Last December, SSI’s college counseling team, Ms. Linda and Ms. Song, hosted a special seminar for 11th-grade students who are preparing for the upcoming college application process. The session was designed to help students better understand how to present their experiences and plan ahead with confidence.

The seminar began with Ms. Linda’s presentation on extracurricular activities and their importance in college admissions. She explained that activities are more than just a list of achievements—they reflect who students are, what they care about, and how they choose to spend their time. To help students prepare more effectively, she introduced different types and levels of extracurricular activities, providing useful guidance for future planning. 

Ms. Linda also covered the basics of résumés and the Common App activities section. She explained that students can list up to 10 activities and 5 awards on the application and reassured students that the counseling team would support them in brainstorming and identifying meaningful experiences. In addition, she shared practical tips and strong examples of how to write about activities in a clear and compelling way. 

Following this, Ms. Song led a session on the purpose and value of having a résumé. She guided students through logging into Cialfo and recording the activities they had participated in so far. With detailed explanations and hands-on support, she worked closely with students to ensure they understood how to document their experiences effectively and prepare for future applications. 

Overall, the seminar provided 11th graders with a valuable opportunity to think ahead, organize their achievements, and take their first confident steps toward college preparation. It was a meaningful and productive time that encouraged students to plan thoughtfully for their academic futures.