For an audio version of this guide, listen to our podcast episode breakdown: Your browser does not support the audio element. Understanding the "Richard Method"
Keep meticulous metrics of your progress (money raised, people served, lines of code written, papers published). Phase 3: The Cold-Email Campaign (Junior Year Summer)
Every meaningful extracurricular falls into one of these buckets. Richard’s advice: Pick one category to master, one as a secondary. extracurricular activities richard guide full
[Academic Interest: Chemistry] │ ├─► [Activity 1: University Lab Research] ──► (Tier 1/2) ├─► [Activity 2: Chemistry Olympiad Coach] ─► (Tier 3 Leadership) └─► [Activity 3: Science Blog Creator] ────► (Tier 3 Innovation) Action Plan by High School Year Freshmen Year: Exploration Join 5–6 diverse clubs to test your interests. Identify your core passions and strengths. Build solid relationships with faculty advisors. Sophomore Year: Narrowing Focus Cut down participation to 3 core activities. Seek out minor leadership roles or committee positions. Initiate your first independent project or research idea. Junior Year: Peak Execution Secure top executive positions in your chosen clubs. Compete at the regional, state, or national level.
Placing in state-level athletic, debate, or musical competitions. For an audio version of this guide, listen
A commitment from 9th through 12th grade is far more impressive than sporadic participation.
Longevity and sustained interest over multiple years. Richard’s advice: Pick one category to master, one
Participating in extracurricular activities has numerous benefits for students. Some of the most significant advantages include:
: When you return to the shelter, offer to help Richard with the vegetable garden