The Best Extracurriculars for College Applications

When you enter high school, you are told from day one that high school extracurriculars are a component of the college application process. Parents nag you about it. Counselors and teachers lecture you about their importance. 

If you are college-bound, you know you need them, but do you know what they are and how to find them? Do you know how much value colleges place on them when evaluating your application? Do you know how many extracurriculars you need to impress admissions officers? Do you know which activities colleges look for?

Answering these questions should help you determine the best extracurriculars for college.

What are extracurriculars?

Extracurricular activities are events or pursuits that students engage in outside the traditional academic curriculum. They enhance your college resume and help in personal growth and development. These activities encompass various interests, including sports, arts, community service, clubs, and more. They provide students with opportunities to develop skills, explore interests, and demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork, and commitment.

Whether you’re just starting high school or are in your senior year, finding the right extracurricular activities is key to enhancing your college resume and creating a positive impression on your college applications. It’s important to note that extracurriculars do not have to be sponsored by your school, so there are limitless possibilities.

How should you approach extracurriculars?  

Approach them with a planned purpose. Begin by examining your likes and dislikes and trying out some activities. You don’t need a long list; just a few you enjoy and are willing to commit to. Think outside the box and remember that not all activities need to be school-related. One of my students gained admission and a scholarship because an admissions officer thought his hobby of raising carrier pigeons was unique. The possibilities are endless based on your interests.

When should you start getting involved with extracurriculars?

The ideal time to start is early in high school. This gives you time to show a long-term commitment. It also gives you time to gain a leadership role, which looks good on college applications. However, it’s never too late to start getting involved. Even a desperate last-minute appearance at a charity event or beach cleanup in your senior year is better than no extracurriculars.

Don’t underestimate how colleges view hobbies, either. What you pursue on your own time can give them a glimpse into your unique personality and interests. The best advice: don’t dabble in many activities, but be committed and consistent in at least one.

How do you find extracurriculars?

Finding the right extracurricular activities involves exploring your interests and looking for opportunities both within and outside your school. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Explore school clubs and organizations—Most high schools offer a variety of clubs and organizations, from debate and drama to robotics and environmental clubs. Attend club fairs and meetings to discover what interests you.

Get involved in your community—look for opportunities to volunteer at local shelters, hospitals, or libraries.

Search online—Websites like VolunteerMatch, VolunteerNow, The United Way, and local community boards can provide information about clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Ask for recommendations—Talk to teachers, counselors, and older students about extracurricular opportunities. They can offer insights and suggestions tailored to your interests and strengths.

Seek activities aligned with your interests—Are you interested in sports? Are you passionate about performing? Are you creative? Do you have an idea for a business?

How many extracurriculars should you have?

In the Common Application, there are ten spaces provided to list activities. Just because space is available, don’t feel you must load the application up with activities.

Harvard University studied the admission policy of some top universities and found similar wording from the colleges when describing extracurriculars:

·   Depth of involvement is more impressive than breadth

·   Focus on a limited number of interests that demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion

·   Demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion related to a major or a career goal

·   Show examples of initiative and leadership skills

Colleges confirm when reviewing extracurricular activities, the quality or level of commitment of involvement counts more than the quantity of your activities. Additionally, when listing activities, it’s preferred that you prioritize them in order of importance, highlighting your commitments and accomplishments.

Padding your resume with activities that require minimal commitment to fill the ten boxes on the Common Application will not impress admissions officers. 

My son conveyed quality by participating in an NJROTC program all four years of high school, rising in the ranks each year until he was an officer. This demonstrated his level of commitment and his leadership skills. One student I worked with participated in church-sponsored mission trips throughout high school, demonstrating her commitment to a cause while learning about different cultures and serving those less fortunate than herself.

Even though colleges are not looking for a set number, they expect you to communicate your purpose for participating in the extracurricular. Emphasize the skills you learned and be specific.

Do colleges care about extracurriculars?

Extracurriculars are only part of your college application. Colleges focus more heavily on academic performance, difficulty of course load, and standardized test scores when making an admission decision. Extracurriculars, however, give admissions officers insight into the student’s personality and ability to adapt in a collegiate environment.

Numerous studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. These investigations, in education journals, medical research, from the National Institutes of Health, and science journals all agree that extracurricular activities connect to improved academic success.

According to CrimsonEducation.org, “The kinds of connections and benefits vary, based on the type of activities, the individual, and other factors. From promoting better attendance to boosting ‘executive function’ — like organization and time management skills — extracurricular participation is an exciting way to set yourself up for a more positive school life and better academic achievement as well.”

Researchers have found positive connections between extracurricular participation and academic success:

·   Higher GPA; higher scores on math and reading assessments

·   More consistent attendance and a higher probability of graduation

·   Increased academic aspirations and easier transition to college

·   Positive social interactions

·   Improved study habits including time management, effective routines, and consistency

Whether it’s better focus and concentration when you’re studying for exams, or better results managing your time, extracurricular activities have clear benefits for academic performance and success inside the classroom while providing added benefits outside the classroom. These qualities are beneficial in conveying the characteristics that colleges look for in prospective students.

Extracurriculars to impress colleges

Colleges want more than just strong grades. They want to know who you are beyond the classroom. The best extracurricular activities are the ones that reflect your interests, values, and initiative. Whether you're leading a team, building an app, or volunteering in your community, your activities should tell a story about what drives you. Below are examples of extracurriculars that can strengthen your college application and help you stand out for all the right reasons.

Leadership experience: shows initiative and influence

High-impact roles like club president, student council officer, or team captain reflect your ability to lead, inspire others, and manage responsibilities. Colleges look for applicants who take charge and help their communities grow.

