The Best Extracurriculars for College
When you enter high school, you are told from day one that high school extracurriculars are a component of the college application process. Parents nag you about it. Counselors and teachers lecture you about their importance.
If you are college-bound, you know you need them, but do you know what they are and how to find them? Do you know how much value colleges place on them when evaluating your application? Do you know how many extracurriculars you need to impress admissions officers? Do you know which activities colleges look for?
Answering these questions should help you determine the best extracurriculars for college.
What are extracurriculars?
Extracurriculars are activities that students engage in outside the traditional academic curriculum. They enhance your college resume and help in personal growth and development. These activities encompass various interests, including sports, arts, community service, clubs, and more. They provide students with opportunities to develop skills, explore interests, and demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
Whether you’re just starting high school or are in your senior year, finding the right extracurricular activities is key to enhancing your college resume and creating a positive impression on your college applications. It’s important to note that extracurriculars do not have to be sponsored by your school so there are limitless possibilities.
How should you approach extracurriculars?
Approach them with a planned purpose. Begin by examining your likes and dislikes and trying out some activities. You don’t need a long list; just a few you enjoy and are willing to commit to. Think outside the box and remember that all activities don’t need to be school-related. One of my students gained admission and a scholarship because an admissions officer thought his hobby of raising carrier pigeons was unique. The possibilities are endless based on your interests.
When should you start getting involved with extracurriculars?
The ideal time to start is early in high school. This gives you time to show a long-term commitment. It also gives you time to gain a leadership role, which looks good on college applications.
You can begin your exploration into extracurriculars by:
· Joining clubs or groups at school
· Getting involved in your church and its outreach activities
· Volunteering in career paths that interest you or relate to your intended college major
· Pursuing your passions
· Becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business
· Starting a charity for a cause you relate to
It’s never too late, however, to start getting involved. Even a desperate last-minute appearance at a charity event or beach cleanup your senior year is better than no extracurriculars.
Don’t underestimate how colleges view hobbies, either. What you pursue on your own time can give them a glimpse into your unique personality and interests. The best advice: don’t dabble in many activities, but be committed and consistent in at least one.
How do you find extracurriculars?
Finding the right extracurricular activities involves exploring your interests and looking for opportunities both within and outside your school. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Explore school clubs and organizations—Most high schools offer a variety of clubs and organizations, from debate and drama to robotics and environmental clubs. Attend club fairs and meetings to see what piques your interest.
Get involved in your community—Look for opportunities in your community, such as volunteering at local shelters, hospitals, or libraries.
Search online—Websites like VolunteerMatch, VolunteerNow, The United Way, and local community boards can provide information about clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities in your area.
Ask for recommendations—Talk to teachers, counselors, and older students about extracurricular opportunities. They can provide insights and suggestions based on your interests and strengths.
Seek activities aligned with your interests—Are you interested in sports? Are you passionate about performing? Are you creative? Do you have an idea for a business?
How many extracurriculars should you have?
In the Common Application, there are ten spaces provided to list activities. Just because space is available, don’t feel you must load the application up with activities.
Harvard University studied the admission policy of some top universities and found similar wording from the colleges when describing extracurriculars:
· Depth of involvement is more impressive than breadth
· Focus on a limited number of interests that demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion
· Demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion related to a major or a career goal
· Show examples of initiative and leadership skills
Colleges confirm when reviewing extracurricular activities, the quality or level of commitment of involvement counts more than the quantity of your activities. In addition, when listing the activities, it’s preferred that you list activities in order of importance, highlighting your commitments and accomplishments.
Padding your resume with activities that require minimal commitment to fill the ten boxes on the Common Application will not impress admissions officers.
My son conveyed quality by participating in an NJROTC program all four years of high school, rising in the ranks each year until he was an officer. This demonstrated his level of commitment and his leadership skills. One student I worked with participated in church-sponsored mission trips throughout high school, demonstrating her commitment to a cause while learning about different cultures and serving those less fortunate than herself.
Even though colleges are not looking for a set number, they expect you to communicate your purpose for participating in the extracurricular. Emphasize the skills you learned and be specific.
Do colleges put much focus on extracurriculars?
Extracurriculars are only part of your college application. Colleges focus more heavily on academic performance, difficulty of course load, and standardized test scores when making an admission decision. Extracurriculars, however, give admissions officers insight into the student’s personality and ability to adapt in a collegiate environment.
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. These investigations, in education journals, medical research, from the National Institutes of Health, and science journals all agree that extracurricular activities connect to improved academic success.
According to CrimsonEducation.org, “The kinds of connections and benefits vary, based on the type of activities, the individual, and other factors. From promoting better attendance to boosting ‘executive function’ — like organization and time management skills — extracurricular participation is an exciting way to set yourself up for a more positive school life and better academic achievement as well.”
Researchers have found positive connections between extracurricular participation and academic success:
· Higher GPA; higher scores on math and reading assessments
· More consistent attendance and a higher probability of graduation
· Increased academic aspirations and easier transition to college
· Positive social interactions
· Improved study habits including time management, effective routines, and consistency
Whether it’s better focus and concentration when you’re studying for exams, or better results managing your time, extracurricular activities have clear benefits for academic performance and success inside the classroom while providing added benefits outside the classroom. These qualities are beneficial in conveying the characteristics that colleges look for in prospective students.
What are some good extracurriculars to impress colleges?
The best extracurriculars will be the ones that match your interests and your passions. Colleges want to know what makes you unique and extracurricular activities help you stand out. Here are some examples of good extracurriculars that can strengthen your college application:
1. Leadership roles: Being a club president, team captain, or leader of any organization shows initiative and leadership skills.
2. Academic clubs: Participation in academic clubs such as the Math Club, Science Olympiad, or Debate Club demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic excellence.
3. Community service: Volunteering at local shelters, tutoring programs, or environmental cleanups highlights your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.
4. Arts and music: Involvement in theater, band, choir, or art clubs showcases creativity and dedication to the arts.
5. Sports: Playing on school or community sports teams displays teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
6. Internships and work experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs related to your field of interest can provide valuable insights and skills.
7. Special interest clubs: Joining or starting clubs related to personal interests, such as a chess club, coding club, or environmental club, can reflect your passion and initiative.
8. Student government: Being part of the student council or other leadership positions within the school can demonstrate your leadership abilities and commitment to your school community.
9. Personal passions: Sharing your expertise in an area where you have strong knowledge through blogging, setting up a website, starting a business, creating a social media channel or starting a podcast demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to help others.
Check the CrimsonEducation.org blog for specific examples of extracurricular activities that look great on college applications.
Follow this advice when considering extracurriculars
If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, you should ideally have an idea of the activities you want to focus on. Remember not to overextend yourself, especially if you're beyond freshman year. It's more valuable to invest significant time in a few activities than to have a lengthy list. Choose activities that will enable you to make a meaningful impact, for your personal growth or within the community. Choose quality over quantity.
Extracurriculars are only one part of the college application. Don’t spend so much time focusing on them that you neglect academics. A well-balanced student possesses all the qualities to impress college admissions officers.
