How important is school spirit (participating in homecoming, school dance performances, etc.) in college admissions? Does it appeal to admissions officers, as spirit activities show that you will fit in and be an active member on campus? Do colleges with lots of spirit (USC, Penn State) like this?
If those are your activities, then list them. I am sure some schools may value that and some schools won’t. What will matter, overall, is that you are actIve on campus. I don think there is a assessment value on an AO’s checklist specifically for spirit. It also really depends on institutional needs. If you apply to a school like Tulane, which has a lot of school spirit, they might love the activities you list. Then again, maybe a school like U Rochester might think “we could use a student like this. Admit.” It’s certainly not a bad thing to have school spirit. I don’t necessarily know if it’s something any college specifically looks for.
The importance of particular activities depends on what you enjoy and prefer. It would be impossible to select activities based on what you believe schools want, especially when you are approaching the time to apply to college. Beyond that, would you really choose something such as debate you would hate to satisfy what you think schools prefer when you have it? You are the one who well explain your choices so select activities that excite you and contribute to what you consider important.
None of my applications asked about participating in school spirit events. It’s really up to you if you wjat to attend these events.
Absolutely zero impact, I think.
I believe it is an “Activity” category on the Common App.
What does “participating in homecoming” mean? Did you go to the game and to a dance? Then no. But if you were on the Homecoming Organizing committee and set up actiities or you decorated for the dance, then yes, because you are showing service to your school.
for School dance, if you are on a team of some sort, then that counts as an EC.
They may not care about these actual activities, but that you did ECs and continuted to do well in academics.