The admissions process at elite U.S. colleges is becoming increasingly competitive each year. For international students aiming for acceptance, this means excelling not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities that showcase their achievements, talents, and passions. Students and parents often ask me:

“Which extracurriculars should I pursue?”

“Can I have too many or too few activities? How do admissions officers evaluate them?”

“What kind of extracurriculars do American high school students engage in?”

Today, I’d like to share some of my own high school experiences and offer tips on selecting the right extracurricular opportunities.

My High School Experience

Many of my Chinese friends picture American high school life through TV shows like Gossip Girl and Glee. It seems like a glamorous, carefree world filled with handsome quarterbacks, blonde cheerleaders, and a mix of nerds and misfits. The students on screen spend more time chasing each other’s boyfriends or throwing wild parties than studying—unless, of course, they’re one of the nerds.

But in reality, this portrayal of American high schools was as foreign to me as it was to my friends in China. I attended a large public high school in San Francisco, where some of my fondest memories were singing Christmas carols in the choir and listening to my 80-year-old AP European History teacher gossip about Louis XIV and Henry VIII. Some of the less enjoyable moments included failing my first calculus test and running five laps around the school at 7:30 a.m. A cheap bubble tea from the student fair was a rare treat—so was a weekend without math homework.

In many ways, my high school experience resembled that of students in Asia more than the scenes on American TV. Sure, my school had cheerleaders and prom royalty, but they weren’t necessarily the “cool kids.” In fact, they often struggled academically, went to local state universities, and later became the subject of alumni reunion gossip.

For me, the most defining feature of American high school culture wasn’t the popularity contest but the diversity. I sat in classrooms with students from more than ten different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. I had white American friends who spoke better Mandarin than I did, learned to make sushi from my Japanese-American friend Mayumi, and listened to stories of Patricia’s childhood in Mexico City. But diversity wasn’t just about different cultures or languages—it was about the variety of ideas, creativity, and passions. Everyone had a hidden talent (like doing a backflip while skateboarding) or a wild idea (like building a sculpture from toilet paper in the school courtyard), and no one was afraid to pursue them.

What Colleges Look for in Extracurricular Activities

This is exactly what admissions officers at top colleges hope to see in your applications. They aren’t just looking for academically strong students—they want applicants who are creative, intellectually curious, and committed to making a difference.

In 2016, the Harvard Graduate School of Education released a report titled Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good through College Admissions. Endorsed by faculty from top universities, the report called for reshaping the admissions process to emphasize three key areas:

1. Community service
2. Ethical engagement
3. Reducing achievement pressure

Specifically, it highlighted the role of extracurricular activities:

“Admissions offices should send a clear message that numerous extracurricular activities or long ‘brag sheets’ do not increase students’ chances of admission. Applications should state plainly that students should feel no pressure to report more than two or three substantive extracurricular activities and should discourage students from listing activities that have not been meaningful to them.”

The 2019 follow-up report reinforced the importance of cultivating a student’s ethical character and moral compass, urging them not to “overload on extracurricular activities” at the expense of personal growth.

In other words, quality matters more than quantity.

Five Tips for Choosing Extracurricular Activities

With summer vacation approaching, here are five tips to help high school students prioritize their extracurriculars:

1. Commitment & Dedication

Colleges want to see personal growth and how you’ve developed your potential over time. You can demonstrate this by taking on leadership roles—becoming a club president or captain of a sports team. While it’s great to explore different interests, focus your energy on a few key activities where you can make a meaningful impact.

2. Career Alignment

Choosing activities related to your future major signals to colleges that you are a goal-oriented student with a clear vision. Even if you’re unsure about your exact major, try to identify a general direction (such as engineering, natural sciences, humanities, or social sciences). Your activities list should show how you’ve used available resources to explore potential career paths.

3. Track Record of Achievement

Build a compelling success story. Colleges want to see how you challenge yourself and rise above the competition. Apply to competitive programs, internships, or events that allow you to stand out. After completing these experiences, ask for strong recommendation letters from mentors or supervisors who can vouch for your accomplishments.

4. Cultural Identity and Personal Story

When colleges read your application, they want to understand who you are. Your background, heritage, and life experiences shape your identity, and admissions officers value international students who can bring unique perspectives to campus. When evaluating extracurricular opportunities, consider how they reflect your personal journey and what you can contribute to a diverse college community.

5. Measurable Impact

Finally, prioritize activities that result in tangible outcomes. Some, like sports tournaments, naturally offer clear achievements. Others, like independent research projects or artistic works, may be harder to quantify but are just as valuable. The key is to have something concrete to show for your efforts.

Note: While test-prep programs and English training camp can helpå improve exam scores, colleges view them as tutoring rather than true extracurricular activities.

Ultimately…

Summer is an important time to strengthen your extracurricular profile—whether by deepening your involvement in an existing activity or exploring a new passion. However, remember that extracurriculars should be about you, not just a tool for getting into an elite college. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it doesn’t directly improve your admissions chances. The most valuable experiences are often the ones that bring you joy, growth, and a sense of purpose.