10 Best Extracurriculars for College Applications

Getting into college can feel like a competitive sport. You want to stand out — and extracurriculars can help you do just that.

Extracurriculars are activities that you do outside of your required school work. These activities communicate a lot to college admissions officers, demonstrating your unique skills and emphasizing your dedication to something outside the structure of the classroom.

Of the 185 colleges surveyed by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in fall 2023, just over half (51%) considered extracurricular activities “moderately” or “considerably” important when making admission decisions.

As college deadlines approach, it’s important to understand the best extracurriculars for college so you can give yourself the best shot at getting in and earning your bachelor’s.

While good extracurriculars for college can vary depending on the student and school, most fall under the following categories.

High school is a great time to practice and develop your leadership skills, which colleges love to see. Clubs and organizations are excellent opportunities to seek out leadership positions and get both training and mentorship.

For example, as the president or treasurer of a student organization, you’ll learn to follow — and promote — certain rules and standards so you can effectively fulfill your duties and lead by example.

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.

Your part-time employer could even provide a letter of recommendation that highlights your strengths and skills outside the classroom.

Beyond college applications, part-time jobs give you the opportunity to build relationships with potential full-time employers. Research suggests that up to 80% of people get work opportunities from people they know.

Like part-time jobs, internships can be beneficial to your future career and college applications.

An internship — whether paid or unpaid — lets you explore a prospective career path and shows colleges you’re serious about a particular field. As an intern, you’ll likely have multiple responsibilities and can learn about the different roles available in that industry.

What could possibly bring more joy and satisfaction — not to mention impress college admissions officers — than a passion project? The ability to make something you’ve dreamed of could be just the beginning of an entrepreneurial empire and ultimately develop into a long, fruitful career.

What’s more, colleges love seeing dedication to specific interests.

Passion projects could include creating a product, running a service, or even writing a book — whatever makes you tick.

Helping others can build character and allows you to make a positive contribution to society. Community service can also help you meet like-minded people, learn more about your community’s needs, and hone your leadership skills.

In a 2018 report, 58% of surveyed college admissions officers agreed that community service improved an applicant’s chance of getting accepted.

Playing sports in high school offers endless benefits, from learning to work together to athletic scholarships. You can pursue any sport and any position in that sport — as long as you’re consistent and able to maintain your grades.

Participating in a sport also shows you can balance competing priorities, especially if you have a leadership role. As a team captain, for example, you’re proving to colleges that you can show up for your team, manage conflict, and motivate others.

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.

In addition to looking good on college applications, clubs can lead to friendships, national awards, and even merit-based scholarships.

The sky’s the limit for creatives. 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.

For colleges that consider them, an audition or recording of your creative talent could raise your application to the next level.

“I made an app for that!” might be what you say on your application if your extracurricular involves tinkering with coding.

Robotics, gaming, and science fairs are all great STEM pursuits to consider — they communicate to colleges that you’re committed to innovation and leaving the world a little better than you found it.

Why wait to graduate high school to start your own business or organize a community event?

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.

Extracurriculars are central to a strong college application but, more importantly, to the development of a strong applicant.

Ultimately, the best extracurriculars for college for you will be those you are passionate about and have the resources and time to do without sacrificing your academic success.

While not every high school offers fencing, competitive rock-paper-scissors, rock-climbing competitions, or quidditch, you can always propose or start your own club. Creating a club can help you stand out as a leader and showcase your biggest interests, whether that’s dancing or cooking.

While extracurriculars are important for college applications, remember to have fun and reflect on the valuable skills and experiences you’ve gained.