Extracurriculars - The Second Step in Building Your College List
Admissions teams always seek to understand who students are beyond grades and test scores.
extracurricular activities provide valuable insights
Participating in extracurricular activities is about much more than boosting a résumé – it’s a powerful way for students to discover interests, develop key skills, and build the foundation for future success. As the second post in the “Building a Balanced College List for Students” series, this piece dives into why activities matter so much, how they shape student identity, and the role they play in creating a focused, personalized list of potential colleges.
Why Extracurriculars Matter
Every high school student hears about the importance of “getting involved,” but the true value of participation goes far beyond just stacking up club memberships. Activities are how students explore new interests, foster a sense of purpose, and carve out spaces where they feel they belong. Regular involvement supports the development of habits like collaboration and service – ones that last long after graduation and serve students in every stage of life.
Beyond these internal rewards, extracurriculars allow students to make a real impact. Whether it’s mentoring younger peers, launching a community initiative, or investing meaningful hours in a creative pursuit, activities are a visible sign of commitment, initiative, and authenticity. Over time, these experiences show college admissions committees how a student has made a difference in their school or community.
What Colleges Look For
Admissions teams always seek to understand who students are beyond grades and test scores, and extracurricular activities provide valuable insights into character, leadership, and collaborative skills. Selectivity plays a key role: highly selective colleges with low acceptance rates look for exceptional depth, leadership, and impact in activities, often at regional, state, or national levels. They want to see not just participation but the meaningful stories and contributions behind each experience. Less selective colleges, meanwhile, still value consistent engagement and meaningful involvement, appreciating students who have made contributions to their school, volunteered, and may not have done so at the same depth as more selective schools. Recognizing these differences helps students tailor their college lists to match their involvement and align with the priorities individual schools place on their admissions process.
Impact: The more selective the college, the more weight is placed on leadership and tangible contributions, often wanting to see impact on a state, national, or even global stage.
Alignment: Colleges look for connections between what a student does outside class and their future academic or personal goals. Activities that align with a student’s interests or intended major demonstrate focus and passion.
Initiative: Admissions readers value students who show initiative, creativity, and leadership – those who go beyond participation and become changemakers within their spheres.
It’s not about “doing it all,” but rather about making meaningful contributions in a few areas and showing growth, leadership, and a desire to give back. Quality over quantity!
Extracurriculars and College Fit
When working with students, the story told by activities can be surprisingly revealing. A student immersed in robotics and coding clubs might thrive at a college with strong STEM communities. Someone leading a nonprofit effort as a teen may suit a campus known for social entrepreneurship. The level and depth of extracurricular involvement often help me recommend schools that truly fit, matching a student’s character and ambitions with colleges that value those same traits.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, when building a balanced college list, considering extracurricular involvement is an essential second step. These experiences speak volumes about who a student is, what they care about, and where they are likely to thrive next. As college lists take shape, activities provide a roadmap for discovering not just where a student “can get in,” but where they will truly belong and contribute.
