1. Presenting Yourself on the UC Freshman Application & Personal Statement Fall 2013
This PowerPoint presentation will help students prepare for the UC application by teaching them how to present themselves in light of UC readers’ expectations of qualified applicants. We want prospective students to feel confident in completing the online application that will provide us with comprehensive applicant profiles that goes beyond coursework, grades and test scores.

2. Student Preparation Prepare early Research campuses: Gather materials
Gather materials
Use the checklist in the Apply Online to UC brochure:
ApplyOnline_13-14_Freshman.pdf
communication is important!
Apply broadly
Brainstorm specific concrete examples that you are proud of throughout high school
Get reviews of your personal statement and revise, revise, revise
For students, we recommend the following:
Begin preparing for the application now: You don’t need to wait until it is available online
Start by researching the campuses so you know where you will want to apply
Gather materials
Use an that you will check regularly
UC campuses are selective: Apply to different types of campuses throughout the system for your best chance of being admitted and finding a good match
Take time to remember all the important things you have done throughout the last four years
Your personal statement is important! Write it early, then have family, counselors, and friends review and give feedback

3. Application Timeline Date/Deadline Task
October UC Application Opens
November Submit online UC Application
Late January Update December Test Results
March Notification of Admission
May 1 SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) Deadline – Freshman
You can begin filling out the application on October 1st, but cannot submit it until Nov. 1st. Don’t wait until Nov. 30th!!
You may want to use a password spreadsheet because you will have a unique login at each UC campus to check your application status. Keep track of your user name and passwords!!
Reply to requests in a timely manner
Application fee= $70 domestic (CA and out-of-state) students; $80 for international (out-of -country students who are studying outside of the UC) students (price per campus)
To access the UC online application, visit:

4. Requirements vs. Selection
Every UC campus gets the same application
Every UC campus you apply to will evaluate if you have met minimum admissions requirements with the same GPA and test scores
Each UC campus will review your application for admission individually using the information in the application
Requirements: All campuses have the same minimum requirements to ensure that students are academically prepared to be successful at the university.
Selection/Competitiveness: However, each campus receives more qualified applicants than it can admit and enroll. The selection process at each campus is necessary when more eligible applicants apply to a campus than a campus can admit. Each UC uses 14 points to evaluate applicants beyond just their GPA and test scores in order to select the applicants who would be best suited to their campus. This is what makes a student competitive in the applicant pool.
Applicant Pool: Who are you applying against? Remind students that they are not just applying with students from their schools and communities, but also with students from small rural areas, high-income and college-going areas, out-of-state students, etc. Even if students think their backgrounds or situations are not worth explaining, they MUST explain it so UC readers understand them better. The readers need more than just a school name or city to get a better sense of the applicant.

5. Comprehensive Review of the Application
What do the UC campuses look for?
Good grades & test scores
Well-rounded students
Assess the student within his/her context
Not just the personal statement; the full applicant and the full application are important
Take the time to fill out all of the application completely and accurately
First, it’s important to know how we review applications so that students know each section’s purpose and the appropriate information to convey.
In general campuses look for:
Good grades & test scores
Involvement, leadership – “Well-rounded” doesn’t mean a student has to do everything, but we like to see evidence of students being involved outside of the classroom in activities they are passionate about
Evidence of hard work – Campuses want to know if you can be a successful student on campus
UC looks for students who have challenged themselves in many ways: Students are most successful at our campuses if they have shown academic promise through their grades, test scores and other academic pursuits.
Each student is reviewed within the context of his or her available opportunities: If a student does well compared to peers within the same situation (school, environment, etc.) and uses the application to explain that context, the student will provide UC readers with a better understanding of the relative difficulty or ease in which the student completed what is presented on the application.
We ask many questions as part of the application process so that we can get to know each student. Since there are no opportunities for interviews or recommendation letters, our goal is get a sense of students’ lives, interests and personalities through their applications.
Students are only doing themselves a disservice if they do not completely fill out all parts of the application.

