Passion Projects
Guides and articles addressing passion projects, one of the common challenges students face during the admissions process.
February 17, 2026
College Extracurriculars at Elite Schools: What to Expect
Find out what top college extracurriculars are like. Students discuss the upsides and downsides of extracurriculars at top colleges.
How to Spend Your Summers in High School (By Grade)
Use summer strategically: build a spike, create real impact, launch passion projects, show leadership, and think like a future researcher for top colleges.
How to Fill Out the Common App Activities Section (With Real Examples)
Master the Common App Activities section with this guide on using your 150-character limit. Learn to use action verbs and measurable results to stand out.
February 12, 2026
Top 20 Most Unique Extracurriculars for College Applications (2026 Edition)
20 unique extracurricular examples ranked by impact, initiative, and risk—plus how to build a standout college resume in 2026.
July 10, 2025
College Admissions Strategies: Early Planning vs. Senior Year
Starting early in college planning—especially in grades 9–11—gives students more time to build strong academic, extracurricular, and personal profiles. This blog compares early vs. senior-year planning strategies, showing how timing shapes outcomes, reduces stress, and creates more competitive applications. Whether you're planning years ahead or need senior-year support, Dewey Smart helps you make the most of your timeline.
May 26, 2025
Standout Activities for Top University Admission
While GPA and test scores open doors, extracurricular activities are what make admissions officers at top universities say "yes" to your application.
May 7, 2025
How NYC Students Can Build a Standout College Application
How NYC Students Can Build a Standout College Application (Without Burning Out)College admissions in New York City is a high-stakes game. With thousan...
NYC High School Extracurriculars: Building a "Spike" to Stand Out
A Brooklyn Tech grad reveals how he beat 600 peers to land 30+ acceptances. Learn the power of niche passions, NYC-specific strategies, and why "laundry essays" outperform trauma stories.
January 15, 2025
Summer Programs: A Launchpad for College Admissions
Colleges love students who demonstrate passion, initiative, and a commitment to growth, and participating in a summer program is a great way to stand out. Whether you’re diving into STEM research, honing your artistic talents, or exploring leadership and business, these programs help you build valuable skills, explore career paths, and show colleges you’re serious about your future. Many programs have deadlines as early as January, February, or March, so now is the perfect time to start planning. Popular options include MIT LaunchX for STEM students, RISD Pre-College for artists, and Harvard’s Pre-College Program for aspiring leaders. At Dewey Smart, we specialize in guiding students toward the best-fit programs that align with their goals. From application support to crafting standout essays, our team ensures you make the most of every opportunity. Let us help you kickstart 2025 with confidence and purpose!
Volunteering & Community Service
Students must combine their personal passions with Volunteering & Community Service opportunities in order to truly stand-out.
December 11, 2023
How to Do High School Humanities Projects
There are essentially two different types of high school humanities projects: research and creative arts projects.
December 11, 2023
High School Passion Project: Impress Your Dream School
The most universally appreciated and accessible task for a high schooler to do is a high school passion project.
