Elevate Your College Application: The Power of Extracurricular Activities

Wondering how to make your college application stand out? Your high school extracurriculars might be the key to catching an admission officer’s attention and securing that acceptance letter. Getting into college can feel like a competitive sport. You want to stand out, and extracurriculars can help you do just that.

Why Colleges Value Extracurricular Activities

Colleges aren't just building a class of strong students; they're building a community. Your extracurriculars give admissions officers insight into who you are beyond academics. They want to know:

What do you care about?
How do you spend your time?
Do you follow through on commitments?
Can you work well with others or lead them?

Ultimately, extracurriculars help answer a bigger question: Who will you be on campus? In a recent survey, over half of colleges rated extracurricular activities as moderately or considerably important to admissions decisions.

Extracurriculars vs. GPA: Finding the Right Balance

GPA is usually the most important factor. It shows how you've performed over time in a structured academic environment. But when admissions officers compare students with similar grades and test scores, extracurriculars can tip the scale. Especially at highly selective colleges, your activities can help you stand out in a crowded field or demonstrate character and commitment when your academics are slightly below average.

What Counts as an Extracurricular?

Extracurriculars are any activities you participate in outside of your required academic coursework. This includes:

Read also: Enrollment at Notre Dame

Clubs
Sports
Volunteering and community service
Part-time jobs or family responsibilities
Creative pursuits
Academic enrichment, like research or competitions
Faith-based involvement
Starting something new, like a blog, nonprofit, or business

It doesn't have to happen at school to count. What matters is your time, effort, and growth.

Quality Over Quantity: How Many Extracurriculars Do You Need?

There's no magic number. What matters more than quantity is depth and consistency. A few long-term, meaningful activities will always stand out more than a long list of short-lived ones.

Aim for:

One or two anchor activities you've done for multiple years and care deeply about.
One or two supporting activities you've explored or participated in regularly.
Optional extras like seasonal or one-time experiences that add dimension.

The Top 9 Extracurricular Activities That Elevate College Applications

Colleges value different types of involvement, but these activities consistently stand out on applications:

1. Student Leadership Roles

Taking on leadership roles in school clubs or organizations shows that you can motivate peers, manage projects, and make crucial decisions. These skills will help you in college and beyond.

If you’ve done this: You’ve learned how to turn ideas into action, solve conflicts, and take responsibility for your team’s success.
Example: Head of Media Team MUN Club, Meadows School - Recruited and assigned team members as photographers, writers, editors, and marketing advisors. Organized, workshopped, and critiqued submissions.

2. Community Service and Volunteering

Colleges love to see students who give back. Volunteering shows that you care about the world beyond your school and are willing to take action.

If you’ve done this: You’ve gained a deeper understanding of social issues and worked alongside different communities to create change.
Example: Volunteer Migrants’ Rights Advocacy Center, org campaigning against exploitation of worker rights in Qatar - Translated and spread information regarding rights in Nepalese and provided health aid, organized fund drive to financially support workers’ families.

3. Starting Your Own Project or Business

Whether you launched a small business, a nonprofit, or a creative project, taking the initiative proves you’re a self-starter with problem-solving skills.

If you’ve done this: You’ve faced challenges head-on, adapted when things didn’t go as planned, and turned an idea into reality.
Example: Co-President/Co-Founder Cookies for Cancer, fundraising organization for families who can’t afford chemotherapy - Orchestrated & publicized bi-weekly bake sales, led club members, maintained accounting, raised $2000 for the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

4. Academic Teams and Competitions

Competing in events like the Science Olympiad, debate teams, or math competitions shows that you love learning and can apply your knowledge in high-pressure situations.

If you’ve done this: You’ve pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone and experienced the thrill of solving challenging problems.
Example: Competitor British English Olympics Preparation, opt-in afterschool training offered for Raleigh HS students - 8 months intensive preparation on English language proficiency and presentation skills for British English Olympics. Won 6th place out of 50 schools.

5. Performing and Visual Arts

Music, theater, dance, creative writing, and visual arts all require discipline and creativity. These activities show you bring a unique perspective and artistic expression to your college community.

If you’ve done this: You’ve learned to take feedback, improve your craft, and express yourself confidently.
Example: Student Turley Program for Gifted Artists, intensive summer program for 100 selected HS artists in the Bay Area - Sketched drawings of still life sets/real life models, developed ability to creative ideate and engage with unconventional materials in critical workshops.