6. Comprehensive Review Improvement in Academic Performance
Special Talents, Achievements, and Awards
Participation in Educational Preparation Programs
Academic Accomplishment Within Life Experiences
Geographic Location
Grade-Point Average
Test Scores
Courses Completed/Planned
Honors Courses
Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)
Quality of Senior-Year Program of Study
Academic Opportunities in California High Schools
Performance in Academic Subject Areas
Achievements in Special Projects
Each UC campus has a unique application and Comprehensive Review process developed by its faculty committee. Each campus may place a different emphasis or value on the information from the application in the Comprehensive Review process.
What is comprehensive review?
Process each campus uses to select freshman class
ALL campuses use Comprehensive Review and have since 2002
Each campus can determine which type of Comprehensive Review is most appropriate (one example: single-score holistic review)
Meeting minimum requirements/qualifications does not guarantee admission to campus of choice
Comprehensive Review:
UC evaluates applicants based upon more than GPA and test scores. Admissions officers consider a student’s academic achievements in light of the opportunities available as well as his or her potential to contribute to a campus
Each campus may differ in criteria quantity and weighted value
Students should visit each campus’ website for the specific selection process
14 Faculty Criteria:
“A-g” GPA including additional points for certified AP, IB and honors courses
Test scores = SAT Reasoning Exam or ACT w/ Writing (SAT Subject Exams are optional, but recommended by some majors on some campuses)
Number and content of “a-g” courses beyond the minimum
Number of UC-certified AP, IB and honors courses
(ELC) Top 9% of high school class
Quality of senior year schedule (both classes in progress at the time of application and courses planned for 2nd semester)
Quality of academic performance relative to educational opportunities available at high school
Outstanding performance in one or more academic subjects
Outstanding performance in one or more special projects in any academic field of study
Recent marked improvement in academic performance demonstrated by GPA and quality of coursework
Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, i.e. visual and performing arts, communication, athletics;
Special skills i.e. demonstrated written & oral proficiency in other languages
Special interests i.e. intensive study & exploration of other cultures
Experiences that demonstrate leadership i.e. student government, significant community service
Completion of special project in context of high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs
Academic accomplishments in light of life experiences & special circumstances
Location of secondary school and residence 6

7. Filling Out the Application Basics
Contact information – so campuses can communicate with you
Campus selection
Major selection
There is a 30 minute time limit for each page of the application; click “next” or “log out” to save
Students should carefully fill out the entire application and that especially includes their basic information:
Contact info
Family info
There is a fee waiver for up to four campuses, available online as part of the application
Campus selection: Make decisions wisely, apply broadly
Major selection: While campuses may allow students to apply undeclared, giving a major or majors of interest helps the application reader understand the student’s interests and may help provide context for the student’s achievements or extracurricular activities if they relate
The application will automatically save information when you click “next” or when you “log-out,” but not when you close the browser without clicking next or log-out; there is a 30-minute inactivity period when the application will log you out (includes personal statement section too)

8. Getting Started… ALL first-time applicants start here!
The filing deadline for fall 2013 is 11:59 p.m. PST Nov. 30, 2012.
Create Your Account
New users must enter a unique address and password
You will use this same account if you apply for a later term
If your family has multiple applicants or has future applicants, different addresses must be used for each applicant
Your password must be at least eight characters (and must have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and/or symbols)
Create a secret question/answer combination that you will remember
Be sure to keep login information safe and memorable
Once “Create An Account” is complete, you will receive an confirming the start of your application
Campuses use to send critical, time-sensitive correspondence to applicants, so provide an address that you check regularly and plan to keep until you enroll in college
Remember, you may need to adjust your filters to accept mail from UC addresses
Review
Common questions on each page
Open/closed majors
Downloadable “Apply Online to UC” brochure
Log In
First-time users start by clicking “New Account”
On return visits, enter and password information under “Sign In”
Returning users sign in

9. Navigating Save/Logout at any time
Update your or other account information using “my UC application”
Learn what is in each section
Use the progress bar to navigate to different sections of the application
Navigating the Application
The highlighted step on the progress bar shows where you are currently in the application
Each page has an “Inside This Section” and “Common Questions” area
Use the “Next” and “Previous” buttons on the bottom of the page to save and move through the application. Don’t use the browser navigation (i.e. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari).
After you’ve completed the first step, “Start Application,” you can click on any of the top navigation boxes or steps in “Inside This Section” to move to the next step or jump ahead.
Navigating to another page will save your work
If you need to change your account information ( , name, date of birth), you can do this in “My UC application”
“Sign Out” stores your information when you take a break
Read commonly asked questions for helpful information
Use the buttons on the bottom to move from page to page

