Carolyn Starks, a former admissions officer at Pomona and Bates Colleges and current Co-Director of College Counseling at Santa Fe Prep, shares valuable insights on extracurricular activities in college applications. She discusses the importance of authentic engagement in both school and outside activities, highlighting how they can enhance a student's profile. Carolyn also emphasizes the value of self-acceptance and genuine interests, as well as the nuanced nature of leadership beyond traditional roles, all while encouraging self-care amidst the competitive admissions landscape.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Carolyn's High School Activities
Carolyn Starks was involved in marching band and language clubs.
In her senior year, she focused on Key Club leadership.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tom's High School Activities
Tom Campbell initially tried athletics but found his passion in drama.
He participated in plays and service groups.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Finding Activities that Spark Joy
Ask older students about extracurricular activities.
Consider what excites you enough to wake up early on a Saturday.
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On today’s episode, Tom Campbell (CEG’s Community Manager) is joined by Carolyn Starks, a former Pomona and Bates admissions officer and Associate Director of College Counseling at Oakwood School (North Hollywood, CA) at the time of recording, to talk about extracurricular activities and the activities list on college applications.
They get into, among other things:
What are some of the benefits of getting involved in your school community?
How can students explore activities outside of their high schools?
How do admission officers evaluate a student’s activities list?
Frequently asked questions about activities and summer programs
And more!
But first, let’s meet Carolyn:
Carolyn Starks followed her father’s footsteps and attended Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where she studied English and Africana Studies. After graduation, she moved to Portland, ME to work at Bates College where she focused on supporting first-generation-to-college, BIPOC, and/or low-income students through the admissions process. After two years, she landed a job at Pomona College’s Office of Admissions where she joined the Access Team, ran the College’s diversity fly-in programs, and learned to be justice oriented in her approach to educational equity. Though at the time of recording Carolyn was Oakwood School in North Hollywood’s Associate Director of College Counseling, she will soon be moving to serve as Co-Director of College Counseling at Santa Fe Prep in Santa Fe, NM. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys indulging in local cuisine and watching Bravo with her husband and her dog, Ms. Pecan Pie.
We hope you enjoy the episode.
Play-by-Play
4:48 - What is Carolyn’s background?
6:20 - What activities was Carolyn involved in during high school?
8:36 - What activities did Tom participate in during high school?
10:45 - How can students learn about the opportunities at their school?
16:50 - Why should students get involved within their school community?
23:09 - How can students be involved in extracurriculars outside their school?
29:57 - What should students keep in mind when applying to highly selective schools?
36:13 - Do colleges have preferred activities or summer experiences?
36:41 - Does placement on an activities list matter?
37:37 - How many years should students participate in an activity?
39:05 - How important is having formal leadership roles?
42:18 - What might not be worth putting on your activities list?
46:25 - How many activities is enough?
51:22 - How can students maintain a balance between their home life, academic, and extracurricular activities?
The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions 