IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA-CURRICULARS
LEARNING BEYOND BOOKS
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination –
Sir Albert Einstein.
KNOW WHY
HAVE YOU ever wondered why Universities like to know your extra-curricular activities and involvement in social work, sports, adventure etc?
ALL WORK & NO PLAY
THIS IS because of the age-old saying – All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And more importantly, imagination does not blossom unless you explore the diverse and difficult terrain of the real world.
VALUE ADDITION
ANOTHER ASPECT foreign University Admissions Committees weigh before selecting a candidate is what value a student can add to the class. Thus, those who are part of varied groups and multiple interests can bring new thinking to the class, which can broaden others’ horizon.
TEAM LEARNING
AS UNIVERSITIES put a lot of emphasis on team learning, whereby participants share as also challenge each others ideas, beliefs and knowledge, extra-curricullar interests turn out to be a determining factor in not just the success of the student concerned but also of the entire academic batch. Hence, MBA application essays and statement of purpose should portray diversity of thinking among candidates.
BOOKISH LEARNERS
WHILE HAVING a strong academic background is desirable for top university admissions, but having no real world experiences make such students bookish learners.
REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES
OUR EXPERIENCE as MBA admission consultants has been all studies abroad aspirants concentrate only on past academic record and GRE/GMAT/SAT scores. However, they need to look beyond mere academic credentials and show your responsive nature to the planet outside. For, in this infinite world, what we learn in our curricullum is neglible compared to the wisdom we can gain by our active association to the earth we inhabit.
A GREAT THINKER
THEREFORE, ALL students should simultaneously participate in different activities – be it social, cultural, political, economic, sports, adventure – or for that matter any or every activity that interests you. Writing in your university application essays or statement of purpose how you could acquire a new vision and a different thinking pattern because of the wisdom gained through your diverse engagements prove that you are a holistic thinker and integrated learner. One can apply to the top 10 Univerisities even with average academic background and a not very high GRE/GMAT/SAT scores if applicants can prove they hold a really broad profile.