Best of Season 1: What Extracurricular Activities Look Best On College Applications?

Episode Overview: In this special "Best of" episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Natasha presents some of the most memorable clips from Season One. Join Thomas, an expert in college admissions, as he shares valuable insights on extracurricular activities and summer planning. Thomas offers guidance on standing out, the value of work experience, sports considerations, the importance of depth in activities, and making the most of summer vacations. JOIN our mailing list for important updates and special bonus features. 

Episode Highlights:

1. Episode 4- Finding the Right Activities to Stand Out: Thomas acknowledges the stress surrounding the quest for the best extracurricular activities. He emphasizes the need to avoid blindly following trends and seeking out superficial uniqueness. Instead, he encourages students to focus on personal growth and meaningful engagement.

2. Episode 4- Balancing Work and Extracurriculars: Thomas highlights the importance of understanding individual circumstances when it comes to balancing work and extracurricular activities. He explains how universities now recognize the value of work experience and how it can shape an applicant's character and development.

3. Episode 4- Sports Considerations for College Admissions: Thomas delves into the hard truth about high school sports and their impact on college admissions. He urges students to critically evaluate their athletic abilities and potential for recruitment. While sports teach valuable life lessons, he encourages students to consider other activities that can truly set them apart in a competitive applicant pool.

4. Episode 4- Depth vs. Breadth in Activities: Thomas discusses the significance of depth in activities when building an admission strategy. He advises students to align their activities with their intended majors or areas of interest. Rather than engaging in a wide range of activities, students should seek depth and meaning in their chosen pursuits.

5. Episode 6- Making the Most of Summer Breaks: Thomas stresses the importance of using summer breaks effectively. He cautions against simply indulging in leisure or taking lavish vacations without meaningful engagement. Instead, students should consider activities that foster personal growth, align with their academic goals, and provide valuable experiences.

6. Episode 6- Choosing Academic Summer Programs: Thomas provides insights into choosing academic summer programs. He advises students to carefully examine the offerings and distinguish between third-party programs and those directly offered by universities. Students should consider the relevance of courses to their academic interests and motivations behind selecting specific programs.

7. Episode 8- Live Coaching Session: Identifying Passions and Pursuits: In a live coaching session with Maui, a high school freshman, Thomas helps him explore his current activities and passions. They discuss swimming, music, language learning, and part-time work. Thomas guides Maui in evaluating his abilities and interests to identify activities with potential for further development.

8. Episode 9- Developing Depth and Consistency in Activities: Thomas emphasizes the importance of developing depth and consistency in chosen activities throughout high school. He explains how demonstrating progress and dedication over time helps students stand out as interesting and unique applicants.

9. Episode 9- Avoiding Last-Minute Superficial Activities: Thomas cautions against the temptation to hastily engage in activities without genuine passion or commitment. He highlights the significance of demonstrating a genuine and authentic interest in a pursuit, rather than resorting to shallow experiences.

Tune in to the full episodes to gain valuable insights into extracurricular activities, summer planning, and strategies for making your college application shine. Remember, it's about meaningful engagement, personal growth, and showcasing your unique journey to universities. About Thomas Thomas is a parent and alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was director of admissions and financial aid at Wharton School. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to create the best possible MBA class.  Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities, he works with diverse and underserved communities to help them become successful college students. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for parents and applicants.

Follow Admittedly on social media Instagram: @admittedlypodcast