keeps me grounded).

  3. Medical Research
    I did research in middle school and was a semi finalist in a national competition called “Broadcom Masters National Middle School Science fair”. My school had very advanced labaratories and I plan on doing research, here as well. My only concern is that research is unpredictable. I am not sure if I will be able to come up with something substantial in 3-4 years. Does anyone have any tips on that? I am very hardworking and am willing to put in the time and effort.

Thank you so much for reading this! I really appreciate your thoughts!

2

1 and #3 have good potential. #2 not so much. Good for your own health, but not really for college app ECs. And to be honest, your post comes off as a little smug and sanctimonious on that item — not how you want your college app to sound.

Regarding #1, I don’t think motivational speaking is of a lot of interest to colleges, but does your high school have a speech or forensics team? You might excel in that. There is more “academic” rigor in that. Motivational speaking has a certain snake oil connotation, but good public speaking skills on substantial subjects is a good EC, and those teams give you good opportunities to compete.

Regarding #3, research isn’t just about getting a sparkly result. Learning research skills and discipline in the lab are both useful — and sometimes the failed project is a better learning experience than the successful one. Science doesn’t always work, and colleges are more interested in whether you are intellectually curious than whether you got great research results.

3

Be aware that applying to colleges isn’t a personality inventory, not like, say, getting matched for a roommate. So, after you have more high school record and some test scores, you can research particular targets and what they expect in terms of stretch and impact. Right now, it’s early. If you think you want something in the med field-- well, we don’t know what that means to you. Something technical or ?

And middle school isn’t reflected in the application. Get a Fiske Guide to Colleges. Find some ECs related to “the medical field.” And use the rest of this year to explore, learn your interests.

4

Hi!

Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate your time!!

@intparent : I see what you mean and I will definitely look into my high school and see if my high school has a speech or forensics team. I was also thinking of writing to middle schools, local hospitals, etc. and asking if they would be interested in having a student come in and give a motivational talk. Do you think this would be beneficial to my college application if I was to have given multiple speeches at some reputable organizations? Also, I really apreciate you answer in regards to #3 and I will make sure to keep it in mind! Thanks again!

@lookingforward : Thanks so for your thoughts! They make a lot of sense and I will be sure to keep them in mind! I will be sure to keep on open mind (especially this year). Also, what is a “Fiske Guide”?

Thanks again!

5

Well… I’m going to admit that to me, most motivational speakers seem long on style and short on substance. Occasionally I guess I hear or read something where someone has been through a unique (and maybe harrowing) experience and come out the other side, and maybe I find something of interest in their message. But most motivational speakers seem like charlatans to me. I’d think finding more academically oriented ways to build your speaking skills is going to help more with colleges. Speech, debate, maybe something like oratory contests, sometimes clubs like robotics need team members to help with communications and outreach. Maybe consider getting involved in something like Junior Achievement that has a sales component to it. Model UN might have speaking components. Consider something like student council.

6

OP, what exactly is your unique and mature life experience that you could motivate hospital professionals, staff, or patients? You’re a high school freshman. Don’t try to invent things on your own.

Before speculating, inform yourself how admissions works.