Best Extracurriculars for College

Your college years are supposed to be some of the most life-changing years of your life. And I’m not just talking about the people you meet, parties you attend, and crazy things you get into with your friends. I’m talking about the ways in which the education you receive can change you, expand your mind, and open your eyes to new and exciting interests. This is why extracurriculars are so important, which leaves the question: what are the best extracurriculars you can take that will expand your skills and knowledge?

This article is all about the best extracurriculars in college: how to unlock new paths to success through them, what types are there, and how important they can be for you. You have your meat and then your potatoes, if you will. And if you are anything like me, you will absolutely devour the potatoes. Let’s get into it!

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Unlocking the Best Extra Curricular for College Success

Discovering the best extracurriculars for college success is about knowing what activities serve your interests and passions. They are meant to challenge and question your level of commitment to the pursuit but also support your personal goals. The tricky part is the knowing. How do you figure out what works best for you?

Here are some things to focus on what best extracurriculars fit your goals:

1. Pursue Your Passions ­– The admissions teams look for students who are genuinely passionate about their activities. So, instead of joining cliché and boring clubs or organizations to fill your resume, choose extracurriculars that you are truly interested in.
2. Demonstrate Leadership – This is key. Holding leadership positions in your extracurriculars shows colleges that you are responsible, able to take initiative and lead a team to success.
3. Look for Impact and Commitment – You know the saying “it’s a journey, not a race?” Same applies here. It's better to show long-term commitment to a few activities than to spread yourself thin across many.

Volunteering and Community Service

Volunteering and community service is something we will go over in this article, but for a preface, it’s an extracurricular that is often viewed very highly by admissions officers because it shows kindness, as well as a desire to give back which, in my experience, is key to college application not only standing out, but also expanding your skills and opening your mind to new opportunities.

And there are benefits to volunteering for local group/community services:

• Personal fulfillment
• Helping your community
• Meeting new people
• Expanding your resume
• Finding your purpose
• Learning a new skill

You might even find a new professional opportunity through volunteer/community service work. This kind of extracurricular activity is more than just a checkmark off your list for being impressionable. It provides an opportunity to explore your interests, build meaningful relationships, and develop life skills.

Why Extracurricular Activities Matter

Extracurriculars are considered important by almost every college when deciding which students to admit. According to the University of South Florida, colleges rank extracurricular activities as the fourth most important factor for college admissions. And if that isn’t motivating enough, they also give students a competitive advantage when applying to college. These activities can also show what makes a student unique beyond their transcripts and standardized test scores. It’s a standout factor.

However, there are other reasons why extracurricular activities matter:

• Personal Development
• Demonstrate Passion and Commitment
• Develop Leadership Skills
• Enhance Social and Networking Skills
• Improve Time Management
• Contribute to Your Community
• Explore Interests and Potential Careers
• Build Confidence
• Develop Life Skills
• Create a Balanced Life
• Boost College Student Resumes

Overall, they are meant to help you prepare for college life beyond grades and academics. But the key isn’t to stop dabbling in extracurriculars in high school. Students are encouraged to join clubs and engage with their campus community. Participating in extracurriculars during high school helps prepare your transition into college life smoothly and make the most of your college experience.

Best Extracurricular Activities

Now that we’ve gone over all the reasons why extracurricular activities are essential, let’s go over some examples of the best extracurricular activities for college.

Community Activities

We’ve finally made it to community activities. But before I get into it, it’s important to know that engaging in extracurricular community activities will not only allow you to give back to others but also create meaningful connections. Here are some examples of extracurricular community activities:

1. Volunteering at Local Shelters
2. Tutoring and Mentoring Programs
3. Community Health Initiatives
4. Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations
5. Volunteering at Libraries or Literacy Programs
6. Volunteering at Senior Centers or Hospitals
7. Volunteering at Animal Shelters
8. Organizing a Social Impact Group

As you can see, community-based extracurricular activities range in all different areas of impact. Whether through volunteer work, activism, or mentoring, these activities will help you build character as well as a sense of responsibility and empathy.

Independent Activities

Independent extracurricular activities give students more leeway to dabble into new or existing career development and personal interests. These activities are, but are not limited to:

1. Freelance Writing or Blogging
2. Creative Writing
3. YouTube Channel or Podcast
4. Artistic Projects
5. Entrepreneurship or Starting a Small Business

Whatever you choose, just make sure it aligns with your goals!

Leadership Positions and Their Importance

Colleges seek out students who take initiative and aren’t afraid to lead by example. This is why extracurricular activities that focus on leadership skills are so important. They demonstrate a commitment to your interests as a person and the ability to make a difference in the campus community.

