Every fall, millions of anxious high-achieving students embark upon their college admissions journey. In my case, I was advised to have a list of schools including what we call ‘reach’, ‘safety’, and ‘match’ schools. The way I could analyze my chances of admission was by comparing my GPA and extracurricular activity to each college’s typical student. Of course, most had a high recommended GPA and many different extracurriculars, and in an ideal sense, I would choose to have exceptional accolades in both. Yet, in a world of scarce time and resources, sometimes one can be at the cost of the other. The more valuable of the two, in my opinion, is extracurricular activity.

Repeatedly, I heard relatives and trusted advisors say something like, “If you don’t have a high GPA, you could ruin your future!” This was a common sentiment articulated to me and even more so to some of my friends, and while there is truth to this doctrine, it exaggerates reality and causes more anxiety that could prove harmful later. By no means do I believe a “bad GPA” is acceptable if you are not doing your best. Part of the benefit of secondary schooling is the discipline and work ethic you can build when you apply yourself, and colleges look for that. A good GPA lets colleges know that you take your work seriously and indicates that you as a student will thrive at their institution. Your GPA is like a first impression. First impressions, while not always make-or-break, will change how you are viewed as a candidate.

Conversely, who are you if extracurriculars are not a part of your life? A perfect GPA and minimal extracurricular involvement indicate that you are one-dimensional, an academic robot. Being defined by a number is one of the last things you want as an individual, demoralizing, to say the least. It is important to be part of extracurricular experiences that you care about. Unlike GPA, extracurriculars are not assessed by a number. The way you talk about your extracurriculars in essays and the length of time you spend with each activity are crucial to maximizing your chances of admission. Many prestigious institutions accept students with below-average GPAs who spend quality time in other activities.

Grade point Average (GPA) and extracurricular activities tend to be the most scrutinized aspects of the college admissions puzzle and for good reason. They can give a good understanding of who a student is and wants to become, but I prefer my extracurriculars. They are less anxiety-inducing and allow you to be yourself more freely. Allow yourself to relax and tune into your interests and projects. My favorite extracurricular in high school was playing chess, and it showed in my essays. I believe it was the leading reason why I was admitted to all my top universities.