Why Are Extracurricular Activities Important in College Admissions?
High school is more than homework and test scores. It’s a journey of growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Extracurricular activities offer students the opportunity to try new things, make meaningful contributions, and discover their strengths. While academic performance is the primary consideration, holistic application review allows colleges to look beyond transcripts to see who students are beyond the classroom. Activities provide that powerful glimpse.
So, what should you be involved in, and how many activities should you have to be a strong applicant?
The Role of Extracurricular Activities
The kind of person you are, how you engage with your community, and what you might contribute to a college campus are evident in part through your activities. Extracurricular activities provide colleges with a more complete picture of who you are.
Your contributions outside the classroom can differentiate you from others with similar academic profiles. Have you challenged yourself academically while making meaningful contributions through your extracurricular activities? Admissions reps are looking for students who have done both.
Depth vs. Breadth of Involvement
There is the myth of the “well-rounded” student. Back when I was in high school, this is what colleges were looking for. This meant involvement in various activities, such as sports, clubs, community service, and often a part-time job. Engaging in multiple activities without a deep commitment, such as joining clubs and committees to appear in the official yearbook photos. Times have changed.
I prefer to use the term “pointy” to describe students who may have fewer activities but are more deeply involved in what is meaningful to them. Unlike years past, the depth of commitment is now considered more important than its breadth. Colleges aren’t seeking “well-rounded” students, but students who show consistency over time and personal growth through the activities they are committed to.
Leadership & Initiative
Admissions reps look for leadership when reviewing applications. They value applicants who take on responsibilities, organize events, or start new clubs.
Are you someone who takes initiative? This could be achieved by starting a club at your school, leading a food drive for those in need in your community, offering tutoring at a local elementary school, or starting your own business (e.g., lawn care), among other examples.
Leadership can be a formal role with a title, but can also be informal. Are you the go-to person to motivate your team? Do you have family responsibilities? I had a student one year whose parents traveled for business at least once a month. The student took care of her much younger siblings while they were gone.
Deep Interest & Authenticity
Genuine interest in your extracurricular activities is what colleges are looking for. One of the first things I do with new students is develop a record of the activities they’re involved with. These can include activities at school, in the community (such as non-profits, houses of worship, and Scouts), hobbies, employment, and other ways.
I ask a lot of questions as I notate the various activities a student enjoys, whether a particular sport, club, or hobby. What motivates the student to stick with it? Has there been any personal growth through one type of activity or another? Often, early on, I can identify a story that is evident to me through what the student has shared, which can be developed into an essay response later on.
Sometimes, students, or their parents, ask me which activities look better on a college application. My advice is ALWAYS to pursue what interests you, not what you think will look good. Participating in activities you’re genuinely interested in means you’ll typically get more involved and be authentically engaged. There is a difference when students are interested in and committed to the activities they participate in. I have seen students who are going through the motions, checking boxes for involvement.
Consistency & Commitment
Consistency matters. When you commit to an activity over time, you show colleges dedication, growth, and reliability. Sticking with a sport, an instrument, or a club, and taking on greater responsibility over time, demonstrates that you’re serious about what you do. That doesn’t mean you can’t move on from something that no longer fits. Letting go of what doesn’t inspire you creates space for pursuits that truly matter.
Academics & Extracurriculars
While extracurricular activities don’t have to align with your academic interests, they offer a powerful way to explore your curiosity beyond the classroom. There are numerous online and in-person opportunities to explore careers of interest.
For instance, if you’re considering a medical career, joining a health-related club at your high school, volunteering at a hospital, taking a Coursera course on a health topic, or engaging in scientific research can provide hands-on experience and reinforce your academic and career goals.
Outside the Box Activities
Forget the idea of “right” or “wrong” activities. The best extracurricular activities are those that reflect who you are and what drives you.
Many students think only formal, school-related activities belong on college applications, but any meaningful pursuit counts. Hobbies or family responsibilities, like caring for siblings or a grandparent, are all valid. Admissions committees love seeing work experience on students’ activities lists. There’s no “right” type or number of extracurriculars; colleges value what matters to you.
One year, a parent expressed concern to me that her student was not participating in the popular activities at school. Conversations with other parents in the community had led the parent to worry that the student might not be a strong applicant.
In meeting with the student and having conversations about their activities, I did not doubt that this student was deeply engaged in pursuits beyond academics. The stories the student shared, several months later, evolved into powerful essays that conveyed personal growth, initiative, and authentic engagement. Combined with a stellar academic record, the student was offered admission to many colleges, including highly selective ones.
The Bottom Line
Extracurricular involvement isn’t about “checking boxes.” It’s about showing colleges who you are, what you value, and how you’ll engage on campus.
There’s no magic number of activities or “perfect” formula. Colleges are looking for depth, leadership, deep interest, impact, and consistency. Do what you love, commit to it, and let your authentic interests shine through.
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