Janice Lozano
When applying to colleges, it is common to be asked how you will contribute to the university community. Interviewers want to know how you will make the university a better place and enrich campus life. They are looking for students who can work well with others and contribute to the success of the team while fostering a positive environment. Therefore, it is important to avoid answers that focus on grades, test scores, or other data that can be learned from your transcript. Instead, discuss your unique interests, hobbies, and talents. For example, you could mention your passion for science fiction, baking skills, or ability to fix bicycles. You could also talk about any special talents or hobbies you have that could add value to the college community, such as playing an instrument, engaging in sports, or creative writing, and how you plan to share these skills on campus.
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What You'll Learn
Extracurricular activities
Benefits of Extracurricular Activities:
Personal Growth and Skill Development:
Community Building and Belonging:
Clubs, societies, and events facilitate a sense of community and belonging within the university. They provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect, interact, and form lifelong friendships. These activities create an inclusive environment, allowing students to feel valued and supported by their peers.
Enhancing Applications and Employability:
Universities and employers often consider extracurricular activities when assessing applicants. These activities demonstrate a student's initiative, dedication, and ability to manage multiple commitments. Leadership roles within extracurriculars showcase responsibility and organisational skills, enhancing resumes and increasing employability. Additionally, extracurriculars provide valuable networking opportunities, enabling students to build connections with potential employers or mentors in their field of interest.
Examples of Extracurricular Activities:
Clubs and Societies:
Universities offer a wide range of clubs and societies catering to various interests, including academic clubs (such as math or writing clubs), sports teams, performing arts groups, music ensembles, and cultural societies. Students can join existing clubs or take the initiative to start their own, catering to specific interests or passions.
Community Service and Volunteering:
Community service is a valuable extracurricular activity that allows students to contribute to society while developing character and leadership skills. Volunteering can take many forms, such as organising events, fundraising for charities, or participating in environmental initiatives. These activities demonstrate a student's commitment to social responsibility and can often lead to meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
Internships and Advocacy:
Workplace internships, whether in businesses or nonprofits, offer students practical experience in their field of interest. They provide an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting while developing professional skills. Additionally, internships or volunteer roles in advocacy or activism organisations can foster a sense of social responsibility and enhance communication and leadership abilities.
Maximising Extracurricular Involvement:
To make the most of extracurricular activities, students should seek out opportunities that align with their passions and interests. Starting early in their academic journey allows for long-term commitment and the potential to take on leadership roles. Students should also be proactive in promoting and participating in extracurricular activities, as well as supporting student-led initiatives. By embracing these opportunities, students can contribute to the university community while gaining valuable experiences that will benefit their personal and professional lives.
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Unique cultural experiences
Volunteering and Service-Learning Projects
Students can volunteer abroad in various capacities, such as teaching English in rural villages or engaging in conservation efforts. These experiences allow students to interact with diverse communities, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of global issues. Service-learning projects combine academic study with community service, empowering students to apply their knowledge to create positive change in their communities.
Cultural Exchange Programs
Cultural exchange programs promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Students can participate in student exchange programs, host international students, or attend multicultural festivals. These experiences enhance language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and cultural awareness. Immersing oneself in a new culture can transform one's perspective and self-identity, offering a unique educational experience.
Immersive Historical Reenactments
Historical reenactments bring history to life through participation in Civil War reenactments, medieval festivals, or archaeological digs. These immersive experiences deepen one's understanding of the past and ignite the imagination.
Outdoor Expeditions and Workshops
Outdoor educational expeditions, such as trekking through rugged landscapes or survival skills workshops, foster resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature. Students can also participate in hands-on workshops to learn new skills and immerse themselves in local traditions and rituals.
Food and Entertainment
Exploring local cuisine is a great way to immerse oneself in a new culture. Eating street food among locals or participating in their entertainment, such as live events, sports, or recreational activities, provides a unique perspective on the local way of life.
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Special talents or passions
When applying to universities, it is important to reflect on your passions and talents and how they align with the university's values and community. Here are some ways to identify and showcase your special talents or passions when considering how you can contribute to university life:
Identify your passions and talents:
- Reflect on the classes you enjoy the most and look for clubs or extracurricular activities related to those interests. For example, if you love writing, consider joining the school newspaper or reaching out to local publications to gain experience.
- Think about any unique cultural experiences or opportunities that have exposed you to diverse perspectives. These experiences can broaden your worldview and contribute to the university's diversity initiatives.
- Identify your hobbies and talents outside of academics. For instance, playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, or having a passion for baking can all be considered special talents.
