Top Extracurricular Activities that stand out on College Applications
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In a world where AI predicts diseases and teenagers launch startups, colleges are looking for students who don’t just follow trends—they create them. According to a 2023 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey, 44% of respondents identified extracurricular activities as a moderately important factor in admissions decisions.[1] These activities offer a glimpse into a student's character—beyond grades and test scores—showcasing their passions and consistency.
A well-chosen set of extracurriculars can do more than fill out a resume. It paints a picture of a student's dedication, interests, and aspirations. Let’s explore key categories that can make a real difference in a college application.
Community Service
- What it means: Volunteering time to address social issues, whether through local charities, online platforms, or student-led initiatives.
- What makes you stand out: Community service isn’t just about giving back—it’s about taking action, showing leadership, and genuinely wanting to make a difference. Colleges value students who step up to tackle real-world problems and create meaningful change. With technology moving so quickly, community service is evolving. Students can combine technology with kindness to make a lasting impact. Careers in AI are expected to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it clear that using AI in community service is not only a smart move but a powerful one for the future.[2]
- Example Activity: Use AI tools to solve problems like identifying crop diseases or detecting fake news. You can also build a chatbot for mental health support tailored for teenagers.
Pro Tip: Track your impact—how many people did you help, how much capital did you raise, or what changes did your project achieve?
Internships
- What it means: Gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting, exploring career interests, and building practical skills.
- What makes you stand out: Internships bridge classroom learning and the real world, highlighting initiative, professional curiosity, and readiness for future careers. Universities highly value students who seek out professional learning opportunities early on. Internships also offer students the chance to network with professionals, understand workplace dynamics, and gain insights into potential career paths. In fact, according to NACE’s Job Outlook 2022 report, employers consider having an internship in the industry to be one of the most influential factors when choosing between two equally qualified candidates.[3]
- Example activity: Assisting a local business with social media marketing, working in a research lab, or shadowing a professional in your field.
Pro tip: Keep a journal of your internship experiences to note key learnings, accomplishments, and areas for growth.
Leadership & Entrepreneurial Ventures
- What it means: Taking charge, guiding teams, or initiating new projects within clubs or through independent ventures.
- What makes you stand out: True leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about the actions you take and the impact you create. Leadership highlights your accountability, resilience, and strategic vision—traits that colleges highly value. Entrepreneurial ventures, on the other hand, demonstrate your creativity, willingness to take risks, and skill in transforming ideas into tangible outcomes. In fact, 84% of Gen Z entrepreneurs are optimistic about their business ventures, according to Forbes, showing that today’s youth are not only entrepreneurial but also determined to make a difference.[4] What matters most is the lasting impact of your efforts, showing your growth, initiative, and ability to solve problems.
- Example activity: Starting any initiative is leadership—be it a debating society, coding club, or art collective.
Pro tip: Track your growth—how many members did you lead, what projects did you initiate, and what measurable outcomes did your leadership/initiative produce?
STEM Projects & Research
- What it means: Engaging in scientific research, tech-based projects, or participating in academic competitions.
- What makes you stand out: Engaging in research and STEM competitions demonstrates your ability to think analytically, solve complex problems, and persist through challenges. In 2021, nearly 10 million workers were employed in STEM occupations, and this number is expected to grow by nearly 11% by 2031—more than twice the rate of growth for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[5] This shows that students in STEM activities are not only preparing for success in a growing field but also showcasing their commitment to mastering high-demand skills. Whether they are building prototypes, developing tech solutions, or competing in national challenges, these experiences reflect creativity, resilience, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Example activity: Participating in a national science fair with an innovative environmental solution, developing an app to address a social issue, or winning coding or robotics competitions.
Pro tip: Encourage your child to build a portfolio showcasing their projects, research findings, and competition successes. This helps colleges recognise their skills, achievements, and the depth of their academic interests.
Passion Projects (Arts, music, writing, etc.)
- What it means: Personal projects fueled by your child’s passions—whether it's creating art, composing music, writing a book, or launching a podcast.
- What makes you stand out: Passion projects showcase creativity, perseverance, and individuality. They provide insight into what drives your child beyond academics, offering a glimpse of their personal interests and talents. These projects demonstrate their ability to independently follow through on long-term goals, reflecting motivation, dedication, and discipline. Whether it’s a blog, a series of photographs, or an original novel, passion projects reveal how your child can transform their interests into tangible accomplishments.
- Example activity: Publishing poetry, designing digital art, producing a podcast, or starting a YouTube channel.
Pro tip: Encourage your child to share their work online or exhibit it publicly—whether through social media, art shows, or local events. This not only gives them an audience but also helps them develop valuable networking skills.
Sports and Athletics
- What it means: Representing your school, local team, or participating in competitive or recreational physical activities.
- What makes your child stand out: Beyond physical strength, athletics teach important life skills like handling failure, setting and achieving goals, and collaborating with others to succeed. These skills are crucial for success in both academics and future careers. It shows your child’s ability to thrive under pressure, push their limits, and work cohesively within a team.
- Example activity: Competing in state tournaments, coaching younger teams, or participating in marathons and triathlons.
Pro tip: Help your child keep a detailed record of their achievements, awards, and milestones. This will highlight their dedication and resilience to admissions officers.
Summer Programmes and Exchange Programmes
- What it means: Participating in academic, cultural, or leadership-focused exchange programs or camps during summer breaks.
- What makes your child stand out: Summer programs expose your child to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives, enhancing their worldview and enriching their college application. According to Forbes, 40% of multilingual employees reported that language skills helped them land a job, and they earn 19% more than single-language speakers.[6]They also provide valuable networking opportunities where your child can build relationships with experts, mentors, and peers from across the globe.
- Example activity: Attending an international exchange program, participating in a summer camp focused on coding, arts, or leadership development.
Pro tip: Encourage your child to network with peers and mentors during these programs. Building connections with people from different backgrounds can offer lasting benefits, including future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.
Conclusion
Remember, the key Is consistency
Do what you love, not what You Think Colleges Want to See
Admissions officers value authenticity over a packed schedule. A Princeton Admissions Officer once shared a story of a student claiming over 175 extracurricular hours in a week — more hours than there are in a week! Needless to say, they didn’t make the cut.
The lesson? Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on what matters to you, and let colleges see the real you.
At Right Coll, our personalised mentorship programs for Grades 8-12 help students discover their passions, stay consistent, and build standout college portfolios.
Ready to shape your child’s future? Get started with us today!
[1] https://www.nacacnet.org/factors-in-the-admission-decision/
[2] https://www.nacacnet.org/factors-in-the-admission-decision/
[4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2024/06/18/gen-z-thriving-entrepreneurship/
[5] https://blog.dol.gov/2022/11/04/stem-day-explore-growing-careers
