* Specific: Avoid vague statements like "They're a great team player." Provide concrete examples.
* Quantifiable: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate the impact.
* Positive: Highlight positive attributes and contributions.
* Relevant: Focus on activities relevant to the context (e.g., a leadership role is more impactful than simply participating).
Here are some examples of how you can structure your answer, depending on the candidate's activities:
Example 1: Focus on leadership:
"Beyond academics, [Candidate Name] is a highly active member of the debate team, serving as captain this year. They led the team to a regional victory, significantly improving our overall performance and mentoring newer members. Their leadership skills were instrumental in boosting team morale and fostering a collaborative environment."
Example 2: Focus on community service:
"[Candidate Name] consistently volunteers for the school's annual food drive. Last year, they helped collect over 150 pounds of food, exceeding the previous year's total. Their dedication and enthusiasm inspire others to participate and contribute to our community."
Example 3: Focus on extracurricular involvement:
"[Candidate Name] is a dedicated member of the school orchestra, consistently attending rehearsals and performances. They are a valuable contributor to the ensemble, demonstrating commitment and teamwork. Their participation enhances the school's artistic reputation."
Example 4: If the candidate has limited extracurricular involvement:
"While [Candidate Name]'s focus has primarily been on their academic studies, they have consistently shown a willingness to help out where needed. For example, they volunteered to assist with setting up for school events and have always been readily available to help classmates who need assistance." (This is honest and avoids overselling. Focus on positive qualities even if there aren't many extracurriculars.)
Key points to remember:
* Prepare in advance: Gather information about the candidate's activities beforehand.
* Be truthful: Don't exaggerate or fabricate accomplishments.
* Show, don't tell: Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate's contributions rather than just stating them.
* Connect to the school's values: If possible, relate the candidate's contributions to the school's mission or values.
By using specific examples and quantifiable results, you can effectively communicate the candidate's significant contributions to the school outside the classroom.