The Importance of Extracurricular Activities (and How to Choose Them)
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in shaping a student’s high school experience and college application. Beyond grades and test scores, colleges want to see students who are passionate, engaged, and well-rounded. But with so many options available, how should students decide which activities to pursue? Here’s why extracurriculars matter and how to make the best choices.
Why Extracurriculars Matter
Extracurriculars provide students with opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. Here are some of the key reasons they’re important:
Showcasing Passions: Activities reflect what a student cares about and where they dedicate their time.
Building Skills: Whether it’s teamwork, leadership, or creative problem-solving, extracurriculars help students develop skills that are valuable in college and beyond.
Telling a Story: Colleges use extracurriculars to understand who a student is and what they bring to the campus community.
Strengthening Applications: Activities demonstrate commitment and initiative, especially when students take on leadership roles or achieve significant accomplishments.
Choosing the Right Activities
With limited time in high school, students should be strategic about where they focus their energy. Here’s how to decide:
1. Focus on Genuine Interests.
Encourage your teen to choose activities they truly enjoy rather than ones they think will look good on a college application. Authentic enthusiasm often leads to deeper involvement and more meaningful experiences.
2. Explore a Range of Options Early.
Freshman and sophomore years are great times to try out different activities. From sports to debate teams, drama clubs to volunteer organizations, experimenting helps students discover what resonates with them.
3. Prioritize Depth Over Breadth.
Colleges prefer students who show commitment to a few activities rather than superficial involvement in many. Dedicate time to meaningful engagement, whether it’s through leadership roles, competitions, or impactful projects.
4. Align Activities with Goals.
If your teen has a specific career or academic interest, look for extracurriculars that support those aspirations. For example, a student interested in engineering might join a robotics club or science competition team.
5. Don’t Overload.
While it’s tempting to pack every free moment with activities, burnout can be a real issue. Encourage your teen to balance their commitments with time for rest, academics, and socializing.
Making the Most of Extracurriculars
Simply joining a club or team isn’t enough—how a student engages matters just as much as what they choose. Here are ways to maximize the impact of their involvement:
Take Initiative: Look for opportunities to lead projects, start new initiatives, or take on leadership roles.
Make Connections: Build relationships with peers, mentors, and advisors. These connections can lead to valuable opportunities and strong recommendation letters.
Pursue Achievements: Set goals within each activity, such as winning a competition, organizing an event, or reaching a specific milestone.
Reflect on Growth: Encourage your teen to think about what they’ve learned from their activities and how they’ve grown. This reflection will help them articulate their experiences on college applications.
Extracurriculars and the College Application
When it’s time to apply to college, students will need to present their extracurricular involvement in a way that highlights its impact. Here’s how:
Use the Common App Activity List Wisely: Colleges often limit how many activities students can list, so prioritize the most meaningful ones.
Show Accomplishments: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Raised $5,000 for local shelters as part of community service club”).
Connect Activities to Essays: Students can use essays to provide a deeper look into their involvement and what they learned from it.
Final Thoughts
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded high school experience and a strong college application. By choosing activities thoughtfully and engaging deeply, students can make the most of these opportunities—while discovering their passions and building lifelong skills.