10. Start Application
All applicants are required to disclose their social security number if they have one.
If an applicant does not have a social security number, he/she may skip that item
We use the SSN to accurately and reliably merge official ACT and/or SAT scores and the FAFSA with the application
Citizenship and Social Security Number (SSN)
You must select a country of citizenship or “No Selection” in the country drop-down
Applicants who choose a country other than the United States will have follow-up questions on permanent residency and/or visa status (students who choose “No Selection” will not have follow-up questions)
SSN is encrypted and kept secure

11. Choosing a Major Select a major, alternate major or no alternate major
You must select a major for each campus you choose
Select an alternate major, if available (alternate majors not available at Berkeley), or select “No Alternate Major” at bottom of the list
The online application displays which majors are open/closed to your applicant level
After selecting major/alternate major, scroll to bottom of the page and click “Next”
Repeat steps for each campus you selected
If you find that most of the majors are closed, it may be that you have selected the incorrect applicant level or the open filing period has passed
If you hover over certain colleges/majors, additional information will appear (e.g. For “major closed,” it might recommend that the major is only open to upper division students and the student should apply to a different major)
Click on a college to expand the list of majors available and make your selection

12. Ranking San Diego Colleges
You must click on this link before ranking SD colleges
Rank the San Diego colleges in order of preference
This will NOT affect your chances of admission to UC San Diego
San Diego Colleges
If you’re applying to UC San Diego, you must rank the colleges in order of preference to have the best chance of assignment to the college of your choice
Your ranking of colleges does not affect your admission to UC San Diego
Boxes to rank the colleges only appear once you click the “Learn about UCSD colleges” link (opens a pop up window)

13. Scholarships Be sure to open and review each category of scholarships!
Scholarship Opportunities
“Restricted” scholarships are available to students with particular backgrounds or career goals. There are about 230 scholarships, with a dozen new scholarships this year. To make sure you are considered for these scholarships:
Open each scholarship category to see the expanded list
Review each scholarship and select if a characteristic applies to you
You can select up to 16 choices
Scroll to bottom and click “Next” to save your selections
Research other campus-based scholarships in the link provided
Be sure to open and review each category of scholarships!
Select scholarships that match your interests or characteristics (up to 16 total).

14. Biographical
Students applying for EOP will be required to provide information on parent education, income and family size in the next steps of the Biographical section.
Special Circumstances
More information for foster youth is available on the UC Counselor’s website
Applicants interested in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) will need to provide a brief statement, as well as parent education and income information

15. Biographical Family Size and Income
Information about your parents’ education, income, and family size is used to provide contextual information about your home environment and for the application fee waiver
This information will not be used to determine residency status or financial aid
You can change income information before the application is submitted (not after), but cannot resubmit for fee waiver based on revised information

16. Biographical Family Size and Income
Many students may not know if they are considered “dependent” or “independent.” If students select “independent,” this screen will appear to confirm they selected the correct applicant status.

17. The Importance of Accurate Details
Personal information
Academic history
Examination scores
Activities outside of school
It is very important for students to thoroughly fill out all sections of the application, since this is opportunity to tell each admissions officer about personal details that make each applicant unique.
Accurate Details:
Academic History: Needs to be accurate as we will check to make sure you inputted information correctly when we receive your transcript at a later time. This is an important part of the application since campuses will continue to be selective and look for strong academic indicators
- “Additional Comments” box in the Academic History section: You can include additional academic items that you were unable to list elsewhere on your application
Exam scores: Check campuses for recommended SAT Subject exams (SAT Subject Test recommendations:
Activities outside of school:
Don’t abbreviate the names of clubs or awards: Spell them out and explain your level of involvement.
Use the Worksheet that is a part of the Applying to the University brochure and is posted on the Counselor Conference website:
You don’t have to list the same activity in multiple areas (for instance listing Honors Society in “Awards and Honors” and “Extracurricular Activities”), but make sure all of your activities are reflected in some way
If you take care of siblings or in other ways support your family which does not allow you to take part in as many activities outside the classroom, either list it or let UC readers know in the personal statement. We understand that students are gaining valuable life experience and consider that as part of the comprehensive review.