6. Sports and Athletics

Playing sports-whether varsity, club, or recreational-demonstrates teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. Being involved in sports isn't just about staying physically fit; it also helps you develop important skills like leadership, managing your time effectively, and staying cool under pressure. These are all qualities that colleges look for in students.

If you’ve done this: You’ve pushed yourself to new limits, learned to handle both wins and losses, and developed a strong work ethic.
Example: Starting Point Guard Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team, Foothill Academy - 500+ hrs. over 4 yrs. Conference title. Learned the value of strategy, teamwork, and positivity. Led warmups. Trained everyday afterschool.

7. Research and Independent Projects

Conducting research or working on personal academic projects demonstrates intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.

If you’ve done this: You’ve experienced firsthand how messy and rewarding research can be, and you know how to think critically and work through challenges.
Example: Intern Holston Medical Center - Neurology Department - Recruited students for study on relation between cerebral microbleeds and head contact sports, used data to expand Center’s ability to provide effective care.

8. Tech and Innovation

Programming, robotics, and digital design show you’re tech-savvy and ready for the future.

If you’ve done this: You’ve learned how to problem-solve creatively, troubleshoot issues, and build something from the ground up.
Example: Student, Class TARobotics Fundamentals, Online Course at Carnegie Mellon University - Learned the fundamentals of computer programming, robot assembly, and worked as a team in competitions.

9. Career-Focused Experience (Internships, Job Shadowing, etc.)

Getting hands-on experience in a field that interests you shows colleges that you’re thinking ahead and taking steps toward your future career.

If you’ve done this: You’ve already seen a real work environment and connected classroom learning to real-world applications.
Example: Part-time EMT Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 of 5 EMTs selected for job out of 100 - Responded to emergency calls, performed BLS protocols, interacted with patients/families, assisted paramedics, organized ambulance rigs.

Beyond the Top 9: Other Extracurricular Activities to Consider

Part-Time Jobs: Part-time jobs are another way you can hone real-world skills, network with professionals, build your resume, and stand out to colleges. According to NACAC, 1 in 3 colleges surveyed considered applicants’ work history “moderately” or “considerably” important.
Academic Clubs: Math league, spelling bees, and chemistry club are all examples of academic clubs that can showcase your passion for a certain subject - ideally your intended major.
Artistic and Creative Pursuits: Maybe you’re interested in the visual arts, such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, or graphic design. Or maybe you’re a fan of the performing arts or writing poetry. Whatever the case, colleges like to see applicants who are creative, innovative, and willing to go outside their comfort zones.
Entrepreneurial Projects: Entrepreneurial projects highlight students’ ability to take the lead, stand up for an important cause, and innovate. If your project solves a particular need, you might even qualify for business scholarships.
Family Responsibilities: Work doesn't always have to be outside the home. If you are a student who provides care to a sibling, or maybe you support your multi-generational family through regular cooking, cleaning, and care - include this in your application.

Authenticity Matters: Choose Activities You Genuinely Enjoy

The best extracurriculars for college will be those that align with your interests and passions. Colleges want students with unique perspectives and backgrounds. Don’t pick an extracurricular just because you think it will look good on a college application. It's better to choose activities that align with your true interests and goals, giving you a more focused and enjoyable experience.

Demonstrating Leadership

When you're thinking about your college application, demonstrating leadership qualities isn't just about being a class president or a team captain. It can involve developing a new idea, taking the reins, and making things happen. Maybe you see something that could be better at your school or in your community. You can use that as an opportunity to start a recycling program or organize a study group for college entrance exams. You can also show leadership by being proactive and stepping up without being asked. Colleges want to see who you are and what you can do. By showing them that you can take charge, solve problems, and bring ideas to life, you're not just filling in an application; you're telling your story.

Showcasing Your Skills and Impact

Including part-time jobs, internships, or other work experiences in your college application shows that you have practical skills, are responsible, and can balance schoolwork with real-life responsibilities. Showcasing your work experience tells colleges you're hardworking, good at managing your time, and know how to handle yourself professionally. To save space, use lists and cut extra words. No need for complete sentences. Aim for variety.

Crafting an Amazing Activity Description

State role and organization name in the top box. Emphasize tangible, measurable impact. Use active verbs. The activities list is one of the most underutilized spaces on the college application.

