Building Ivy League Level Extracurriculars

Common Misconceptions

• Most students think they need 10-15 extracurriculars for Ivy League admissions.
• This is incorrect; quality and uniqueness matter more than quantity.

General Advice vs. Effective Strategy

• Advice such as volunteering, joining clubs, or playing a sport is too generic and widely applicable.
• The key to college admissions is to be unique and stand out.
• Many students have similar profiles with volunteer work, club memberships, and sports participation.

Application Skimming

• Admissions officers spend an average of 7 minutes per application.
• Top activities in your list must grab attention immediately.
• Prioritize activities with:
  • Clear leadership
  • Uniqueness
  • Measurable impact

Horizontal vs. Vertical Extracurriculars

• Common mistake: Students build horizontally, doing a bit of everything.
• Effective strategy: Build vertically by going deeper into a few activities.
• Example: Building one impressive skyscraper vs. many small sheds.

Differentiation Strategy

• Find a Unique Angle:
  • Don't just participate; create or innovate.
  • Example: Create your own community service initiative or build an app.
• Prove Impact with Metrics:
  • Have tangible outcomes (e.g., app downloads, club member participation).
  • Numbers make your impact undeniable.

Enjoyment and Depth

• Choose activities you genuinely enjoy to naturally deepen your involvement.
• Authentic engagement is noticed by colleges.

Final Tips

• Cut generic activities where you are just a member.
• Focus on deep, impactful involvement.
• Intentionality is key for top school admissions (Harvard, Stanford, MIT).

Additional Resources

• Consider guidance from admissions counselors with experience.
• Engage with content for more non-generic college admissions advice.