18. Academic History 7th & 8th Grade
Seventh/Eighth Grade
If you took advanced math (especially geometry – an enforced requirement that cannot be validated by other coursework, effective 2015) or a language other than English in middle school and received a C or better, you can count these courses toward the a-g requirement.

19. Academic History
High Schools Attended
Select a location – “In California,” “US (not CA)” or “Outside the US”
Indicate specialized curriculum/year-round information, if applicable
Start typing the name of your school. After three characters, matching schools will begin to appear. As more characters are entered, the match will become refined
Select your school/code/location
If no matches are present, complete the name of your school and click “Add”
Remember to list every high school attended
You will be asked for any colleges attended while in high school later in the application
The application will search for your high school as you type
You MUST list every school you’ve attended since ninth grade.

20. Academic History (high school)
High Schools Attended (continued)
Select the grades you attended and the associated school year
Enter the dates of attendance
If the school is the school you will graduate from, enter the certificate/diploma information
Enter the grading and term system for the school
Click “Add” to save the information
The school will appear in a table for edit/review
Easy-to-fix errors

21. Academic History (coursework)
High School Coursework
Courses are selected or entered by grade level beginning with ninth grade
Enter courses and grades by selecting from the course list. To see the courses, expand each subject area.
If you do not see your courses or your school does not have a UC-approved course list, enter the courses in the table provided
When your entries for each grade level are complete, click “Next” to save and continue
Repeat this process for each grade level, including 12th grade
12th grade course grades will default to “IP – In Progress” and “PL – Planned”
For courses that are only one semester long, select “No Course” for the off term
Include all repeated courses with D or F grades
If you attended more than one school, make sure you enter courses under the correct school
Self-enter “a-g” courses not on the UC-approved course list

22. Academic History
Remember to list community colleges – even if you took only one class.
Colleges Attended in High School
If you took any college-level courses in high school, you will need to add the college information AFTER the high school information
The process is very similar to entering the high school information

23. Academic History
UC transferable courses are pulled from the ASSIST database
College Courses Taken While in High School
If courses were taken at a California Community College, a UC-transferable course list will appear
Select the course(s) taken, grade received (IP for In Progress, PL for Planned), and the “a-g” subject area for the course
If the CCC course is not UC-transferable or courses were not taken at a CCC, you can enter the courses in the table provided
CA community college nontransferable courses can be self-entered

24. Test Results
Fall applicants must complete ALL required exams by the December test date
Make sure OFFICIAL scores are sent to at least one UC campus
Test Results
Reminder: All tests should be completed by December of senior year
Report a completed or planned test date for the either the SAT Reasoning test or the ACT Assessment plus Writing
If you’ve taken a particular examination more than once, enter your highest score
If you have taken any SAT Subject Tests, enter your information so that it can be assessed as part of the comprehensive review

25. Activities and Awards
Activities and Awards (use worksheet at
Categories include Coursework Other Than A-G, Educational Preparation Programs, Volunteer and Community Service, Work Experience, Awards & Honors, and Extracurricular Activities
Each area is limited to five entries, so select ones that are most meaningful
Enter details about each activity
Average the number of hours you were involved in each activity on a weekly basis for the whole year
160 characters per entry for the description
**Other examples of non A-G coursework – ROP nursing careers courses, a Spanish immersion program or weekend Chinese school
Quantify AND Qualify your experiences:
What we look for with Comprehensive Review: Apart from coursework, test scores and grades, we consider personal accomplishments, life experience, and other special circumstances in making decisions about each applicant. We are looking for your passions and interests, and you can help UC admissions understand these better by giving examples in the Activities and Awards section. The personal statement is looked at to provide additional information about yourself in detail. In other words, that is where we look for the depth (vs. the breadth throughout the rest of the application).
Overall, we look for commitment, progression, and leadership in students’ activities. We do not have a checklist of expected extracurricular activities, nor do we value some activities over others (basketball is just as valuable as band, community service, or a part-time job). We focus on students’ accomplishments within whatever activity they chose.
Other categories include Educational Preparation Programs, Work Experience, Awards & Honors, and Extracurricular Activities
Applicants are limited to five entries for each, so select the ones that are most meaningful

