Stand Out to College Admissions with Impressive Extracurricular Activities
When applying to college, grade point average and test scores are only part of the equation. Admissions officers look beyond academics to see who you are as a person. Your extracurricular activities show your passions, leadership skills, and commitment.
Choosing the right activities can give you a competitive edge. The best extracurriculars demonstrate consistency, impact, and initiative. Below, we’ll explore the top 15 extracurriculars that stand out on college applications, including why they matter and what colleges are really looking for.
1. Student Government and Leadership Roles
Colleges love to see applicants who step up and lead others. Holding a leadership position like student body president or club leader shows responsibility, communication skills, and a drive to make change.
- Builds leadership and public speaking skills
- Demonstrates long-term commitment
- Shows ability to manage projects and teams
2. Academic Clubs and Honor Societies
Honors societies like the National Honor Society or clubs focused on subjects like science, math, or history highlight your academic interests outside the classroom.
- Reinforces academic excellence
- Opens doors to competitions, scholarships, and networking
- Shows intellectual curiosity and drive for achievement
3. Volunteering and Community Service
Giving back to your community is one of the most admired traits by college admissions officers. Genuine, long-term volunteer work shows empathy and dedication to causes that matter to you.
- Builds character and civic responsibility
- Highlights alignment with college values
- Reflected strongly in personal statements
4. Internships and Part-Time Work
Gaining real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs shows work ethic, responsibility, and time management. These experiences also provide strong writing material for college essays.
- Demonstrates initiative and real-life skills
- Can reflect specific career interests
- Adds value to resumes and applications
5. Research Experience
Participating in academic research, especially under a professor or mentor, is a powerful way to show intellectual maturity and ambition. It's especially valued by top-tier or STEM-focused universities.
- Impresses selective universities
- Shows analytical and critical thinking
- Can lead to published work or presentations
6. Performing Arts (Theater, Dance, Music)
If you have a talent in music, theater, or dance, developing it through consistent participation in performing arts adds dimension to your profile. Performance arts demonstrate creativity, discipline, and emotional expression.
- Highlights artistic skill and creativity
- Shows time management and collaboration
- Great for students applying to liberal arts colleges
7. Debate and Public Speaking
Students involved in debate clubs or public speaking not only enhance their confidence but also develop research, logic, and persuasive communication—all skills admired by college admissions.
- Strong indicator of academic ambition
- Presents you as a confident, critical thinker
- Helpful if applying for law or politics-related majors
8. Athletics and Sports Teams
Playing sports, whether varsity or club level, shows teamwork, discipline, and time management. Captaining a team or earning awards reinforces your ability to commit and lead.
- Demonstrates perseverance and motivation
- Shows the ability to balance academics and commitments
- May qualify you for athletic scholarships
9. STEM Competitions
Taking part in competitions like Science Olympiad, Robotics, Math Team, or Hackathons showcases your prowess in science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Recognized by competitive STEM programs
- Gives you a chance to win awards and recognition
- Highlights innovation and problem-solving skills
10. Entrepreneurship and Startup Initiatives
Starting a business or nonprofit, even a small one, demonstrates creativity, initiative, and leadership. College admissions value students who think outside the box and act on their ideas.
- Shows independence and vision
- Can lead to real-world impact
- Great for business or innovation-focused programs
11. Journalism, Yearbook, or School Newspaper
Writing for your school newspaper or participating in yearbook staff helps develop writing, editing, time management, and storytelling abilities. Colleges appreciate applicants with strong communication skills.
- Builds writing and editorial skills
- Involves critical thinking and collaboration
- Amplifies student voices and campus events
12. Cultural Clubs and Language Societies
Clubs focused on cultural heritage or language learning demonstrate openness, inclusivity, and global awareness. These are key values especially in liberal arts and international programs.
- Shows appreciation for diversity and global issues
- Offers leadership and organization experience
- May relate to future travel or study abroad
13. Environmental or Sustainability Initiatives
Engaging in environmental causes or sustainability clubs can align with a university’s mission. Whether it’s organizing cleanups or raising awareness, your passion makes a meaningful impression.
- Highlights passion for climate action and responsibility
- Reflects societal awareness and purpose
- Impressive in environmental science or policy applications
14. Coding, Robotics, and Tech Clubs
With technology career paths on the rise, participating in coding bootcamps, robotics clubs, or app development projects shows technical thinking and innovation.
- Popular with computer science and engineering majors
- Often leads to winning competitions or building portfolios
- Demonstrates self-driven learning and modern skills
15. Art, Design, and Creative Portfolios
Pursuing drawing, graphic design, or digital art helps you curate a unique, artistic identity. Submitting a creative portfolio can significantly boost your application to design or liberal arts programs.
- Shows dedication to visual storytelling
- Gives life to your creative interpretations
- Builds portfolios for scholarships and applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best extracurriculars for Ivy League colleges?
Ivy League schools look for meaningful extracurriculars that show leadership, innovation, and depth. Top options include leadership roles, national competitions, research under professors, and nonprofit organizations you helped create or lead.
How many extracurriculars should I include in my college application?
Most college applications allow you to list up to 10 activities. Focus on quality, not quantity. Choose 4–6 strong ones where you had real involvement and impact.
Can hobbies count as extracurriculars for college?
Yes. If you've pursued a hobby seriously—like blogging, photography, or learning a language—and it shows consistency, dedication, or has led to achievements, it can count as a valid activity.
Which college has the largest enrollment in the U.S.?
As of the 2023–24 academic year, Texas A&M University in College Station has the highest enrollment of any individual campus in the U.S., with approximately 77,491 students. It is followed by the University of Central Florida at around 69,316 students.
