Why Extracurricular Activities Matter for College Admissions
Parents, I’ll bet that when you were in high school there wasn’t such a thing as the e-sports or podcasting clubs available to join after school. The landscape of available extracurriculars contains an expansive range of possibilities, so there is truly something there for every student. Having worked with students who range from ridiculously overscheduled to frighteningly apathetic about extracurriculars, I know that a happy medium does exist, and that different ages and grade levels require different levels of focus.
It is a colossal waste of family resources for a student to spend time on something ‘just because it looks good’ on college applications. For students who have selective colleges in their futures, however, extracurriculars are sure to be evaluated in the holistic review process, along with grades, test scores, etc., as part of a competitive application.
What can parents do to encourage our kids to stay meaningfully engaged in things they care about? How do we guide them toward enriching activities while not stretching the entire family too thin? These pro-tips on activities list building are sure to help!
Pro tip #1:
Encourage expansion in the 9th and 10th grades!
In the early years of high school, it is important for students to spread their academic and social wings. Especially in the 9th grade, encourage them to try a few activities they are sure they will enjoy, and perhaps try a few things that are brand new to them.
Why Early Exploration Matters:
Helps students discover their passions.
Strengthens social connections and accountability.
Builds a well-rounded profile for college applications.
You may have heard that the best college applications ‘read like the major’ the student is applying to. In the 9th and even 10th grades, this means joining into things that could be areas of academic curiosity, such as engineering, robotics club, journalism, media technology, model UN or student government. If, like most freshman and sophomores, your teen does not yet know what they want to be when they grow up, these extracurriculars can provide amazing insight.
Participating will also foster a sense of belonging and purpose in high school, helping them feel connected to school when the inevitable struggles happen. Students are much less likely to give up when they have classmates who are counting on them to show up. This important mix of making social connections and being accountable are essential life skills for high school and beyond.
Pro tip #2:
Specialize and Lead in 11th and 12th grades
The later years of high school are about refining where your student excels and seeking leadership in the things they care about. By this time (in an ideal world), your child is inching toward their decision of major choice and narrowing down their favorite colleges. For highly selective colleges and universities, this means leveling up extracurriculars that foster interest in their major of choice.
How to Stand Out:
Seek leadership roles: Team captain, club president, or event organizer.
Demonstrate initiative: Launch a school club, spearhead a project, or create a community program.
Align with future goals: Business majors should join FBLA or entrepreneurship programs; future engineers should engage in STEM competitions; aspiring healthcare professionals can participate in HOSA or seek volunteer opportunities in medical settings.
Even if a student is very active in something that isn’t related to an intended major (marching band students who don’t plan to be music majors, for example), they can step up to leadership. These transferable skills will be noted in admissions, and are essential for the classroom and workplace.
Depending on the intended major, this can be the time to get creative! Literature and film students might want to work on a writing or creative project, while those interested in architecture or automotive engineering can build or design a prototype of something they hope to 3D print someday. Teachers and working professionals are amazing project mentors or research guides, so don’t feel limited by what is offered at school. If it doesn’t exist - create it! All you need is a faculty advisor and a few friends, and you’ve got yourself a club.
Pro Tip #3:
Leverage Summer for Growth!
When a student is passionate about a topic, they may choose to do an independent study or related project, hence the overused ‘passion project’ terminology that tends to stress everyone out. Fear not. Although creative homegrown projects are wonderful, students don’t need to bend over backwards to do the most difficult thing they can imagine. The best summer endeavors can be as simple as getting a summer job and taking interest in the business, or volunteering your skills at a nonprofit organization. Sometimes building upon an out of school activity, such as leading classes at your martial arts studio or starting a neighborhood garden to benefit your local food pantry is much more impactful than an expensive, pay to play summer camp.
Smart Summer Strategies:
Independent Projects: Students can develop independent research, start a blog, or create a community initiative.
Work & Volunteer Experience: A summer job in retail, tutoring, or customer service can showcase responsibility and leadership. Volunteering for a nonprofit can provide meaningful engagement.
Research Opportunities: Ambitious students can reach out to college professors or post-grads for research assistantships. While responses may be limited, even one “yes” can lead to an exceptional experience.
The best summer activities don’t have to be expensive programs—sometimes, leading a martial arts class or starting a community garden can have an even greater impact.
Final Thoughts
Balancing academics, extracurriculars, family time, and social growth can be challenging. If you need help navigating the college admissions process, we’re here to assist! Book a free discovery call today to learn how our expert consultants can guide your student toward impactful activities that enhance both personal growth and college applications.
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