24 Extracurricular Profiles for a Successful Ivy League Application
Beyond strong grades and test scores, the Ivy League and other highly selective colleges look for intellectual curiosity, community engagement and leadership in what a student does outside of class. Here are 24 sample students, each headed for a different career, and the ten activities that show it.
What the Strongest Profiles Have in Common
Academic appeal
Colleges are academic institutions, so a student's key activities should have academic substance. Music, sports and clubs show particular skills and interests, but they tend to carry less academic weight.
Results you can count and describe
The activities that stand out are both quantitative and qualitative: more than 300 trees planted or $15,000 raised, together with what the student actually did.
A path that continues
Admissions officers look for students who did something meaningful in high school and will keep doing it in college and beyond.
The 24 Profiles
These students are illustrations, not real applicants: each profile shows the kind of activity list that holds together around one interest.
Engineering and Technology
Future AI Engineer
Sample profile: Albert
- Founder of “Coding for All” Initiative
- AI Research Assistant
- First Place at State Coding Olympiad
Science and Math
Future Astrophysicist
Sample profile: Betty
- President of Astronomy Club
- Intern at NASA High School Program
- Presenter at Regional Science Fair
Engineering and Technology
Future Biomedical Engineer
Sample profile: Chris
- President of Engineering Club
- Research Assistant in Biomedical Lab
- Winner of International Science and Engineering Fair
Law, Policy and Government
Future Civil Rights Lawyer
Sample profile: Doris
- Captain of the Debate Team
- Founder of “Equal Justice Now” Club
- Volunteer at Legal Aid Society
Law, Policy and Government
Future Climate Policy Expert
Sample profile: Ethan
- President of Environmental Science Club
- Volunteer for International Climate Advocacy Group
- Presenter at Youth Climate Summit
Engineering and Technology
Future Data Scientist
Sample profile: Felicia
- Founder of Data Analytics Club
- Research Intern at University Data Lab
- First Place at National Statistics Competition
Law, Policy and Government
Future Diplomat
Sample profile: Greg
- President of Model UN
- Internship at State Department Program
- Winner of Oratory Contest
Business and Economics
Future Economist
Sample profile: Hubert
- Founder of “Econ for Teens” Program
- Economics Research Intern
- Debate Team Captain
Business and Economics
Future Entrepreneur
Sample profile: Isabel
- Founder of “Young Innovators” Club
- CEO of Small Business Startup
- Intern at Local Venture Capital Firm
Science and Math
Future Environmental Scientist
Sample profile: Jerry
- Environmental Club President
- Science Olympiad Team Captain
- Founder of “Green Tomorrow” Blog
Law, Policy and Government
Future Human Rights Advocate
Sample profile: Kelly
- President of Amnesty International Chapter
- Volunteer at Immigration Legal Aid Center
- Organizer of Schoolwide Diversity Week
Law, Policy and Government
Future International Relations Expert
Sample profile: Leslie
- President of Model United Nations Club
- Volunteer for Refugee Resettlement Agency
- Internship with Local Congressman
Media and the Arts
Future Journalist
Sample profile: Manuel
- Editor-in-Chief of School Newspaper
- Founder of Youth Journalism Club
- Intern for Local News Station
Science and Math
Future Marine Biologist
Sample profile: Nicole
- Founder of Ocean Conservation Club
- Intern at Local Aquarium
- Researcher for High School Science Project
Science and Math
Future Mathematician
Sample profile: Oscar
- National Math Olympiad Finalist
- Math Club President
- Creator of Math Problem-Solving App
Medicine and Health
Future Medical Researcher & Innovator
Sample profile: Phoebe
- Founder of “Future Doctors” Club
- Volunteer EMT Trainee
- Participant in Biomedical Research Internship
Medicine and Health
Future Mental Health Advocate
Sample profile: Steve
- Founder of “Mind Matters” Club
- Research Assistant in Neuroscience Lab
- Peer Counselor at School
Science and Math
Future Neuroscientist
Sample profile: Tricia
- Research Assistant at University Lab
- Founder of “Brain Awareness” Club
- Volunteer at a Memory Care Facility
Media and the Arts
Future Performing Arts Director
Sample profile: Ursula
- Drama Club President
- Founder of Community Theater Program
- National Thespian Society Member
Medicine and Health
Future Physician
Sample profile: Victor
- Founder of Health for Hope Club
- Volunteer at Local Children’s Hospital
- Shadowed Doctors in International Medical Program
Law, Policy and Government
Future Political Scientist
Sample profile: Wendy
- Founder of Civic Engagement Club
- Editor-in-Chief of School Newspaper
- Volunteer for Local Political Campaign
Medicine and Health
Future Public Health Advocate
Sample profile: Xavier
- Founder of “Healthy Futures” Club
- Volunteer at Local Free Clinic
- Creator of School’s Nutrition Initiative
Business and Economics
Future Social Entrepreneur
Sample profile: Yuri
- Founder of “Youth Changemakers” Organization
- Head of Fundraising for Local Food Bank
- Model UN Delegate
Engineering and Technology
Future Urban Planner
Sample profile: Zane
- Founder of “Design for Tomorrow” Club
- Internship with City Planning Office
- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
Building a Profile of Your Own
No student does all ten of anything, and none needs to. Pick the profile nearest your interests, notice which kinds of activity it combines, and choose one or two you could start this year. An Elite Prep counselor can help you plan the rest.
Download all 24 profiles as a printable PDF.Profiles last checked against the handout October 6, 2026.