FRESHMAN TIMELINE FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Freshman year is when extracurricular activities usually get started. Begin exploring some activities by talking with your high school counselor, Dean of Students and teachers about what your interests and talents are and the kinds of activities that might fit you. Also, speak with older students about what they think is really fun, interesting, or meaningful at school. Pay attention to what people who appear to be like you seem to be doing. Don’t be afraid to explore. If one activity doesn’t meet your needs, then find another that does. Freshman year is the perfect time to taste and discover.

• Plan something useful, fun and/or interesting for the summer before your sophomore year.

• Also, don’t forget to keep a record of everything you do, as well as any awards or honors you receive. Colleges want to know about these things, even as early as your freshman year.

SOPHOMORE TIMELINE FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Sophomore year is the time to pare down and focus your activities to three or four activities or interests based on what you really enjoy. See how you might develop each area into something significant. For example, if you are a singer, audition for your school’s select singing group. What about taking lessons from the school choir director or a singing teacher outside school? If your school puts on musical productions, find out how you can become a cast member, maybe even get a role. Check out opportunities outside of school as well. Does your church have a choir? Is there a singing group in the city that you might join? What about attending a special summer music program? If your family takes a trip, be sure to ask them to slip in some musical events. If your school doesn’t offer what you like, then create it: found a club, start a team, form a group.

• Even as you develop certain activities, keep exploring other interests as possibilities come up.

• Make plans for a useful, fun and/or interesting summer before your junior summer.

• Don’t forget to keep a record of everything you do, as well as any awards or honors you get.