Activities Show Character, Not Just Commitment

Grades reveal academic readiness, but activities show character, values, and skills beyond the classroom. Colleges want to know how a student will contribute to campus life.

Adam Miller of Whitman College puts it simply: “When listing activities, think broadly. A part-time job, caring for siblings, or involvement in a faith community all ‘count.’ They show how you spend your time and what matters to you.”

For parents, this means helping your teen see that the everyday responsibilities they carry can matter just as much as formal leadership titles.

Quality Over Quantity

One of the biggest myths is that students need to do everything. Admissions leaders consistently push back. Rick Clark of Georgia Tech says, “It is not about doing everything. It is about doing some things well. Impact is more important than involvement.”

A handful of meaningful commitments, pursued over time, makes a stronger impression than a dozen scattered activities. If your teen’s schedule is overloaded, it may be time to focus on fewer activities where they can make a genuine difference.

The Role of Growth and Initiative

Admissions officers want to see how a student has grown. Did they step into new responsibilities? Did they move from participant to leader, or from consumer to creator?

Matthew Hyde of Trinity College advises: “Take the time to reflect on who you are, why you are, what’s important to you, and how you hope to learn and grow in the years to come.”

Jay Jacobs of the University of Vermont adds: “Treat the application as your story. With each new piece that the admission committee engages with, we should learn something new from you.”

Parents can help by asking questions that bring out growth: How have you changed through this activity? What skills have you developed? What impact have you had on others?

Intellectual Curiosity Counts

Admissions officers are also looking for signs of curiosity. It’s not just about leadership, it’s about showing a drive to learn beyond the classroom. That curiosity might look like teaching yourself a coding language, running an experiment, or exploring an idea through a personal project.

Encouraging your teen to follow their natural interests, even if they don’t align neatly with a club or title, shows colleges that they are an active learner.

Community and the Common Good

More than ever, colleges value students who connect with and contribute to their communities. Chrystal Russell of Hampden-Sydney College reminds families, “Whether it’s a structured organization, work, or watching over family members, that time is showcasing leadership, time management skills, and your interests.”

Community work does not need to be grand or global. It can be as simple as consistent volunteering, mentoring a younger student, or organizing something small that helps others.

How Parents Can Support

Your role is not to manage your teen’s résumé but to help them notice what matters and commit deeply. Here are a few practical steps:

• Encourage exploration early. Freshman and sophomore years are a time to try new activities and see what resonates.
• Promote focus as they grow. By junior year, guide them toward the few activities that align with their strengths and goals.
• Celebrate pivots. If they switch from one interest to another, frame it as growth, not failure.
• Ask about impact. Keep asking, “What changed because you were involved?”
• Highlight curiosity. Support projects or questions your teen pursues on their own, even if they don’t come with formal recognition.