How to demonstrate sustained commitment on the college application

Why do colleges like sustained commitment?

• Colleges tend to prefer students who are hardworking and consistent and have a high probability of graduating.
• The first reason for this preference is economics
  • Colleges suffer from a high dropout rates since most students are independent of parental control and are likely to leave for other pursuits.
  • College education is fairly expensive, and each empty seat, especially in private colleges, can affect the balance sheet
  • Demonstrating consistency by pursuing challenging courses over a period of time shows a student is likely to complete their education 
• The second factor is the college reputation
  • Colleges prefer a high retention and graduation rate, which also helps college rankings. 
  • Colleges also like to produce good alumni which can grind through corporate life, constantly contributing by demonstrating strong work ethics
• Colleges look for signs of strong work ethic and commitment through sustained commitment pursuits to protect their interests.

What do colleges look for in activities showcasing sustained commitment?

• Impact: Commitment projects must produce significant outcomes, such as prototypes or working designs that demonstrate concepts, experiments and test results, raising charitable donations and no of people helped etc. 
• Authenticity: Admission officers seek the authenticity of a solution that clearly demonstrates a structured approach in achieving outcomes, passion and enthusiasm shown in producing outcomes.
• Long-term involvement: Colleges also look for long-term involvement, depth of engagement and type of responsibility. It is not necessary that all great outcomes need long-term involvement, so such outcomes will fall under passion pursuits 
• Leadership: A student may seek help from many experts but remains central to running driving the outcomes by organizing resources and driving collaboration. 
• Personal growth: Colleges are interested in how your project has helped you grow and what you have learned from it. Reflection on challenges faced and how you overcame them can be very compelling.
• Documentation: Clear and detailed documentation of your project, including the goals, processes, outcomes, and any supporting materials like photos or reports, can help colleges understand the depth and breadth of your commitment.

What are typical examples of Sustained Commitments

1. Girl or Scout BSA: The Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA are youth organizations that aim to develop skills, leadership, and character in young people through various activities and programs.
   1. Eagle scout award, demonstrates the highest level of achievement
   2. The Gold Award challenges Girl Scouts to make a sustainable impact in their communities or the world by addressing a significant issue they care about. 
2. Sports: Pursuing sports through middle school and high school and participating in various county and state level competitions consistently as well as professional events.
3. Band and cheerleading: Pursuing band or musical ensemble and participating in high school sport event 
4. Club – Participating in middle school, playing various roles l and assuming leadership in junior year
5. Drama and art: Involvement in school plays, musical performances, art clubs, or dance teams.
6. Community service or volunteer work: Regularly volunteering at local organizations, such as food banks, animal shelters, or hospitals. Fundraising
7. Internship or pat-time jobs: Participating in internships related to career interests, gaining experience and networking. Holding a part-time job while maintaining good academic standing.