Top High School Activities That Align with College Majors
When you’re planning for college admissions, extracurriculars can highlight your passion and help you stand out. The best extracurricular activities vary depending on your intended college major. Whether you're interested in engineering, business, or healthcare, the right activities in high school can prepare you for rigorous college programs and create impressive college applications.
Here’s a breakdown of the most valuable extracurriculars by major that can help you build your resume, gain experience, and strengthen your future college applications.
Best Extracurriculars for STEM Majors
Students interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) should aim to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills early. College STEM programs often prefer applicants with hands-on experience in science-related activities.
- Robotics Club: Great for future engineers and computer science majors.
- Math Team or Competitions: Like AMC, MathCounts, or state competitions.
- Science Olympiad or Science Fairs: Compete at the national level to showcase research and innovation.
- Coding Bootcamps or Programming Clubs: Especially valuable for computer science and software development majors.
- Internships at Tech Companies or Labs: Provides real-world experience in STEM.
Top Activities for Aspiring Business Majors
If you're planning to major in business, economics, or finance, you'll want to show leadership, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit. Admissions officers often look for involvement in clubs that demonstrate those qualities.
- DECA or Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): National organizations that offer business simulations and competitions.
- Student Government: Builds leadership and organizational skills.
- Launch a Small Business or Online Store: Shows initiative and marketing skills.
- Finance or Investment Club: Learn investing and personal finance basics.
- Summer Business Programs: Many universities offer business bootcamps for high school students.
Great Extracurriculars for Pre-Med and Health Majors
Pursuing a major in biology, pre-med, or other healthcare fields? Competitive programs want to see evidence of responsibility, compassion, and scientific curiosity.
- Volunteering at Hospitals or Clinics: Gain exposure to healthcare environments.
- Red Cross Club: Offers leadership and service opportunities in health-related areas.
- HOSA – Future Health Professionals: Prepares students for careers in health sciences.
- Research Assistant Positions: At local colleges or labs if available.
- Shadowing Physicians: Offers firsthand insight into the medical profession.
Recommended Activities for Humanities and Social Science Majors
Students planning to major in history, English, sociology, or political science should focus on activities that develop communication, analysis, and advocacy skills.
- Model United Nations (MUN): Ideal for political science or international relations interests.
- Debate Club or Speech & Debate: Improve your public speaking and argumentation skills.
- Literary Magazine or School Newspaper: Flex your writing and editorial skills.
- Volunteering in Community Outreach Programs: Shows a commitment to social change and civic engagement.
- History Fair or Humanities Competitions: National History Day participation is a great example.
Best Extracurriculars for Fine Arts Majors
If you're aiming for a major in fine arts, theater, dance, or music, showcasing talent through active participation and portfolio development is essential.
- Art Club or Private Art Lessons: Build a strong art portfolio.
- Theater Productions: Onstage and behind the scenes experiences are both valuable.
- Band or Orchestra: Highlights dedication and musical skill.
- Dance Companies or Classes: Prepare for dance auditions and college performances.
- Local Gallery Showcases or Art Contests: Gain exposure and build your resume.
Extracurricular Activities for Education and Teaching Majors
For future teachers, early experience in mentoring and leadership goes a long way. Colleges look for students who are committed to learning and helping others grow.
- Tutoring Fellow Students: Develops communication and patience.
- Mentorship or Peer Leadership Programs: Helps build strong interpersonal skills.
- Teacher’s Assistant Roles: Shadowing teachers is valuable hands-on experience.
- Volunteering at Youth Camps or After-school Programs: Shows dedication to working with students.
- Future Educators Clubs: Many schools offer clubs focused on education careers.
Strong Activities for Environmental Science and Sustainability Majors
Colleges value students who are committed to sustainability. If you're planning to major in environmental science, show initiative in green practices and community involvement.
- Environmental Club: Organize recycling drives or clean-up campaigns.
- Volunteering with Conservation Groups: Local or national organizations are a plus.
- Science Research Projects in Ecology: Compete at science fairs with environmental themes.
- Starting a School Garden or Compost Program: Demonstrates initiative and ecological understanding.
- Internships in Wildlife or Park Services: Helps build direct experience in the field.
FAQs About Extracurriculars for College Admissions
How many extracurriculars should you have for college?
Colleges value quality over quantity. Aim for 3 to 5 meaningful extracurriculars that align with your interests and show leadership or commitment. It's better to go deep into a few activities than stretch yourself thin with too many.
Do extracurriculars really matter for college applications?
Yes, extracurricular activities are a key factor in holistic admissions. They reveal who you are outside of academics and can strengthen your application by showcasing skills, passions, and leadership potential.
What are some free extracurriculars that still impress colleges?
Free activities that leave a strong impression include volunteering, peer tutoring, community service, student government, and forming your own club or initiative. Colleges value impact more than cost.
Can your extracurriculars help you pick a major?
Absolutely. High school activities give you real exposure to different fields. They help you discover what you're passionate about and can confirm your major choice before college starts.
