Video Summary
Unique, measurable extracurriculars matter more than ever given falling college acceptance rates.
Internships and research in high school stand out; use personalized cold emails and target small organizations.
Nonprofits must show a real mission and measurable impact—not just registration—to be meaningful.
Entrepreneurial projects (businesses, podcasts, social accounts) need consistent posting and growth metrics.
Admissions value long-term commitment and genuine engagement over last-minute résumé padding.
Acceptance rates have dropped and applicant pools are larger, so admissions officers favor standout activities that show initiative, measurable impact, and distinct focus beyond GPA.
Cold-email decision-makers at small companies (5–15 employees), personalize your message, show knowledge of their work, and offer to work for free or learn on the job to gain experience and recommendations.
No — registering a nonprofit isn't enough. You must establish a clear mission, track measurable outcomes (funds, people served, engagement), and commit to management and fundraising to show legitimacy.
They need to demonstrate genuine passion plus measurable success: consistent posting, audience/financial metrics, documented growth, and clear evidence of responsibility and impact.
Crucial — sporadic or last-minute projects rarely produce meaningful metrics. Admissions value sustained effort and measurable results that reflect sustained interest and impact.
"One of the most impactful things you could do to increase your chances is to have impressive and unique extracurricular activities."
As college admissions have become more competitive over the last two decades, merely having a good GPA is no longer sufficient. Standout extracurricular activities can significantly enhance an applicant's profile.
The landscape of college admissions is shifting, requiring students to demonstrate exceptional qualities through unique experiences rather than just traditional metrics like GPA.
Comparisons between applicants reveal that unique extracurriculars can make a substantial difference. For instance, an applicant with typical activities like volunteering and sports is less likely to stand out compared to another who has founded a club or produced a successful podcast.
"If you were the sole student to do something like that, that could play well into your favor."
Pursuing internships and research opportunities while in high school can substantially differentiate you from your peers. It's rarely seen, and being among the few who have such experiences is beneficial.
To secure an internship, direct connections can be invaluable, but cold emailing can also yield results. This involves reaching out to small companies where you can speak directly to decision-makers, such as CEOs.
Crafting personalized emails significantly boosts your chances of getting a response. Highlight your willingness to work for free to gain experience and recommend targeting companies with fewer employees for greater impact.
"Having a nonprofit isn't going to be the golden ticket to a top school; you and your nonprofit are actually going to have to do have an actual mission."
Starting a nonprofit can be an impressive extracurricular activity, but it requires genuine effort and a clear mission. Simply registering a nonprofit isn't enough to attract attention.
It's crucial to establish measurable metrics for success, such as funds raised, community members engaged, and the impact on the community served.
Committing to the management, fundraising, and leadership involved in running a nonprofit can be challenging but rewarding for those aiming for top university admissions.
"You have to prove the legitimacy and success of it through metrics."
Engaging in entrepreneurial activities, such as starting a business or launching a podcast, can distinguish applicants. These ventures should reflect personal passion and yield measurable success to be taken seriously.
Examples of legitimate ventures can include a successful Instagram account or a profitable business selling products. Students should maintain detailed records of their accomplishments and growth to demonstrate impact and viability.
Displaying a passion-driven approach can highlight your initiative and creativity, which are qualities valued by admissions officers.
"If you don't have the statistics and metrics to back up whatever you're doing, it means you didn't post consistently or what you had to say wasn't important or engaging enough."
Consistency in posting and having strong metrics are crucial for the success of any project, such as a podcast. Without these elements, efforts may go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Often, creators may have good intentions behind their projects, but without engagement, they fail to gain traction.
This highlights the significance of both the content's relevance and the creator's dedication to maintain ongoing engagement with the audience.
"Getting results takes lots of time and effort, so don't think of doing these things last minute just for the sake of adding to your application."
It's vital to approach extracurricular activities with a long-term perspective rather than a last-minute mindset, particularly during the later years of schooling.
Whether it's networking, creating content, or starting a business, total commitment is required for meaningful outcomes.
The pursuit and effort in these activities should reflect the importance one places on their future, making it a worthwhile challenge.
"I can guarantee you there's nothing more important than this to you right now, except family."
The significance of personal commitment to one's projects cannot be overstated, as these efforts can shape future opportunities.
Beyond formal accolades, the drive and passion infused into these ventures demonstrate personal growth and the ability to impact the world positively.
Family may hold a place of utmost importance, but individual aspirations and hard work are what ultimately define one’s path forward.
