In my years as a college admission counselor, I’ve witnessed countless high school students approach my office with the same worried expression. They present meticulously crafted lists of extracurricular activities—often an impressive but exhausting array of clubs, volunteer positions, and leadership roles. And then comes the inevitable question: “Is this enough to get me into my dream school?”

These students have fallen into what I call the “extracurricular checkbox trap,” devoting hundreds of hours to activities they believe will impress admission officers, often at the expense of their well-being and genuine interests.

The Pressure to Perform for an Invisible Audience

school counselorMany students approach high school as if admission officers are watching their every move. They join clubs they have little interest in because “it looks good on their application.” They pursue leadership positions, not because they’re passionate about the organization, but because they’ve heard colleges want to see leadership.

This approach mutates what should be a time of self-discovery into a performative exercise, where students constantly ask, “What will colleges like to see?” instead of “What do I truly enjoy doing?”

Perhaps the most concerning thing, as a counselor who cares deeply about young adults navigating these formative years of their lives in an authentic way, is that so many students come to me with no idea what they’re interested in! They are a blank slate, and simply want to fill the empty page with lots of activities that everyone else is doing—activities that seem to look good and seem to lead to their peers going off to great colleges. 

It makes me sad when I ask these students, “What are you truly interested in?”, and they tell me they don’t know. They just seem overwhelmed, tired, and stressed out about school, getting into college, and the pressures of the adult world that they see looming in the future.

You’re Not Alone With This Anxiety

If you find yourself caught in this cycle, know that you’re in good company. The competitive nature of college admissions has led many students to believe their worth is measured by how impressive their activity list appears to strangers. 

Parents, too, often reinforce this thinking, having absorbed the same misconceptions about what colleges truly value.

The Simple Truth About Extraordinary Extracurriculars

After years working in admission offices and as an independent counselor, I’ve discovered a counterintuitive truth: 

The most compelling extracurricular profile doesn’t come from checking the most boxes—it comes from authentic engagement with a limited number of activities.

A Simple Formula for Success

The recipe for developing remarkable extracurricular involvement is simpler than most students realize:

  1. Identify 2-4 activities that genuinely interest you
  2. Commit to these activities with consistency and dedication
  3. Look for opportunities to deepen your involvement
  4. Allow your natural curiosity to guide your path

The formula is really that simple! 

I have repeated this to so many students over my many decades of working in college admission counseling, and yet a lot of students and families still don’t believe me. However, the results I have witnessed speak for themselves, confidently leading me back to this simple truth: do what you love, do it well, and do it often.

The Hidden Advantage

The irony is that by focusing less on “what colleges want” and more on discovering what truly engages you, you actually become a more attractive candidate. Authentic excellence is impossible to fake, and it shines through in every aspect of your application.

College admission officers read thousands of applications each year, and they’ve developed a sixth sense for distinguishing between genuine engagement and resume padding. The student who has authentically pursued their interests will always tell a more compelling story than one who has merely followed a prescribed path.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the college application process and unsure how to identify or develop your authentic interests, I can help. With years of experience supporting students in this journey, I provide personalized guidance that focuses on your individual development and long-term success. Contact me at Mercer Educational Consulting to learn more about how we can work together to showcase your authentic excellence.