Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
When I was in high school, I was determined to get into a top-ranked school. I knew academic excellence alone wasn't enough though; extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal growth are equally crucial to school admissions committees. As an introvert at a new school where I didn’t know anyone, getting out of my comfort zone was absolutely crucial.
Starting high school, I was shy and introverted. Plus, I had recently moved to a new city and didn’t know a single person in my school. It was daunting at first; my class size was 300 students who had all gone to middle school together and already formed their social circles. My daily routine was predictable, revolving entirely around going to classes and finishing homework assignments. But I quickly realized good grades weren't going to cut it if I wanted to stand out to top-tier universities and make a positive impact on my community at school. That was what led me to brainstorm and form my first club at school.
My biggest passion throughout my entire life has been art, and I noticed our school didn't have an art club. The idea of starting one seemed overwhelming, but I decided it was something my school needed and I took the plunge. I spoke with teachers, found a club advisor, gathered interested students, and founded the Art Club. As the president, I organized events, hosted schoolwide exhibitions, and by senior year I led a mural project for the school. This not only enhanced my leadership skills but also expanded my social circle, introducing me to students, teachers, and friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise. But I knew founding a club wasn’t enough to make me a “well-rounded” student.
As an artsy and shy kid, sports were never really my strong suit, but I knew being team sports were essential for getting into good schools. That was why I joined the cross country, track, and swim teams, despite my initial reservations. The early morning practices, grueling workouts, and fierce competitions were challenging, but they also built my perseverance. By senior year, I had worked my way up to becoming a captain on all three teams. This role not only demonstrated my commitment to athletics for all 4 years of high school, but also demonstrated my teamwork and leadership abilities.
These experiences taught me something invaluable. Leading clubs and being a team captain pushed me to develop qualities that are essential for success: leadership, time management, and the ability to work under pressure. These activities also provided me with diverse experiences to draw upon in my college essays and interviews. Stepping out of my comfort zone wasn’t just about padding my resume; it was about personal growth. I learned to face my fears, embrace new challenges, and adapt to different environments. This mindset is precisely what top-tier schools look for in applicants. They want students who aren’t afraid to take risks and who can thrive in dynamic, challenging environments. Another significant benefit of getting involved were the connections I made. Networking is often underrated in high school, but the relationships you build can be incredibly beneficial. Through my extracurricular activities, I met mentors who wrote glowing recommendation letters, peers who supported and encouraged me, and younger students who looked up to me.
When it came time to apply to colleges, I had a wealth of experiences to share from. My supplemental essays weren’t just about my academic achievements but also about how I had grown as a person. I wrote about the challenges I faced starting the Art Club, the perseverance I developed through sports, and the joy of seeing my efforts create a positive impact on my community at school. When I received my acceptance letter from my dream program, it was a moment of immense pride. It wasn’t just the culmination of years of hard work in the classroom; it was also the result of pushing myself outside of my classes to do the things that scared me.
For any high schooler with dreams of attending an Ivy League or top-ranked school, my advice is simple: Get out of your comfort zone. Start that club, join that team, and take on those leadership positions. The skills, experiences, and personal growth you gain will not only make your college applications stand out but also prepare you for success in whatever you choose to do in life.