26. The Personal Statement
2 Prompts, students must address both
1,000 words total or less
View as personal interview on paper
Talking Points:
Students may allocate word count as they wish. If a student chooses to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest that the shorter answer be no less than 250 words.
Do not compose your essay in the application. The application will time-out after 30 minutes of inactivity and your work may be lost. Typing will not register as “activity.” You must navigate to another page to save your work.
Very important part of the application/selection process, but not the ONLY part!
Personal Statements play a integral part of the application/selection process and should present additional information not previously reported on the application. The student’s response should supplement areas that warrant elaboration and provide context for information provided on the rest of the application.
This is a student’s opportunity to showcase special talent, leadership, initiative, intellectual curiosity, etc.
It can also be used to present any obstacles, opportunities, achievements and/or special circumstances
Click on the “Tips” box 26

27. The Personal Statement
Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. 
Statement #2:
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
Personal Statement Tips:
Read each prompt carefully and be sure to respond to all parts
Use specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make
Relax. This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application. An admissions decision will not be based on your personal statement alone.
Statement #1: Readers don’t assume anything, so you must explain to them. Give specific examples of your experiences to back up your claims.
Statement #2: What are you most proud of? What are you passionate about? How have you achieved what you have within your context?
Additional Comments:
- Give students guidance on what to put in Additional Comments
- This is NOT a continuation of the personal statement
- A good example of something that a student may choose to insert here would be something that affected their schooling but wasn’t all encompassing. For instance, if a student had mono or switched schools during high school with only a small affect on his or her grades, then it might be more appropriate to use the additional comments section than the personal statement. However, in the same instance, if the student feels that mono or a school change dramatically affected them or is the thing to which shows best their dreams and aspirations (prompt 1) or their best accomplishment (prompt 2), then for that student it would be appropriate to write about it in the personal statement.
Additional information to keep in mind:
- Who are the admissions readers?
- They don’ t know you, you don’t know them, so you MUST explain what you mean
- Write like you are speaking to a stranger, or a respected adult, and treat it like an interview
- Make sure to explain your whole situation. This is your opportunity to draw connections among all of your experiences and to talk about all the hard work you’ve done.
- Do not use general statements, use specific examples of your experiences to back up your claims
- Do not use abbreviations
Additional Comments:
Use this space to tell us anything else you want us to know about you and your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application. Limit your response to 550 words or less.

28. The Personal Statement: Final Thoughts
Start early, get feedback, and REVISE!
Define your motivation/momentum in topics you are passionate about
Decisions are never made on the personal statement alone
Avoid some common mistakes
Counselors: If a student wants you to review their application, make sure you ask them for a copy of their transcript and a copy of their extracurricular worksheet so you can:
- Give feedback within the context they they’ve presented
- See if there are any gaps that need to be explained or something they list on their worksheet that might be a more compelling story than what they have written
Avoid common mistakes like:
- Generalities: Stick to facts and specifics you want us to know about yourself
- Stretching the truth: Just be honest. Most lies reveal themselves to us in the admissions process.
- Inappropriate use of humor.
- Creative writing (poems, scene setting, or clichés)
Other Tips and techniques:
Focus on facts
Be concrete
Prove your points
USE vivid, specific details EXAMPLES
Help the reader get a visual
Explain how you felt
Show your Passion!!
More tips in detail:
Start early
Allow time for reflection, thoughtful preparation and revision.
Choose a topic for both essays.
Look critically at the information in your application: your grades, awards, activities and work experience, family and income. Anticipate questions an admissions evaluator will have after reading your application. The personal statement is your opportunity to answer those questions.
Compose your personal statement in a word-processing program.
Don't type it directly into the application. This way, you will have the opportunity to print copies for review.
Write persuasively.
Present your information and ideas in a focused, deliberate and meaningful manner. Provide specific, concrete examples to support your point. A personal statement that is simply a list of qualities or accomplishments usually is not persuasive.
Proofread.
In addition to checking your spelling, be sure your grammar is correct and your essays flow smoothly.
Solicit feedback.
Your personal statement should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others — family, teachers and friends — can offer valuable suggestions. Ask advice of whomever you like, but do not plagiarize from sources in print or online and do not use anyone's published words but your own.
Copy and paste.
Once you are satisfied with your essays, save them in plain text (ASCII) and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared.
Relax.
This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application. An admission decision will not be based on your personal statement alone.
Special instructions for veterans & their families:
Because UC is interested in knowing about your or a family member's military service, you may wish to use the personal statement to communicate the following:
Describe how your military service has been instrumental in developing your educational plans.
Indicate if you are entitled to educational benefits as a result of your own military service or the service-connected death or disability of a parent or spouse.
Indicate if you are affiliated with the military, such as the spouse or dependent of someone who is on active duty or a current participant in an ROTC-type program.