Showcase your contributions:
- When interviewing for a university, focus on how your talents or passions can positively impact the campus community. For example, if you play a musical instrument, consider how you could contribute to music ensembles or performances on campus.
- Be specific to the campus you are applying to. Mention particular clubs, programs, or initiatives they have that align with your interests. For instance, "I am passionate about environmental issues, and I know that the student government at this university actively works towards these causes. I look forward to joining and making a positive impact in this area."
- Consider how your talents or passions can enhance the experience of your peers and contribute to the university's mission. For example, if you have a passion for writing, consider contributing to the university newspaper or sharing your stories with others.
Remember, universities are looking for students who can contribute to campus life beyond academics. By identifying and showcasing your special talents or passions, you can demonstrate how you will make a meaningful impact on the university community.
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Collaboration and teamwork
Universities are increasingly integrating teamwork into their syllabi as they are considered essential competencies for personal, academic, and professional achievement. Recruiters also seek employees with soft skills, as they are aware of their link to the successful maintenance and execution of a job.
When applying to universities, you can emphasise any collaborative projects or group activities you've been part of and explain how you contributed to the team's success while fostering a positive environment. For example, you could mention your experience as a mentor or tutor, helping and supporting other students.
During your time at university, you will likely be working in small groups to accomplish shared goals through teamwork and collaboration. This may be done through group discussions, group presentations, and group-sharing activities. It is important to effectively communicate and collaborate with your team members to achieve your goals.
To improve your teamwork skills, you can participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or study groups where you can work with others to achieve a common goal. You can also take on leadership roles or volunteer for positions that require collaboration, such as writing for the university paper or participating in a business case club. These experiences will help you develop your teamwork skills and contribute to your university's community.
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Community-based initiatives
Volunteering and Service
Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute to the community and make a positive impact. Students can look for volunteer opportunities in their local area, such as at community centres, shelters, or environmental initiatives. Many universities also have clubs and organisations dedicated to community service, which students can join to meet like-minded individuals and make a difference. For example, Harvard University has a student-run, community-based nonprofit organisation offering over 80 programs serving thousands of low-income individuals in Greater Boston.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Extracurricular activities and clubs provide excellent opportunities for students to contribute to their university community. These clubs often organise or participate in community projects, and students can take on leadership roles to increase their impact. For instance, students with a passion for the environment can join or start an eco-club that champions sustainability initiatives on campus and in the local area.
Special Talents and Passions
Students with special talents or passions, such as playing a musical instrument, writing, or sports, can use these skills to contribute to the university community. They can join or start clubs related to their interests, share their talents through performances or workshops, and create inclusive spaces for others to connect and learn.
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Students who have participated in diversity and inclusion initiatives can actively contribute to creating a more welcoming and inclusive university environment. They can share their experiences promoting understanding and unity and collaborate with diversity committees or clubs to foster a sense of belonging for all students.
Academic Contributions
Students can also contribute academically by sharing their intellectual curiosity and knowledge. They can offer peer tutoring, start study groups, or participate in collaborative projects. Additionally, they can pursue independent research projects or contribute to existing ones, showcasing their initiative and dedication to their field of study.
By engaging in these community-based initiatives, students can leave a lasting, positive impact on their university and the wider community, gaining valuable experiences and making meaningful connections along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
This question is your chance to show how you will make the university a better place. Avoid answers that focus on grades, test scores, or other academic achievements. Instead, talk about your hobbies and passions, and how they will enrich campus life. For example, you could discuss your:
- Passion for science fiction
- Baking skills
- Ability to fix bicycles
- Experience in mentoring others
- Interest in joining or starting a sports team
- Special talents, such as playing an instrument
Students can contribute to university life in a variety of ways, including:
- Participating in extracurricular activities, such as clubs or sports
- Volunteering their services
- Getting involved in student government or a spirit organization
- Becoming a student mentor, tutor, or ambassador
- Joining or starting a study group
It's important to provide a unique and persuasive response that showcases your personality and best traits. Consider how your answer differs from those of other applicants. For example, instead of simply stating that you plan to join clubs, provide specific examples of how you will contribute to existing clubs or start your own.
Emphasize any collaborative projects or group activities you've participated in and explain how you contributed to their success while fostering a positive environment. For example, you could discuss a group project you shepherded or a study group you organized.
If you've had unique cultural experiences or opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives, such as studying abroad or participating in international programs, discuss how these experiences have broadened your worldview. Explain how you'll contribute to the university's diversity and global initiatives by sharing your perspectives and engaging with others.