Academic clubs: highlight intellectual curiosity

Joining academic groups like the Math Club, the Science Olympiad, or the Debate Club signals a commitment to learning and critical thinking. These activities demonstrate your willingness to challenge yourself and engage with academic communities beyond the classroom.

Community service: reflects civic responsibility

Volunteering at food banks, shelters, tutoring centers, or environmental cleanups shows a dedication to service. Meaningful involvement in your community underscores your empathy and desire to make a positive impact.

Arts and music participation: showcases creativity

Whether you’re involved in theater, band, orchestra, choir, or visual arts, your creative pursuits reveal discipline, expression, and a passion for the arts. Recognition through exhibitions or performances can further strengthen your story.

Athletics: emphasize teamwork and resilience

Participating in school or club sports builds discipline, time management, and collaborative skills. Leadership roles in athletics, like team captain, add another layer of responsibility and influence.

Internships and jobs: demonstrate real-world experience

Interning or working part-time in a field of interest provides hands-on experience and career exploration. These roles show initiative, professionalism, and the ability to manage responsibilities outside of school.

Special interest clubs: demonstrate passion and initiative

Engaging in niche clubs—such as coding, chess, environmental activism, or Model UN—shows that you pursue your interests with purpose. Founding a new club reflects leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive.

Student government roles: demonstrate school engagement

Serving on student council or school boards highlights communication, decision-making, and a deep investment in your school community. These roles position you as a representative and advocate for peers.

Personal projects: reflect self-motivation and entrepreneurial thinking

Launching a blog, YouTube channel, podcast, or small business shows that you take initiative to share knowledge or solve problems. These projects reveal your drive, creativity, and willingness to build something from the ground up.

Founding clubs or nonprofits: shows leadership and vision

Creating a student organization or nonprofit to address an unmet need is a strong indicator of your ability to lead, innovate, and rally others around a cause.

Entrepreneurial ventures: show creativity and risk-taking

Building and running a business, whether it's reselling online, offering tutoring services, or launching an app, reflects strategic thinking, perseverance, and problem-solving under real-world conditions.

Organizing state or national events: shows executive-level skills

Chairing conferences, competitions, or summits demonstrates high-level planning, coordination, and public speaking. These accomplishments prove you can lead beyond your school’s walls.

National and international academic honors: signal excellence

Winning or placing in national competitions like the Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, or International Biology Competition confirms your academic strength and subject-matter expertise.

Original research projects: showcase intellectual depth

Conducting scientific or social research, especially when presented at conferences or published in journals, highlights analytical thinking, curiosity, and academic maturity.

JROTC and military programs: build discipline and leadership

Joining Junior ROTC or other military prep programs shows a commitment to service, structure, and leadership development. These programs cultivate teamwork, resilience, and civic responsibility, which are qualities valued by both colleges and the armed forces. Students who participate often graduate with stronger time management skills and a clearer sense of purpose.

Arts and music awards: show creative excellence

Earning awards in competitions like Scholastic Art & Writing or YoungArts illustrates exceptional talent and dedication to artistic growth.

Attending selective academic summer programs: demonstrates ambition

Programs such as the Research Science Institute (RSI) or Telluride Association Summer Program are highly competitive and showcase your commitment to academic exploration and challenge.

Debate leadership and awards: reflect persuasive communication

Leading your school’s debate team and earning state or national titles indicates sharp reasoning, confidence, and a talent for public speaking.

Advocacy campaigns: highlight your ability to drive change

Creating or leading initiatives around social justice, mental health, or civic engagement demonstrates that you're passionate, informed, and capable of mobilizing others to make a difference.

Deep volunteer commitments: signal long-term dedication

Volunteering consistently—especially in roles where your impact is measurable—shows colleges that you're committed, dependable, and service-oriented.

Environmental leadership: reflects global awareness

Spearheading sustainability initiatives like recycling programs, green clubs, or school-wide conservation efforts reveals your commitment to the planet and your leadership potential.

Designing useful apps or websites: shows technical skill

If you’ve built a tool that solves real problems—like a budgeting app, a school scheduling site, or a community resource map—you demonstrate coding ability, design thinking, and practical problem-solving.

Robotics team leadership: shows innovation and collaboration

Leading your robotics team to regional, state, or national competitions highlights your engineering mindset, project management skills, and teamwork.

STEM competitions and hackathons: showcase technical agility

Winning or placing in hackathons, science fairs, or coding challenges proves your ability to innovate under pressure and apply STEM knowledge in dynamic environments.

Directing performances or festivals: shows artistic leadership

Organizing a play, film screening, or school-wide arts event reveals vision, collaboration, and dedication to your craft.

Publishing creative work: signals communication talent

Whether you write poetry, short stories, or create visual art, having your work published in respected outlets proves both your talent and your ability to share ideas that resonate with others.

Leading school publications: reflects editorial skill

Founding or serving as editor of your school’s newspaper or literary magazine shows writing ability, content strategy, and responsibility in shaping student voice.

Teaching and tutoring: show a commitment to helping others

Designing workshops or running peer tutoring programs demonstrates your ability to lead, educate, and support the academic growth of others.

Follow this advice when considering extracurriculars

If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, you should ideally have an idea of the activities you want to focus on. Remember not to overextend yourself, especially if you're beyond freshman year. It's more valuable to invest significant time in a few activities than to have a lengthy list. Select activities that enable you to make a meaningful impact, whether for personal growth or within the community. Choose quality over quantity.

Extracurriculars are only one part of the college application. Don’t spend so much time focusing on them that you neglect academics. A well-balanced student possesses all the qualities to impress college admissions officers.

Want help building a balanced college list? Check out our free college list maker. You tell us what you're interested in and what your grades and test scores are like (if you have them), and we'll let you know the schools that would be a perfect fit for your college list.