work with you on a project, such as a recycling program, a canned food drive, or
a community rhubarb garden. Being a leader (editor of the school paper, captain
of the basketball team) is more impressive than just being a member of a club
that meets once a week. And one last bonus tip: One activity that you’ve taken
seriously is a lot more memorable than seven or eight activities. So if you are
currently racing from the chess club to the glee club to the French culture
appreciation society, you might be wasting a lot of energy. Pick the one or two
extracurriculars you like best, and excel in them.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A great recommendation can make a big difference. Ask teachers who know you
well and who you think have good things to say about you. Try to choose
someone with whom you have a real connection—the teachers you actually
think you’ll want to see at your high school reunion in ten years. If you are
reading this book in early junior year, you still have time to cultivate a
relationship with a teacher. And if it’s later than that, well, it’s never too late to
start.