Okay, so I’m a rising junior and I’m really serious about getting into Harvard. I know grades and test scores are important, but everyone says extracurriculars are what really make you stand out. I’m involved in a few things, but I’m wondering if they’re the right things, you know?
Specifically, I’m on the debate team (decently competitive, we go to state), I volunteer at the local animal shelter, and I’m the secretary of the Math Club. I also play the flute in the school band.
Is Harvard looking for a specific type of extracurricular? Like, do they prefer academic clubs over sports, or leadership roles over just being a member? Do they care more about community service or artistic pursuits? Should I try to drop something and pick up something else?
And how significant does the extracurricular involvement have to be? Is it better to be super involved in one or two things, or have a wider range of activities even if I’m not a leader in all of them? I’m seeing so many people doing research or starting non-profits, and I’m feeling like I’m not doing enough. Any advice on how to make my extracurriculars more “Harvard-worthy”?
Answer
Rather than seeking specific “extracurricular activities” in applicants, Harvard University focuses on activities that demonstrate a candidate’s interests, passion, leadership potential, sense of responsibility, and contribution to society. Some common areas considered in application evaluation include:
Academic Activities: Activities such as participation in academic competitions (math, science, literature, history, etc.), research projects, publishing articles, contributing to student publications, debate club, and Model United Nations demonstrate the candidate’s intellectual curiosity and talents in their areas of interest.
Artistic Activities: Activities such as music (orchestra, choir, solo performances), theater, dance, visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.), and creative writing demonstrate the candidate’s creativity, expressive skills, and commitment to the arts. Achievements in these areas can include participation in exhibitions, winning awards in competitions, or performing in public.
Sports: Activities such as participation on school teams, success in individual sports, active participation in sports clubs, and coaching demonstrate a candidate’s aptitude for teamwork, discipline, determination, and physical fitness. Leadership positions (e.g., captaincy) are particularly valuable.
Community Service and Volunteering: Activities such as volunteering in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, participating in environmental protection projects, taking an active role in social welfare organizations, and helping disadvantaged groups demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to society, a desire to help others, and a sense of social responsibility. Depth of impact and long-term commitment are particularly important.
Leadership and Management: Roles such as student council, club president, team captain, and leadership positions in volunteer organizations demonstrate a candidate’s leadership abilities, organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to motivate others. Leadership should be demonstrated through actions and impact, not just a title.
Entrepreneurship: Activities such as starting your own business, developing a project, designing a product, or starting a social enterprise demonstrate a candidate’s creativity, problem-solving ability, risk-taking courage, and initiative.
Work Experience: Experiences such as internships, part-time work, and helping a family business demonstrate a candidate’s sense of responsibility, work ethic, time management skills, and professional development.
Cultural Activities: Activities such as participating in international exchange programs, experiencing different cultures, learning a language, and participating in international organizations demonstrate that the candidate has broadened their worldview, respected diversity, and possessed a sense of global citizenship.
Harvard prioritizes the quality of these activities over the quantity. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a deep commitment to their areas of interest, pursue their passions, demonstrate leadership abilities, and make a positive contribution to society. It’s crucial for candidates to focus on activities that genuinely interest them and foster their personal growth, rather than activities undertaken solely for the sake of Harvard admission. Effectively describing the experiences, achievements, and lessons learned from these activities in the application is crucial.