Examples of Well-Described Activities:

Orchestra 1 Treasurer (10th-11th), Concertmaster (12th) Orchestra Council, musical leadership group at Prince High School: Assisted orchestra directors, planned orchestra events, worked during concerts and tours by loading/unloading trucks, setting up, cleaning.
Student Coach Middle School MathCounts Team: Taught strategies, selected competitors, hosted weekly practice sessions and lectures.
Founder/Leader Engaged Art Afterschool Program, self-started event for youth to learn about and make art: Organized art-related activities for elementary school aged students every day, researched teaching pedagogy, provided positive feedback to encourage students.
President Robotics Club, Bryson High School: Recruited club members, organized seminars for freshmen, and coordinated team preparation for various competitions. State Champions (11th).
Tutor Creekside Elementary Afterschool Tutoring Program: Personally asked to tutor six special education 5th grade students at an elementary school, who did not pass the STAAR test.
Academic/Personal Mentor Henderson Youth Center, community resources for underprivileged youth in Henderson County: Responsible for helping 11-12 year olds on school work and planning activities, all while enhancing their self-esteem, social skills, and respect for others.
Coxswain Varsity Crew Team, Summerfield High School: Executed drills in boat and indoor training, discussed strategies and plans with coaches, assessed strengths and weaknesses of individual rowers.
Lead Decorator La Familia Club, school club devoted to increasing cultural awareness about the Latinx community: Organized community cultural events about Latinx cooking and holidays, coordinated creation of traditional Mexican art mural installation on campus.
Vice President Pajama Mama Club, Cypress Charter School: Sewed pajamas each semester using recycled materials, donated the handmade pajamas to over 50 children of Alexandria’s House, a non-profit organization.
Member (9th/10th) Treasurer (11th/12th) National Honors Society, Ridgefield High School Chapter: We are among the highest academically achieving students at our school, who collectively and consistently participate in community service projects.

What to Avoid: Activities with Potential Stigmas

Some activities carry connotations in the admissions process. Some activities are received differently depending on the admissions officer reading your application or even the college as a whole.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): The "old guard" of admissions officers sometimes view this game (or club) as dark, associating it with students who may be on the "outside" of a high school community. Younger admissions officers often have positive connotations about this activity.
Live Action Role Play (LARP): In many ways, LARP can sometimes be viewed similarly to Dungeons & Dragons.
National Charity League (NCL): Some admissions officers associate this with "privileged" mother-daughter duos since there is a membership cost associated with it and it tends to attract more affluent families.
Independent Exercise (e.g., CrossFit): Some admissions officers view activities like CrossFit as fine to do, but not necessarily important to list. For a student who devotes a considerable amount of time to the gym, they can sometimes be interpreted as not engaging in their own high school community as much.
Heritage-Based Activities: Some students are asking whether they should leave them off this year given the current pressure on colleges to not use any hint of a student's heritage as a reason to admit or not admit them.
Political Activities: Most colleges want students from the entire political spectrum. Never not list a political activity (unless it was discriminatory or known to use violence) on your activities list.
Prestigious Summer Programs: Most admissions officers at highly selective colleges get turned off by these summer programs no matter how competitive they are to get admitted to-even the ones on their own campuses! They are viewed as a privileged activity. Admissions officers would much rather see a student do something in their community over the summer that costs them nothing.

Do Colleges Verify Extracurriculars?

In most cases, colleges don't formally verify every activity you list. Instead, they look for a clear and consistent story across your application. If you mention a standout achievement like launching an initiative or leading a major project, admissions officers may look for supporting context in your essays or recommendation letters. It's not about checking up on you; it's about understanding the depth of your involvement.

However, colleges may contact school counselors or activity sponsors with questions. Be truthful about your involvement and accomplishments. Exaggerating or fabricating activities is an integrity violation that can lead to rescinded acceptances if discovered.

Can You Get Into College Without Extracurriculars?

Yes, especially at open-enrollment or less selective colleges. But for competitive schools, extracurriculars often play an important role. They provide depth and personality to your application and help distinguish you from other qualified applicants. If you're getting involved later in high school, that's okay. Focus on doing a few things well and being consistent.

Do Extracurriculars Have to Relate to Your Intended Major?

Students are encouraged to explore multiple interests rather than fit into a single box. Your application should highlight your curiosity, your impact, and your growth, not just how well your activities align with your major.

Documenting Activities Without Formal Recognition

For self-directed projects or informal activities, document your process and outcomes. They reveal your passions, character, and potential contributions to a campus community.

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