Profile Building For US Admissions: Things You Should Know

Admission to U.S. university has a holistic admissions process that employs innovative methods to assess candidature fairly and add to the talent and diversity on campus. This allows students to showcase not just their academic achievements and strength but also their extra curricular repertoire which would help them in profile building for U.S. admissions.

Participation in extracurricular activities helps you with profile building and universities determine applicant’s fit in the student community and provides a window into how the student might engage with opportunities once they arrive on campus. For undergraduate admissions, universities are most interested in understanding the student’s journey from Classes 9 through 12.

Funding at the undergraduate level, such as that through merit and talent-based scholarships is also awarded based on this information. Students also use the undergraduate essay in the application to elaborate on these activities, thereby giving insights on the interests and values of the student.

Participation In Extracurricular Activities Helps You With Profile Building

When it comes to U.S. admissions, one often comes across the term “profile-building”. Profile-building is an activity or a process to gain skills and competence to enhance your chances of achieving your academic and professional goals, in this case, the prospect of U.S. admissions.

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Common Errors Students Make

Students go to great lengths for profile building to show that they are strong candidates. However, many students miss considering their motivators and goals, only to start planning based on peer pressure or notions of a set formula that one must follow. Students also mistakenly try to fit themselves into a mold that they feel will be impressive to the universities. Students and parents often ignore the first steps of reflection and introspection towards strong profile building and application to just jump into making lists of things to do, basing it on what they hear from their friends and family members.

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First Steps For Building A Profile

Students of Classes 9, 10, and 11 have an opportunity to start early for profile building for U.S. admissions . They can start with creating an activities’ bucket list and a roadmap that will help them chart out a plan for each year.

A good place to start would be to begin by weighing the following factors and reflecting on some of these questions:-

• If you reflect on past years and ask yourself questions such, "What do I want to do?," "What haven't I been able to do yet?," "What else did I do last year other my studies?," and "May I do anything more or different this year?" you can set objectives for the upcoming semester or year. This will help you in better profile building.
• You can answer the question "What is the goal of that activity?" by making notes. and "What excites me, influences me, or bothers me?”
• Check to see if the activity you are engaging in contributes to long-term self-development objectives that go beyond profile building. "Do I want to continue doing this in or after college?"
• The only thing in a person's power is how they choose to spend their time. Therefore, it's crucial to make one's own decisions and defy peer pressure.
• “If I don’t have opportunity A, can I explore opportunity B ?” and “Do I have a plan B?”. Doing this can help you in better profile building.
• When do I want to accomplish this objective? Am I setting realistic goals for myself? Achieve I have the time and energy to do this?

Some students do better with schedules and are spontaneous. An individual may not feel productive or motivated at all times so it's okay to have moments of repose.

See If The Activity You Are Engaging In Contributes To Long-Term Self-Development Objectives

What Should You Include?

Generally in U.S. admissions, students can showcase achievements in up to 10 extracurricular activities from their time in high school. These can include participation in clubs, groups, organisations, sports teams and debating circles, and so on. Each student’s list can vary from another and there is no list of preferred activities. Students must build their profiles based on their interests, passions, curiosities, and strengths. Here are just a few activities that one can participate in for profile building for U.S. admissions:-

• Study and prepare for the standardised examinations that you plan to take later in the year.
• Visit colleges to update your list of choices; most universities offer virtual tours.
• Apply for internships and scholarships.
• Revamp your résumé, cover letter, essays and so on.
• Helping the community by volunteering is a good way of profile building.
• Upskill by trying out a new activity or by learning at a new school or online platform.
• Including practical training skills through an internship or volunteer work is another good way of profile building.
• Build research skills through research projects.
• Have fun and do not forget to relax.

In U.S. Admissions, Students Can Showcase Achievements In Up To 10 Extracurricular Activities

While choosing activities for profile building for U.S. admissions, students must think about longevity and depth. It is beneficial to showcase activities that have been done over a period of time and demonstrate extensive knowledge rather than an activity that you may have participated in for 1-2 weeks. Active participation and preferably leadership positions will also hold students in good stead. Students need to be proactive and creative in finding opportunities, especially in uncertain times such as the pandemic for better profile building. Universities also like to see problem solving and engagement with the community. Volunteering for organisations to work for a cause shows commitment to your environment and community and is a great opportunity for profile building for U.S. admissions.

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 500 trained advisers operating from 430+ international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. EducationUSA helps students with guided advising on the application process. They can be reached at educationusa.state.gov