College Admission Counselor Perceptions: The Influences of Extracurricular Activity Involvement on the College Admission Decision

Abstract

The perceptions of college admissions counselors and what importance extracurricular activity involvement has on the college admission decision were examined in this study. A regional study anonymously surveyed admissions counselors of 18 private and public institutions to determine the perceived value of extracurricular activity involvement and its influence on the college admission decision. Compared to other important factors that impact admissions decision, extracurricular activity involvement was perceived to play a moderately important role. Additionally, admissions counselors identify that extracurricular activity involvement implies a student’s ability to be successful at a post-secondary institution. Together, these findings reveal that extracurricular activity involvement does play a significant part in how an applicant is viewed by an institution. Keywords: extracurricular activity, admissions decision, educational attainment