Including Religious Activities on Your College Application Resume

The question of whether religious activities should be included on your college application resume might depend on the specific context and the nature of the activity. While well-meaning yet harsh statements like 'if not attending a seminary, it’s better to leave them out' can be a bit prejudiced, it’s essential to understand the importance of demonstrating leadership, dedication, and positive change.

Religious activities such as choir, hiking, sports events, and being a team leader can indeed enrich your application. They can highlight your leadership skills, your ability to contribute to the community, and the use of your talents. If you can provide a detailed description of the activity and explain its impact, it can be particularly compelling to admissions officers. For instance, if you’ve led a choir, mention the roles you played, the impact of the performances, and any community service projects associated with the choir.

A Well-Structured Example

For example, if you were a Sunday school teacher and managed a mentoring program for young people, which resulted in a noticeable reduction in gang and drug activities in your community, this would be a strong addition to your resume. Include specific outcomes, such as a 30% reduction in delinquency rates or the implementation of a food bank that reduced hunger among the community by 20%, and any awards or recognitions you received. Providing measurable results and specific outcomes will make your application more impactful.

Similarly, if you’re already a licensed lay preacher and have preached at a national meeting of your denomination, this experience can demonstrate your leadership and commitment. Mentoring younger people who express interest in preaching or sharing faith, and seeing them progress and mentor others, provides a strong narrative of your influence and dedication. Highlighting such achievements can make your application stand out.

Discretion and Sensitivity

While religious activities can be valuable additions to your application, it’s crucial to exercise discretion. For instance, being part of a protest organized by Fred Phelps, known for controversial and offensive statements, might not be the best thing to mention. Such activities could overshadow the positive contributions you’ve made. It’s important to focus on activities that reflect positively on you and highlight your leadership and impact.

Admissions officers are interested in understanding your character, leadership, and community service. They want to see evidence of your dedication and the positive changes you’ve brought about. Therefore, it’s essential to provide a detailed description of the activities and their impact. This will help admissions officers understand the value you bring to their institution and the communities they serve.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, religious activities can certainly enhance your college application resume, but it’s important to focus on those that demonstrate leadership, excellence, and positive impact. By emphasizing your leadership roles, the positive changes you’ve brought about, and any recognitions or awards you’ve received, you can make a compelling case for your application. Always remember, it’s about the narratives and outcomes that make your application stand out.