High school students who are under stay-at-home orders because of COVD-19 are unable to do many of the extracurricular activities that they were participating in during “normal” times.
However, there are still activities that can be done while staying at home. Continuing to build your resume during this time may help your college applications to stand out from the competition. Here are some ideas for things you can do to add to and expand upon your extracurricular activities.
Show Leadership in Your College Application
Colleges value leadership. If you held a leadership position in a club, you can still hold meetings on Zoom. Perhaps your club can hold a fundraiser for a family in need, a food bank, or other organization. Does your club have a website, or does the club’s website need improvements and updates? This is a good time to tackle a website project. You might also improve or add to the club’s social media channels. Starting or adding to a YouTube channel with club news can help build awareness of your club and its achievements.
Workouts for your Sports Team
If you are part of a sports team, you can still to continue to work out together as long as you do it virtually. Take the lead in getting a team workout organized on Zoom and do your best to stay in shape.
Tutoring
During COVID-19 students of all ages are learning from home. You may be able to help elementary, middle school, and high school students with their work by offering tutoring services. Many parents are worried that during this time students are going to fall behind academically by not being in the classroom. If you are a strong student in specific subjects, you may be able to offer your tutoring services to help students with their studies. Post your availability and specific skills you are offering on a website such as NextDoor.com
Independent Projects
You can highlight your skills and creativity with projects that you do by yourself. Examples include:
Write a book and self-publish it
Build a computer
Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast with a specific theme
When you complete the “Activities” section of your college applications, it will be helpful to show the results of your efforts. For example if you start a YouTube channel and you have a substantial number of viewers, you will want to list that.
Research Assistant
Put the word out that you can help a college undergrad or graduate student with research that can be done from home. Consider posting your availability and skills on sites such as Nextdoor.com and Craigslist.
Make Your College Application Stand Out from the Competition
How you present your extracurricular activities on your college application can help to impress admissions reps. We can help you strengthen your college applications. For help with the college application process from start to finish (or help with only the essays), please contact us.
