Extracurricular activities are often seen as one of the less relevant parts of a college application. After all, grades and test scores should be the most important thing to an institute of higher education. But for highly competitive universities, where every applicant boasts stellar grades and impressive test scores, extracurricular activities emerge as a crucial unique differentiator. While grades and test scores are capped at the upper end (you can only ever get a perfect score!) extracurricular activities allow driven students to demonstrate true exceptionalism, by doing or achieving something truly unique. As a result, for students aiming for the Ivy League, extracurriculars are often the most important determinant in admission outcomes.
What is Holistic Admission, and How do Extracurriculars Factor in?
Holistic admission is an approach used by many colleges and universities to evaluate a student's college application comprehensively. Instead of focusing solely on quantitative measures like GPA and standardized test scores, holistic admissions consider a wide range of factors to gain a complete understanding of the applicant. This method allows admissions officers to assess not only the academic qualifications but also the individual characteristics, experiences, and potential contributions of each applicant to the campus community.
There is no list that enumerates the “best extracurricular activities for the Ivy League”, as different extracurriculars will be viewed differently by each admissions committee. Within a holistic framework, extracurricular activities are used as:
- Demonstrations of Unique Interests: Extracurriculars allow students to showcase what they are passionate about, whether it's sports, arts, community service, or specific academic clubs. These interests help admissions officers see what motivates and excites a student outside of the classroom.
- Examples of Applied Academic Passions: Extracurriculars should reflect a student's genuine interests and ideally be aligned with their intended field of study. For example, a student interested in engineering might participate in a robotics club or a science fair, which demonstrates not only their passion for the subject but also the practical application of their academic interests.
- Evidence of Leadership and Initiative: Leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or sports teams indicate a student's ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities, and influence others positively. Colleges value these traits as they are indicative of future campus leaders and contributors.
- Showcases of Commitment and Perseverance: Long-term involvement in activities demonstrates a student's commitment and the ability to stick with interests over time, suggesting resilience and dedication—qualities that are beneficial for success in college and beyond.
- Illustrations of Time Management Skills: Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, especially at a competitive level, shows that a student can manage their time effectively, a critical skill for college success.
- Opportunities for Personal Growth: Participation in extracurricular activities often challenges students in unique ways, leading to personal growth and the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Contributions to Campus Diversity and Community: Colleges are interested in creating a vibrant, diverse community where students bring a wide range of talents, perspectives, and backgrounds. Extracurricular activities can highlight how a student might contribute to the campus culture, engage with the community, and bring new ideas or initiatives.
- Potential for Future Involvement: Students actively involved in high school are likely to contribute to the college community through clubs, sports, volunteer work, and campus events. Admissions officers look for applicants who will enrich the campus experience for everyone.
- Proof of College and Career Readiness: Extracurriculars that complement academic achievements demonstrate a student's readiness for college and career challenges. Activities such as internships, research projects, or entrepreneurship can provide practical experience and skills relevant to a student’s academic and career goals, making them more attractive candidates for admission.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding Extracurricular Activities
- More is Always Better: A common misconception is that having a long list of extracurricular activities will make a college application stand out. In reality, colleges value depth over breadth. They prefer to see students who have committed to a few activities and have shown growth, leadership, and significant contributions in those areas over time, rather than a lengthy list of superficial involvements.
- Only School-Sponsored Clubs Count: Some students believe that only activities officially sponsored by their school, such as sports teams or school clubs, are considered valid extracurriculars. However, colleges recognize a wide range of activities, including work experience, independent projects, community service not affiliated with a school, and hobbies that demonstrate passion and commitment.
- Extracurriculars Must Be Related to Your Intended Major: While it can be beneficial to participate in activities related to your intended field of study, it's not a requirement. Colleges appreciate well-rounded applicants with diverse interests. Pursuing extracurriculars that showcase different skills and passions can often make an application more compelling. That being said, students should try and tie different interests together whenever possible, to create a cohesive application narrative.