29. Submitting the application and next steps
Include additional comments where appropriate
Don’t forget to hit “Submit”
Go back into the application when you have updates
Make sure you update your application if any information changes
Respond to requests from the campuses, and if you get a new address, make sure to update it promptly!

30. Review and Submit
Before starting submit process, carefully review information on summary page
Review Summary
Carefully review your information on the summary pages
Check for sections marked “In Progress,” open sections to review and update the information by clicking “Edit” and returning to that step
“Completed” means the section was visited and the minimal required information was provided.  Thoroughly review the information to confirm that you didn't inadvertently skip a section
Click “Start Submission Process” when you are ready to continue with the submission process

31. Review and Submit
After a student reviews the sections which they need to, he or she is prompted to read the “Completeness Check” screen and check to ensure they have entered everything which they intend to enter.

32. Release and Application Integrity Statement
Signature Releases
Review and check the release authorizations to share your application information with scholarship agencies, parent/guardian, counselors and/or UC organizations and alumni groups
Electronically sign and date your application to verify accuracy and acknowledge you are the author of your personal statement
The electronic signature also authorizes the release of your official test score to all UC campuses to which you applied. Official test scores need be sent to only one UC campus.
Information in the application is subject to verification. If you are selected for verification, non-compliance will result in cancellation of your application
UC feels very strongly about student integrity on the application. The new Statement of Integrity affirms that students have submitted accurate, complete and honest information that they themselves wrote or created

33. After You Submit Update your account information
Update your test scores
Application Fees - $70 per campus for domestic students (both CA and out of state); $80 for international (with international academic records)
Payment is required and is non-refundable
There are two payment options: credit card or check
The University prefers credit card payments as it is the fastest and most efficient payment option
Credit card payments are handled in real-time by a reliable and secure electronic credit card processing gateway. The University does not collect or store any credit card information.
If you meet low-income and family-size criteria, you may want to apply for a fee waiver (Criteria are the same for eligibility for the federal free/reduced lunch program)
You may apply online for a fee waiver only once
If you qualify for a fee waiver and have applied to more than four campuses, you must select a payment method (credit card or pay by mail) to pay the application fees for these additional campuses
Update Your Application
You can update personal information, add campus choices (depending on availability), make a credit card payment, and update self-reported test scores on the UC Application website
If you add or drop a course or fail to earn a C or better in a course, notify the admissions office at each campus where you applied
If you enroll in a new high school or college after applying, notify the admissions office at each campus where you applied

34. Admission Requirements:
Questions & Contacts
UC Home Page:
Admission Requirements:
Online Application:
UC Application Center (800) (within the U.S.) or (661) (outside the U.S.)
Please note: This information has changed since last year. There are new phone numbers and addresses, so make sure to update any of your resources.
Download the “Apply Online To UC” brochure at (“quick-start guide”)
What students can do starting in 9th grade to strive toward being a competitive applicant?
Get involved! Especially in activities (both in school and out) that you enjoy
Take your experiences to the highest level you can:
-See if you can enter your science project in a science fair
Work toward varsity or a leadership position
Take on more responsibility as you progress through your school work, activities, and family or community situations
We value students who are appreciated in their community, so get involved, and seek out opportunities to be recognized for your contributions in whatever activity category you choose
Seek out challenges that you might not have access to at your school (Example: Take a class at a community college because your school doesn’t have it and it really interests you)
Tie your extracurricular interests to your academic ones (Example: You enjoy engineering, so you’ve helped you dad rebuild an old car/bike)