85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
Why Do Extracurricular Activities Matter?
Colleges want to admit students who will contribute to their campus communities and thrive in their chosen fields. Extracurricular activities demonstrate qualities such as commitment, teamwork, creativity, and resilience. They also provide evidence of your interests and character. Simply put, your activities tell a story about who you are beyond academics.
What Do Colleges Look For in Extracurriculars?
Admissions committees focus on several key factors:
- Depth Over Breadth: It is better to be deeply involved in a few activities than to have a long list of brief experiences. Sustained commitment shows passion and responsibility. Read a story from a Harvard alumnus about this topic: Harpreet ‘22.
- Leadership and Initiative: Taking on leadership roles or starting something new demonstrates your ability to guide others and create impact. Read here to see Yale mentioning the importance of meaningful impacts on their application guide.
- Relevance to Your Interests: Activities related to your intended major or career goals show focus and genuine enthusiasm.
- Growth and Reflection: Colleges appreciate students who learn from their experiences and show how they have grown over time.
Community Contribution: Volunteering and service activities reveal empathy and social awareness, qualities valued in any field.
Extracurriculars That Benefit Students Targeting Top Majors
Different fields often value specific kinds of experiences. Here are some examples of extracurriculars that can strengthen applications to popular and competitive majors:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Engage in activities such as science fairs, research projects, coding clubs, robotics teams, math competitions, or internships in labs and tech companies. Building your own projects, such as apps or experiments, also demonstrates initiative and self-motivation.
- Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): The world’s largest international pre-college science competition, attracting top young scientists globally.
- FIRST Robotics Competition: An international robotics competition emphasizing teamwork, engineering, and innovation.
- International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): The oldest and most prestigious international math competition for high school students.
- Google Science Fair: A global online science competition open to students aged 13–18.
- Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS): A highly competitive U.S.-based science competition with international recognition.
- Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT: Internationally recognized summer research program for gifted students.
Business and Economics
Join investment or business clubs like DECA or FBLA, compete in entrepreneurship contests, start your own small venture, or volunteer with organizations that involve fundraising and management, for example:
- DECA International Career Development Conference: An international business competition focusing on marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
- Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA): An international competition for high school and college student entrepreneurs.
6 Best Economics Extracurriculars for High School Students
Humanities and Social Sciences
Get involved in debate teams, Model United Nations, writing or journalism clubs, and volunteer with social justice or community organizations. Internships at museums, political offices, or NGOs also add value. Here are 6 Debate Competitions for High School Students.
- Model United Nations (MUN): Simulations of UN conferences held worldwide, helping students develop diplomacy and public speaking skills.
- World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC): The largest international debating tournament for high school students.
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: An international competition that focuses on creative writing and visual arts.
Arts and Design
Participate in theater productions, art exhibitions, music performances, or dance groups. Lead arts clubs or organize events. Develop a personal portfolio and attend workshops or apprenticeships when possible.
- YoungArts Writing Competition: The competition identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.
- The International Photography Awards (IPA): Open to photographers worldwide, including youth categories.
Sports
- Little League Baseball World Series: International youth baseball competition.
- Various International Youth Sports Championships: Examples include FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, and international swimming or gymnastics meets.
How to Choose and Manage Your Activities
Choosing extracurriculars isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about finding a balance between personal passion and strategic alignment with your college goals.
Start by focusing on a few activities that truly interest you. Look for opportunities where you can take on responsibility or leadership roles and demonstrate growth over time.
However, it is important to balance your activities with your academic workload and personal well-being. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and may reduce the quality of your involvement.
Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
Presenting Your Extracurriculars in Your Application
Use your college essays and supplemental materials to tell stories about what you learned and how you made a difference through your activities. Ask teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well to write recommendation letters that highlight your contributions and character. When listing activities, clearly describe your roles and any accomplishments or impact you had.
Colleges appreciate when students show who they truly are. When you engage in activities because they genuinely interest you, your passion naturally shines through. This authenticity creates a stronger and more memorable impression than simply doing things because they look good on an application.
Every experience you have, whether it is leading a club, playing a sport, or volunteering, offers lessons about your strengths, challenges, and growth. Taking the time to reflect on what these experiences mean to you helps reveal your unique story. It shows how you have changed, what matters to you, and how you might contribute to a college community.
Rather than focusing solely on titles or achievements, colleges notice when students can share the personal meaning behind their involvement. This reflection turns a list of activities into a narrative that connects your interests, values, and goals in a genuine way.
Join Aralia's College Application Essay Writing Program
For students aiming to strengthen their college applications, Aralia offers a specialized College Application Essay Writing Program. This program provides personalized guidance on crafting compelling essays that highlight your passions, experiences, and voice. With expert mentorship, students learn to present their extracurricular activities and personal stories effectively, ensuring their applications stand out.
