Though not as important as the transcript, an impressive record of extracurricular achievement can be a significant factor in admissions success. The more selective a college, the more likely extracurricular involvements will play a significant role. The emphasis on activity should be on quality instead of quantity. Try to pick activities at which you can excel or in which you can acquire leadership positions and then stick with them through your entire high school career. When possible, enter contests or take on extra projects that will hone your skills and win recognition.

Instead of doing the extracurricular scene, some students take a part-time job. Which looks better? The answer varies. The best reason to take a job is to help pay family expenses; any college would look with favor on that. The more responsibility a job allows you, the more impressive it will look in the eyes of the admissions office.

Another important factor, or interview question may be “What did you do last summer?” There is no right answer to the question; the main idea is to avoid having to report that you sat around watching Brady Bunch reruns.

An increasingly popular option is to attend a summer program at a college or university. In addition to sampling college-level work, students get a six week trail of life as a college student...

Other perfectly good ways to spend a summer include a wilderness experience, an athletic camp, a service project, or travel. Travel can be valuable, especially if it includes exposure to a foreign language. When possible, use your summer to build on skills or deepen interests that you already possess.

Participation and achievement outside the classroom can be a significant enhancement to your application. Greater involvement and achievement in a few activities are more impressive than superficial involvement in many. Most important, have fun in your activities!!!