Extracurriculars: Which one will have the most impact on admissions?

Many of our students have been asking us which extracurriculars they should partake in, include, and omit from their activities list and resume. It’s a valid question given that students today have to balance their rigorous schoolwork, daily art and sport extracurriculars, family obligations and many more. For some students their packed schedules can be draining, leaving them to wonder which extracurricular will have the most impact on their college admissions and if the extracurriculars are even worth it.

Is Your Extracurricular Uniquely You?

No matter which extracurricular you partake in, we want to make sure that your extracurriculars are uniquely you. From Key Club to STEM Club to Youth Orchestra, admissions officers see countless students who have the same extracurricular profile. To ensure that you stand out, we advise you to ask yourself why you truly enjoy participating in that activity. If you find that you enjoy volunteering for Key Club because you want to help the homeless, maybe you could find a local nonprofit or and start a service project that addresses the marginalized communities. Perhaps you are in the STEM Club because you love coding. You could initiate an independent coding research project and perhaps publicize the app or program you end up creating. Initiating a project or a step beyond what you already do in school clubs will really highlight your unique qualities and show admissions how you can tangibly make an impact on your community.

Does It Show Academic Aptitude? 

You can have a multitude of extracurriculars but we suggest you ensure that at least one or two of them shows your intersecting interests with an academic subject. Doing so can help you choose a major when you apply for college and can also provide evidence for your genuine interest in the field. Summer programs, community college classes, and internships are perfect ways for you to do this. 

Will You Be Recognized For Your Work?

Oftentimes the most sought after programs and internships are highly selective. These are often the programs that are the most worth-while. Whether it be the AMC10 or a national science institute, if you earn a spot in something that is highly competitive, you are sure to impress college admissions. Think state, national, and international. 

However, do not limit yourself to the programs that you apply to. Even better if you can then apply your knowledge to earning an award or publicizing your work. Tons of students are interested in subjects and yet a select few win national competitions and publish their independent research in peer-reviewed science journals. 

Will Your Work Benefit Your Leadership Skills? The Community?

No matter what your reason for partaking in an extracurricular activity is, admissions officers love to see that you have developed or refined your leadership skills AND are doing it to benefit the community. A typical leadership role is a president of a club you started or a local organization. However, we all know of individuals who claim a title and do not work for it. What is more important is that you are demonstrating the skills of a natural leader who is genuinely pursuing an extracurricular because it is important for you to do this activity to improve a particular community. Your community may vary from a service group that helps the local elderly at a senior home to a city newspaper that you contribute to as the youth coordinator. Either way, you should identify a specific community’s need and carry out the steps to address it. Along the way, ensure that you are encouraging others to fight for your cause and involving any necessary groups to help make that difference.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure your extracurricular fills in a niche that is uniquely you.
• We recommend an extracurricular activity that shows academic aptitude, leadership skills, and community service.
• If given the opportunity, try to expand your repertoire of activities to a larger state or national level that allows you to be recognized for your work.