Best Extracurriculars for College Applications

Introduction

College admissions have become increasingly competitive. Top universities receive applications from far more qualified students than they can accept. With many applicants boasting similar GPAs and standardized test scores, extracurricular activities have become a crucial differentiator in the selection process.

This guide will help you understand what admissions officers are looking for in extracurricular activities and identify which activities can give your application an edge. Importantly, we'll also discuss how to approach extracurriculars strategically rather than simply accumulating a long list of activities.

Why Extracurriculars Matter

Extracurricular activities serve several important purposes in your college application:

• They reveal your passions and interests beyond academic subjects
• They demonstrate important soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management
• They show commitment and follow-through, especially activities you've pursued for multiple years
• They provide insight into your character and what you might contribute to a campus community
• They can support your intended major or career path

According to a 2023 survey of college admissions officers from top-tier universities, 78% rated extracurricular involvement as "important" or "very important" in their holistic review process. This factor ranked just behind grades in college prep courses and standardized test scores.

Top 10 Extracurriculars That Impress Admissions Officers

1. Student Government

Student government positions demonstrate leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to improving your school community. Serving as class president, treasurer, or another officer role shows that you can win the trust of your peers and work within systems to create change.

Why it impresses: Admissions officers value the organizational skills, public speaking experience, and collaborative abilities required in these roles.

2. Research with Faculty

Conducting research with a professor or scientist—whether at a local college, through a summer program, or with a high school teacher—demonstrates intellectual curiosity and academic initiative.

Why it impresses: This shows you're willing to go beyond classroom learning and can thrive in academic environments. It's particularly valuable for STEM-focused applicants.

3. Academic Teams/Competitions

Participation in Science Olympiad, Math League, Debate Team, Model UN, or similar competitive academic activities showcases your intellectual abilities and willingness to challenge yourself.

Why it impresses: These activities demonstrate subject mastery, teamwork, and competitive drive. Significant achievements in national or state competitions can be particularly compelling.

4. Community Service/Volunteer Work

Consistent volunteer work, especially when focused on a specific cause you care about, reveals character and civic mindedness.

Why it impresses: Long-term commitment to a cause shows values and dedication. Creating your own initiative or taking leadership in existing ones is especially valuable.

5. Athletics

Participation in sports—whether varsity, club, or independent—demonstrates discipline, teamwork, and physical dedication.

Why it impresses: Athletics show time management (balancing sports with academics), perseverance, and the ability to perform under pressure. Captain positions or other leadership roles add significant value.

6. Internships in Your Field of Interest

Professional experience related to your intended major demonstrates career focus and initiative in gaining real-world skills.

Why it impresses: Internships show you're already taking steps toward your career goals and have experience in professional environments.

7. Arts (Music, Theater, Visual Arts)

Serious pursuit of artistic disciplines shows creativity, emotional expression, and dedication to mastering complex skills.

Why it impresses: Long-term commitment to developing artistic talents demonstrates passion and perseverance. Leadership roles, solo performances, or exhibitions add considerable weight.

8. School Newspaper/Literary Magazine

Working on student publications develops writing, editing, and production skills while contributing to school culture.

Why it impresses: These roles demonstrate communication abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to amplifying student voices. Editorial positions show leadership and vision.

9. Entrepreneurial Ventures

Starting your own business, nonprofit, or initiative shows exceptional drive, creativity, and practical skills.

Why it impresses: Entrepreneurship demonstrates problem-solving abilities, risk-taking, and resilience—all qualities universities value in their student bodies.

10. Cultural Clubs/Identity Groups

Active participation in cultural organizations shows community building and often demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Why it impresses: Leadership in these groups shows your ability to bridge differences and build community—valuable skills in increasingly diverse campus environments.

Quality Over Quantity: The "Spike" Approach

One common misconception is that colleges want to see a laundry list of activities. In reality, admissions officers prefer to see sustained commitment and depth in a few areas rather than surface-level involvement in many.

This is sometimes called developing a "spike"—rather than being a well-rounded student with similar levels of involvement across many activities, you develop one or two areas where you truly excel and demonstrate exceptional achievement or impact.

"We're not impressed by the student who does a little of everything. We're looking for the student who does something meaningful. Show us your passion and what you've done with it."
— Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University

How to Highlight Your Activities Effectively

How you present your extracurricular activities on your application can be almost as important as the activities themselves. Here are some tips for maximizing their impact:

• Be specific about your role and contributions - Rather than writing "Member of Debate Club," specify "Researched and presented arguments on international trade policy, advanced to state finals"
• Quantify your impact when possible - "Organized fundraiser that collected $5,000 for local homeless shelter" is more impressive than "Organized fundraiser"
• Highlight growth and progression - Show how you've taken on increasing responsibility or leadership over time
• Connect activities to personal growth - Be prepared to discuss in essays or interviews how these experiences have shaped your values or goals
• Be honest - Exaggerating your involvement can backfire if you're asked detailed questions in an interview

Tailoring Extracurriculars to Your Intended Major

While it's not necessary for all your activities to align with your planned area of study, having some connection can strengthen your application by demonstrating commitment to your academic interests.

What If You're Starting Late?

If you're a junior or senior just beginning to think about extracurriculars, don't panic. While long-term commitment is valuable, you can still make an impact:

1. Choose activities based on genuine interests - Authentic enthusiasm will help you make rapid progress
2. Look for leadership opportunities in existing organizations - Sometimes clubs need leaders for specific projects
3. Create something new - Starting your own initiative can demonstrate initiative and entrepreneurial spirit
4. Leverage existing skills or experiences - Connect your new activities to things you've already been doing informally
5. Consider summer programs or internships - These can provide concentrated experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The best extracurricular profile is one that authentically represents your interests, demonstrates your willingness to commit to what matters to you, and shows how you've made an impact in your chosen areas.

Remember that the purpose of extracurricular activities extends beyond college admissions—they help you develop skills, explore potential career paths, build relationships, and enrich your high school experience.

Choose activities that genuinely excite you, pursue them with dedication, seek leadership opportunities when possible, and be thoughtful about how you present these experiences in your application. With this approach, your extracurricular activities will not only strengthen your college applications but also contribute meaningfully to your personal development.