How do I make my extracurriculars stronger to get into my dream schools?

Applying to College
1

Hi,

I have a lot of extracurriculars, however, I am nervous as I don’t want to seem too well-rounded and look like I haven’t put in much time and effort into any of the specific extracurriculars. How do I prove in my college apps that I’ve worked a lot through most of these? What should I include and exclude, if any? Also, I am planning on being a dance major (possibly comm) at colleges including UCLA, UCSB, USC, UCSD, and NYU. I am currently a junior, but I included positions that I will have as a senior as well.

CLUBS

  • NHS (3 years 10-12)
  • CSF (4 years 9-12)
  • Make-A-Wish Club Co-President (3 years 10-12) (truthfully, we haven’t done much, but our club still continues with irregular and minimal meetings)

DANCE/ARTS

  • Choreographer for Student Choreo Show (2 Years)
  • Assistant Director for Student Choreo Show (1 year)
  • Performance Troupe (2 years) (Singing and dancing team - performing at different venues year round)
  • School Musical Ensemble Member (2 years)

LEADERSHIP

  • Junior Co-Class President (1 year)
  • ASB class executive board (2 years)
    (assistant director junior year, director senior year, also I led a whole environmental campaign for a month (diff. than previous campaign) and I launched other things such as study sessions. (ties my passions for the environment and academics together)
  • Senior Dance Captain (1 year) (Counts for dance as well)

OTHERS (includes summer programs - I’m not sure if I would have the opportunity to mention these but here they are)

  • Environmental campaign global ambassador (Just a title, haven’t done anything with it)
  • Social Media manager for my family’s new business (Started this year, I just run the social medias)
  • Joffrey Summer Intensives (2 years)
  • UCI Dance Intensive (1 year – could be impressive because it shows my commitment to the UCs?)
  • Leadership Academy (2 years) (not prestigious, but I went for two summers, so it shows my commitment)
  • Distinguished Young Women’s Competition Participant (I’m competing in a few weeks, so I won’t know if I reached finals or not)

In addition to all of these, I want to start a dance choreography related club, and I would run it throughout the entire senior year, with one of my friends. Will this look too chaotic, or is it fine, being its related to my passions? Thanks for reading this long list of my high school extracurriculars (mostly grades 10-12). I don’t have any awards currently, and I’m not sure how to boost that part of my resume…

2

Also, I’ve traveled to over 20 countries, and I’m planning on mentioning that in my essays as it’s a huge part of my life, but I don’t have extracurriculars that really support my love for traveling, and culture. I’ve helped with cultural events at my school and am a member in BSU (Black Student Union), but those are just for support, and I haven’t done anything impactful with being invested in cultural clubs. Overall, the most impactful things I’ve done are having dance opportunities in choreography and leadership positions in dance and my school. (I’ve volunteered for my school for over 250 hours)

3

Focus on leadership roles and accomplishments. Being a member of something doesn’t really say much - anyone can join a club. Traveling, and liking travel, doesn’t do much either - mention it but don’t think it’s going to differentiate you. President title (no need for the co-) and Captain will stand out. So will founding an organization. Something quantitative - did Make a Wish raise $x for charity, etc. helps.

4

If you are applying as a dance major, look at the specific major application requirements at each of your “dream” schools. At UCLA for example http://www.wacd.ucla.edu/undergraduate-program where dance is part of World Arts and Cultures Dance, your dance EC’s and travel to 20 countries probably has you well covered.

5

I would leave off the clubs. I would not start a choreography club at the start of senior year. Also leave off social media manager for family business and environmental campaign global ambassador.

You have 3 summers of dance intensives and lots of other dance-related ECs. Focus on those, especially as you intend to apply for a dance major. You have haven’t mentioned any dance classes. Do you dance outside of school? If so, those lessons should be on the list.

Do any of those schools require auditions? Have you looked at the dance major forum? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dance-major/

6

You’re applying to some pretty competitive shcools. Be sure you aren’t sacrificing grades and test scores for the sake of your ECs.

7

Also check the Common Data Set for those colleges in section C7 to see how important ECs are.

8

To major in Dance, there will be a separate audition process in addition to the regular college application process. You’ll have to check each school on their audition requirements.