Extracurricular Activities
Life doesn't happen just inside the classroom. And college admission officers know that grades and test scores do not paint the entire picture of who a student is. The activities you choose to become involved in can say a lot about you. Participating in clubs or working a job takes a lot of time, especially when you are already busy with your studies. Extracurricular participation requires you to effectively manage your time and devote yourself, physically and mentally, to the organization. A college course load is demanding and a busy high school schedule will help prepare you for the non-stop lifestyle that awaits you on campus.
When we review your application for admission, we want to know that you will take advantage of all we have to offer and that you are capable of prioritizing your time. You don't have to be a part of everything and we don't want you to be. It's not about being involved in an activity so that you have something to write down on your college applications, but that you learn and gain valuable experiences from whatever activity you're involved in. Participate in activities that truly interest you. Or if you try something new, your involvement in an extracurricular activity may also lead you to new interests that may change or influence your future career path.
Admission officers take notice when you demonstrate long-term commitment and a high level of involvement, so the quality of your involvement is much more important than quantity. After you've found an interesting organization and have dedicated a substantial amount of time, you should consider pursuing an officer position to understand the value of responsibility and leadership.
At Illinois, one of our strengths is the amount of student organizations available on campus. Not only do these organizations provide a social network and entertainment, but they also encourage students to foster leadership and organizational skills. And the best part is that you can continue participation in activities you are already familiar with (sports, volunteer work, or student government) and also try out new things (clubs centered around a particular interest, philanthropic groups, or honors societies). If after perusing the more than 1,000 student organization you find that there really isn't anything that fits your interest, you can start your own registered student organization.