Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Importance of Extra-Curricular Activities and Volunteering

By: Romany N.

The time has come where many juniors are exploring the endless options for post- secondary schools. Often, students do not limit their search to Canada and research international colleges across the world, which can offer more diverse programs that appeal to various academic or athletic abilities. However, the requirements for international students vary greatly from those that are here in Canada.

For example, many universities in Canada have a sole focus on academics and the rigorous course load and demands of the classes that you have chosen, whereas, many universities and colleges in American do not restrict their requirements to academics. American colleges concentrate on the activities that you partake in outside of school and how much you give back to your community through volunteering and work experience. The most crucial factors that American schools consider are your academic GPA, your character/personal qualities, your class rank, your extra-curricular activities, your personal recommendations, your rigor of secondary school record, your volunteer work, and your application essay. In addition, there are secondary factors that these universities take into consideration; these factors can vary from your alumni relation to your geographical residency.

If you have not made an effort to enjoy the endless possibilities of activities or volunteering, then do not worry. There is still ample time to join clubs and sports teams that will set you apart from other college applicants. Many students elect to apply for internships during the summer to gain the experience necessary and ensure that they have an interest in their possible major. These internships can be discussed with your designated guidance counselor or by appointment at the career center.

Lastly, I would like to enforce that the most important factors that American schools take into consideration can be outlined at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org according to the designated school.