- Academic Clubs are the Only Ones That Matter: There's a misconception that only academically-focused extracurriculars (like Math Club or Science Olympiad) are valuable on a college application. While these are indeed significant, colleges also value activities that develop other skills and traits, such as leadership, teamwork, and creativity, which can be demonstrated through sports, arts, volunteer work, and more. Often, non-academic extracurriculars allow students to stand out better!
- Summer Programs at Prestigious Universities Give You an Edge: Many students and parents believe that attending summer programs at prestigious universities will significantly boost their chances of admission to those institutions. While these programs can provide valuable experiences and learning opportunities, they do not guarantee admission. Admissions officers are more interested in how students utilize their summers to pursue their interests deeply, whether through programs, work, or self-directed projects.
- Only Leadership Positions Count: While leadership roles can highlight a student's initiative and ability to lead, not holding a title does not diminish the value of participation in an activity. Consistent involvement, impact, and personal growth within an activity can be just as important as holding a leadership position.
- Extracurricular Activities Are Only Important for Ivy League Applications: This misconception leads some students to believe that if they are not applying to highly selective colleges, their extracurricular involvement doesn't matter. In reality, extracurriculars are a critical component of college applications for a wide range of schools, as they provide insight into a student's interests, character, and potential contributions to the campus community.
How Should You Choose Your Extracurriculars?
- Reflect on Your Interests: Begin by considering what you enjoy doing in your free time. What topics or hobbies captivate you? Your extracurriculars should reflect your genuine interests, as this will keep you motivated and engaged.
- Consider Your Strengths and Skills: Think about your strengths and how you might apply them to an extracurricular setting. For example, if you excel in communication, you might enjoy debate club or student government.
- Explore a Variety of Options: High schools typically offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports and music to academic clubs and volunteer organizations. Attend club fairs and meetings for any activities that pique your interest.
- Balance Passion and Practicality: While it's important to choose activities you're passionate about, also consider how they might enhance your college application. Leadership positions, awards, or accomplishments in these activities can be particularly impactful.
- Quality Over Quantity: Instead of joining numerous clubs superficially, focus on a few activities where you can make a significant contribution or take on leadership roles. Depth of involvement is more valuable than breadth.
- Align with Future Goals: If you have a specific career or major in mind, look for extracurriculars related to that field. This can help you gain relevant experience and demonstrate your commitment to colleges.
- Seek Opportunities Outside of School: Don't limit yourself to school-sponsored activities. Community service, part-time jobs, internships, or pursuing independent projects can also be excellent ways to explore your interests and develop new skills.
- Consider Time Management: Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to extracurriculars without compromising your academic performance. It's important to maintain a healthy balance.
- Be Open to New Experiences: High school is a time of exploration. Don't be afraid to try something new or step out of your comfort zone. You might discover a hidden talent or passion.
- Evaluate and Adjust: Your interests and goals may change over time. Regularly evaluate your extracurricular involvement and don't hesitate to make changes if an activity no longer feels rewarding or aligned with your goals.
I Have Good Grades, but Few Extracurriculars. Is it Too Late for Me?
No. Many students start with academic passions and develop a program of extracurricular activities late into high school. For the most part, admission committees will care about what students are doing at the ages of 17 and 18, not what they were doing at the ages of 12 and 13. Moreover, the increased focus on quality over quantity allows late-blooming students to develop a very robust extracurricular resume in a year or even a few months.
However, students need to be careful in selecting the correct extracurricular activities in order to stand out from their competition. Often, the preferred extracurriculars of parents or high school teachers will not be specific enough to impress a university that sees tens of thousands of applications a year. Students who are late to the game can’t waste time engaged in common extracurricular events.
Networking with college professors, especially those who share your academic interests, can be a very useful way to identify unique extracurriculars. Often, these opportunities are classes, programs, or research efforts primarily conducted by college students. Participation in these non-traditional programs will allow any high schooler to easily differentiate themselves. By engaging in “advanced extracurriculars”, students can prove themselves to be both driven and ready to succeed in the college environment.
Final Thoughts
Extracurricular activities are becoming ever more important parts of college applications, especially for Ivy League and other elite universities. Students who manage to develop strong extracurricular profiles while maintaining good grades and standardized test scores will find that their college admissions journey (and outcomes) become much more favorable as a result of their hard work and dedication.
