While evaluating college applications, admissions officers are looking at different things from grades and test scores to essays and extracurricular activities. These extracurricular activities are one of the most important factors that college considers. Completing these activities means you are going above and beyond your school requirements. 

Extracurriculars and Work Experience

Any candidate with well-rounded experiences is bound to have a better chance of being accepted into the top universities in Canada than one who does not. These universities know that students who can juggle a variety of priorities while earning good grades at the same time are engaged and involved in the world around them. 

Thus, keep in mind to expose yourself to as many real-world experiences as you can, from playing sports, practising music, volunteering, interning, the list really does go on!

Conveying the message

You will usually be able to convey information about all the activities you have indulged in over the years through platforms like the Admission Information Form (AIF), Personal Profile Form or Statement of Purpose (SOP). 

Remember to quantify your extra-curricular activities and work experience. 

Let’s say you play Basketball; the universities will want to know details such as:

• How many hours did you play for? – for example, 7 hours/week
• How many years did you play for? – for example, 5 years
• At what level did you play? – for example, 1st Place State level

And, maybe you also had an internship; then the universities will want to know:

• When and for how long did you work for? – for example, 1st Feb 2018 to 30th June 2018, 12 hours/week
• What were your job and your responsibilities? – for example, Marketing intern, Content writing for advertisements.
• Were you good at the job and how did you contribute to the organization? – for example, Best intern of the month, Contributed to a 20% increase in sales.

Good grades are important but top universities are always looking out for more than good grades!

At UniRely, our expert counselors can help you identify and develop your interests, suggesting extracurricular activities to make your application stand out from the rest. You can also visit our website unirely.com to get more information about the application process to universities in Canada for an undergraduate degree.