Participating in super-curricular activities can greatly enhance your university application. However, keep in mind that simply reading a book or attending a lecture won't automatically make you a more competitive candidate. It is essential to reflect on what you have learnt, and what skills you have acquired.
Reflection is perhaps the most important part of super-curricular activities. It shows skills such as independent thinking and the ability to draw abstract conclusions, as well as your commitment to understanding the subject beyond the syllabus.
We recommend that you keep an active reflection log.
After completing each activity or reading a book try to answer the following questions in detail:
What was the main argument? What key theories were discussed? What have you learnt?
Has your perception or view of the subject matter changed? What did you agree or disagree with and why?
How can you explore this topic further?
The answers to these questions will form the basis of the reflections and themes of your personal statement.
Try making your notes straight after you finish the activity to record your most immediate conclusions, which tend to be the most insightful and valuable.