Myth # 8

I don’t need to worry about the application essay or my extracurricular activities

Many of your favorite colleges and universities have a broad educational mission: to develop the "whole student." Sharing your personal stories through an essay or a resume with your extracurricular activities is one way to represent yourself as ‘the whole student;’ for you surely are more than simply a GPA or SAT score.

When all else is equal between competing applicants, a compelling essay can make the difference. A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance for a marginal applicant. The essay is the only opportunity in a college application a student truly can have his or her voice heard. This is an opportunity to express concerns of your past and bring light to your great successes! The essay is YOU.

A college or university is going to want a student to be successful inside, as well as outside, of the classroom. This is why extracurricular involvement is a key tool in to personal development. For the majority of college and university students, involvement in extracurricular activities plays an integral role in the collegiate experience. Students become involved in extracurricular activities not only for entertainment, social, and enjoyment purposes, but most important, to gain and improve skills. Your essay and extracurricular activities are two great ways to paint your picture – the picture of the ‘whole student.’ Be sure not to let it go to waste!

          Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.