Students interested in attending an American university should know that admissions officers will base their decisions on more than just good grades and high test scores. They want to know how a student might enhance the university just by being there. A good indicator is an examination of personal interests, often illustrated by extracurricular activities.
想到美国大学就读的学生应该知道，招生官员做决定时考量的不仅是申请人是否有优异的成绩，考试分数是否够高。他们还想知道，一个学生进入一所大学，能给学校带来哪些裨益。学生的个人爱好就是一个很好的指标，通常能在课外活动中得到诠释。
Colleges appreciate an applicant who uses his or her free time proactively. Whether it's working on an advertising campaign at a formal internship, or sorting mail as an assistant for a family friend, internships can help admissions officers see how students apply skills and knowledge to a real world environment.
大学欣赏能够积极利用课余时间的申请人。无论是参与广告宣传活动的正式实习，还是为父母的朋友做助理整理信件，实习经历都能让招生官员了解，学生是如何把所学的技能和知识运用到实际中的。
Whether it's starting a blog, forming a company, making a movie, recording a song, or hosting a science fair, colleges value individual efforts because they show signs of leadership.
无论是创建博客、开办 公司、摄制电影、录制歌曲，还是举办科学展览，学校都会重视个人的努力，因为这些活动能显示出学生具备领导潜力。
With so many students applying to the United States with strong G.P.A.'s and exam scores, the extras on your resumes and in your essays could help distinguish you from another student with a similar application.
申请美国大学的学生中，很多都有极其出众的绩点(G.P.A.)和考试成绩。在简历和申请书中课外专长会让你从有类似申请材料的学生中脱颖而出。
