Let's dive into three big trends that are reshaping what colleges really want to see from you:

1. Character and Purpose, Not Just Achievements

Gone are the days when a long list of clubs and awards was enough to impress admissions officers. Today, colleges are more interested in who you are as a person and what drives you. They want to see that spark – the activities that give you a sense of purpose and help you grow.

Jeffrey Brenzel, former Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University, puts it perfectly: "We're looking for quality rather than quantity. We'd much rather see a student who is deeply committed to and has shown leadership in one or two activities than a student who has dabbled in 10 or 12."

What to focus on:

• Find activities that genuinely excite you
• Stick with them over time to show commitment
• Reflect on how these experiences have shaped you

Remember, it's not about impressing others – it's about discovering yourself. Colleges want to see the real you, not a carefully crafted image.

2. Contributions to Community

Making a difference in your community is becoming more important than ever. Colleges are looking for students who care about the world around them and take action to improve it.

This trend is backed by some interesting stats. A study found that participation in civic activities like volunteering has been on the rise. By 2020, 37% of girls and 27% of boys were taking part in such activities, up from 33.5% and 24% respectively in 1998.

Stu Schmill, Dean of Admissions at MIT, emphasizes this point: "It's not about doing the most impressive-sounding things or padding a resume. It's about finding activities you genuinely enjoy and making an impact."

What to focus on:

• Identify real needs in your school or local community
• Take initiative to address these needs
• Measure and reflect on the impact of your efforts

Whether it's tutoring struggling classmates, organizing a food drive, or starting an environmental club, look for ways to make a positive change in your world.

3. Connection to Academics: Fit to Major and Intellectual Curiosity

Colleges are increasingly interested in how your extracurriculars connect to your academic interests and demonstrate intellectual curiosity. They want to see that you're not just learning in the classroom, but actively exploring and engaging with your interests outside of it.

Stanford University's admissions website emphasizes this point: "Depth, not breadth, of experience is most meaningful to the admissions committee." This means diving deep into activities that align with your academic passions or potential major.

But don't worry if you're undecided about your major! Colleges also value intellectual curiosity across various fields. The key is to show that you're eager to learn and explore ideas beyond the classroom.

What to focus on:

• Participate in subject-specific clubs or competitions related to your interests
• Seek out internships, research opportunities, or projects in your field of study
• Explore diverse intellectual pursuits that demonstrate your curiosity and love of learning

For example, if you're interested in environmental science, you might join an ecology club, participate in local conservation efforts, and attend lectures on climate change. Or if you love literature, you could write for the school newspaper, start a book club, and attend poetry readings.