It is not uncommon for high school students to dream of attending a specific college. In pursuit of their goals, students may participate in extracurricular activities solely to enhance their resumes. Clubs like BLS Model United Nations, BLS Speech and Debate and even the Argo are common academic extracurricular choices for students seeking to build their resume. But despite its questionable nature, resume-building is necessary, especially in a hyper-competitive environment like Boston Latin School.
Colleges expect applicants to have already discovered their career interests when applying for a major. Joining various clubs can offer many benefits, including exposing oneself to a diverse range of experiences that assist in professional development.
The value of the ability to build a compelling resume extends beyond college applications — it is a lifelong skill. John Butz (I), currently in the college application process, asserts, “I think the most critical element is to show [that] you are someone beyond the field you are applying for. In a work environment, everyone who is applying for the same position has qualifications, and employers are looking for characteristics that can prove you work well with other people and can solve problems with critical thinking.”
BLS luckily offers many opportunities for students to take the initiative to explore their pursuits in life. Students who find their aspirations earlier in their high school career can gain a significant advantage, directing their attention to the clubs that are truly relevant to their future.
Many, however, argue that it’s not quite so simple. Crafting the perfect resume can feel like navigating an endless maze, especially for younger students who often struggle to determine whether they should fill them with numerous extracurricular activities or showcase their interests and passions. Although the pressure to build an impressive resume is undeniable, it’s crucial to find a balance between quantity and authenticity.
Admissions officers are becoming increasingly adept at distinguishing genuine passion from filler activities. Many colleges now emphasize the importance of commitment when evaluating involvement in extracurriculars. No matter the scenario, students will stand out more by staying committed to a few activities that truly resonate with them. Juggling too many clubs may only overwhelm students and lead to increased chances of burnout.
Bill Chen (I) believes that “commitment is an important aspect of a college resume. Commitment demonstrates to colleges that a student is dedicated and passionate. Students who show commitment through long-term involvement in extracurricular activities establish that they can see projects through.”
But this argument only emphasizes the importance of productive resume-building. It is virtually impossible for students to become committed to particular extracurriculars if they do not first engage in a multitude of them to determine which ones they actually want to dedicate themselves to. While the idea of more clubs may seem overwhelming at first, it can also become a chance to explore a wide range of possible interests.
Many colleges also appreciate pupils with a mix of diverse interests; involvement in arts, sports or community service presents a well-rounded picture of a student. By joining different clubs, students can discover hidden talents and develop an all-encompassing skill set, something equally, if not more, important than commitment on paper. Engaging in clubs also allows students to gain connections with those who share similar interests and friends who can support them in school.
Partaking in various activities can also be an opportunity to step outside one’s comfort zone. Each club presents unique challenges and demands, encouraging students to develop new skills and face unfamiliar situations.
As Michael Tran (I) puts it, “I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about building a resume; it’s about building myself. Each club opens me to new skills and challenges, shaping not only my high school experience but also preparing me for the future.”
Here in the competitive environment of BLS, even sixies are encouraged to join as many clubs as possible to find their interests and passions. A large part of the BLS journey inevitably involves preparation for a successful future college and work life. So as we make new friends and take on new hobbies throughout our academic careers, let us not forget that ultimately, productive resume-building is a helpful tool to be embraced, not to be feared.