There is no hidden agenda or secret list of extra-curricular activities you *have* to do in order to be accepted by any particular college. It’s also impossible to imitate the successes of previous applicants: don’t run to pick-up the tuba because you heard “that’s what I got so-and-so into X University.” It just doesn’t work that way.

More than anything, how you spend your time is a clear demonstration of what you value and care about, and what you’ll bring to a campus. Your activities and time spent outside the classroom should be authentic and genuine and reflect your real interests and passions. Colleges can sniff out when students are merely getting involved to pad their resume but then can’t piece together the why and the how an activity fits into your overall self-narrative.

As a high school student, you have a limited amount of time to make a lasting impression on college admissions committees. How you spend your free time can play a significant role in your college application, so it’s essential to use it wisely. Here are the best ways for high school students to spend time outside school for college admissions.

1. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to serving others and making a difference in your community. You can choose to volunteer for a cause that aligns with your passions and interests. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also be developing valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and time management.

2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities are a great way to showcase your talents, interests, and leadership skills. Participating in sports, clubs, or community organizations can help you stand out from the crowd. Choose activities that you’re passionate about and aim to take on leadership roles within the organizations.

3. Pursue Your Passions: Whether it’s writing, photography, or music, make time to pursue your passions. Doing what you love can help you develop skills, gain experience, and showcase your creativity to college admissions committees.

4. Work Part-Time: Having a part-time job can help you develop valuable life skills such as time management, responsibility, and money management. Additionally, it can demonstrate your ability to balance academics and work.

5. Travel: Traveling can provide you with an opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives, as well as gain new experiences and memories. Traveling can also help you develop important life skills, such as adaptability and independence.

High school students have an opportunity to enhance their college application, but most importantly, to discover what they enjoy and what they don’t enjoy by making the most of their free time.

Bottom line: life (and high school) go by pretty quickly, and we recommend that you get off social media, jump into clubs, sports, theater, or whatever else moves you, and see where the journey takes you.