Why Extracurriculars are Important
Extracurricular activities are a crucial part of a strong college application. They not only showcase your interests and passions but also demonstrate your leadership skills, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Engaging in meaningful extracurriculars can make you stand out in the competitive college admissions process. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to extracurricular activities with a variety of examples that to boost your college application.
Published by: Shunyu Yu
Academic Clubs and Competitions
Math and Science Clubs
Participating in academic clubs, such as Math Club or Science Club, can demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. These clubs often involve teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are skills highly valued by colleges.
Learn more about Science Olympiad
Model United Nations (MUN)
Engaging in Model United Nations can highlight your interest in global issues and your ability to work collaboratively. MUN involves researching countries, debating international topics, and developing solutions, which can enhance your public speaking and diplomacy skills.
Learn more about Model UN
Community Service and Volunteering
Local Volunteer
Volunteering in your local community shows colleges that you are committed to making a positive impact. Whether through a school club or a local organization, regular volunteer work demonstrates your dedication, empathy, and willingness to help others.
Learn more about volunteering opportunities
Global Service Projects:
Participating in international service projects can provide a broader perspective on global issues and cultural understanding. Programs like Global Leadership Adventures offer opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects abroad.
Learn more about Global Leadership Adventures
Sports and Athletics
Team Sports
Participation in team sports, such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball, showcases your teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Leadership roles, such as being a team captain, further enhance your application by highlighting your organizational skills.
Learn more about high school sports
Individual Sports
Engaging in individual sports, such as tennis, swimming, or track, can demonstrate your personal commitment and self-discipline. Excelling in these sports can lead to athletic scholarships and recruitment opportunities.
Learn more about individual sports opportunities
Performing Arts
Theater and Drama
Involvement in theater or drama clubs can highlight your creativity and ability to work collaboratively. Participating in school plays, musicals, or drama competitions requires dedication, practice, and performance skills.
Learn more about school theater
Music and Dance
Engaging in music or dance activities, such as choir, band, orchestra, or dance teams, showcases your artistic talents and commitment. Leadership roles, such as directing a play or choreographing a dance routine, add to your application.
Learn more about performing arts
Student Government
Student Council
Involvement in student government can showcase your leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Holding positions such as class president, treasurer, or secretary demonstrates your ability to take initiative and manage responsibilities effectively.
Learn more about student government
Peer Leadership
Acting as a peer mentor or leader in various school programs can further enhance your leadership profile. These roles often involve planning events, representing student interests, and working with school administration.
Learn more about peer leadership
Internships and Work Experience
Industry Internships
Gaining practical experience through internships in your field of interest can provide valuable insights and demonstrate your work ethic. Internships show that you are proactive and eager to gain real-world experience.
Learn more about internships
Part-Time Jobs
Work experience, even in unrelated fields, can highlight your time management skills, responsibility, and ability to handle multiple tasks. These experiences can also provide strong references and letters of recommendation.
Learn more about part-time jobs
Academic Research
Research Projects
Engaging in academic research can showcase your intellectual curiosity and dedication to advancing knowledge in a particular field. Participating in research projects, whether through school programs or university partnerships, can demonstrate your ability to conduct independent work.
Learn more about student research opportunities
Publishing and Presenting
Publishing your findings or presenting at conferences can further strengthen your college application by highlighting your commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Learn more about presenting research
Leadership Programs and Conferences
National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
Attending programs like NSLC can provide intensive training in leadership skills and offer networking opportunities. These programs often involve workshops, simulations, and real-world problem-solving activities.
Learn more about NSLC
Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS)
Programs like GYLS offer students the chance to develop leadership skills through interactive sessions, team-building exercises, and community service projects.
Learn more about GYLS
Entrepreneurship
Starting a Business
Launching a small business or startup can demonstrate your initiative, creativity, and risk-taking ability. This experience highlights your problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Learn more about student entrepreneurship
Business Competitions
Participating in business plan competitions or entrepreneurship programs can further showcase your skills and provide opportunities for mentorship and funding.
Learn more about business competitions
STEM Activities
Robotics Clubs
Joining a robotics club or team can demonstrate your technical skills and ability to work collaboratively on complex projects. Participating in competitions like FIRST Robotics can add significant value to your application.
Learn more about FIRST Robotics
Coding and Programming
Engaging in coding clubs or participating in hackathons can showcase your programming skills and interest in technology. These activities often involve problem-solving and innovation.
Learn more about student coding opportunities