Examples of leadership positions include but are not limited to Eagle Scout, Girl Scout, camp counselor, editor of the school newspaper, sports team captain, a leadership position, student council positions, and more. Leadership positions can help students grow while boosting their college applications. Looks like a win-win to me.

The Value of Experience

Hearing about the benefits of extracurriculars, like school clubs, is not the same as experiencing them which is what makes them so valuable. You can read and watch demonstrations on certain task that you might understand, but until you get hands-on with it, you will never get the full experience.

Getting involved in your activities helps you gain practical experience. The real-world application of knowledge allows students to use the skills they’ve gained in real-life situations. This practical experience enhances their understanding of their chosen field and exposes them to day-to-day challenges that cannot be fully learned through textbooks, videos, and readings.

It also helps bridge the gap between education and employment. Employers often seek candidates with hands-on experience. Extracurriculars provide you with unique opportunities to gain practical experience that sets you apart from other graduates through communication and collaboration. These interpersonal skills are key!

Extracurricular activities present students with real challenges that will require them to think critically and develop solutions on the spot. This helps them build problem-solving skills that are a valuable skill in any professional setting, as well as help them stand out to employers. Not to mention the resume boost. Extracurriculars so much value to your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to future employers. Listing specific skills, projects, and accomplishments isn’t enough. Get your hands dirty to succeed!

Extracurriculars also open doors to new interests and career options. Students will have the chance to explore different fields, industries, or roles to see what aligns with their long-term professional goals. This firsthand classroom experience helps you determine whether a particular field is the right fit before committing to a career path.

Experience is invaluable and will help you prepare for long-term success in your chosen activity. So, don’t be shy—show everyone what you got and see how far your grow!

Importance of Balancing Extracurricular Activities and Academics

When you start getting involved in your extracurriculars, it’s easy to get lost in them. The key to not letting them affect your academic life is finding the right balance between your activities and time: extracurricular activities and school. But how?

First, you can create a schedule for yourself and adhere to it. This will also help you practice time management. And though it sounds doable, you’ll find that it’s easy to either lose focus or get distracted by things like social media, texting, friends, etc. This means you have to discipline yourself enough to avoid distractions and stay on track with your goals.

Secondly, and probably as important as your schedule, is to choose your activities wisely. Adopting a new interest will take up your time, so you want to make sure that time is being spent wisely and efficiently. So, when you’re choosing your extracurricular activities, consider your interests, goals, and what you want out of the activity.

Lastly, and certainly the most underrated, ask for help. Your college years are going to be filled with responsibilities and course loads you may not be used to, and because you’re human, you will feel the pressure of it all. So, don’t be afraid to ask your peers, parents, friends, counselors, etc., for help because 9/10, you aren’t the only one who needs it,

How to Get Started with Extracurricular Activities

Getting started with extracurricular activities can be exciting, especially if your choices go hand-in-hand with your passions. But where do you begin? Easy.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get involved in your school's extracurricular activities and make the most of them:

1. Identify Your Interests:

• Explore Your Passions
• Consider Your Future Goals
• Try New Things

2. Research Available Opportunities

• School-Based Activities
• Community Opportunities
• Online Platforms

3. Be innovative

• Start a New Club or Project (e.g., math club, book club, etc.)
• Organize a Community Event
• Launch a Personal Project

4. Balance Your Time

• Prioritize Your Commitments
• Create a Schedule
• Be Realistic

5. Stay Consistent and Committed

• Show Commitment
• Seek Leadership Roles
• Join Professional or Specialized Networks

Getting started with extracurricular activities involves finding your passions. Whether you join existing clubs or create your own club sport, staying dedicated and actively participating will only help you develop important skills and strengthen your college success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now, because nothing and no one is perfect, I think it’s safe to be cautious when it comes to committing your time and energy to extracurriculars. When you’re so engulfed in something you’re passionate about, it’s easy to get lost in its sunken place and we want a healthy balance for your endeavors.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t join too many extracurricular activities. This can look like you’re trying too hard to impress admissions committees.
• Avoid activities that don’t align with your interests.
• Don’t neglect your studies in favor of extracurricular activities. BALANCE is key.

The new school year is right around the corner. Don’t miss an opportunity to get involved and get excited about your future. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Extracurricular Activities for College

What are the best extracurricular activities for students?

The best extracurricular activities for students can vary based on individual interests and goals. However, some widely recognized beneficial activities include volunteering at a community center, community service, mentorship, leadership opportunities, fundraising, writing, etc. Ultimately, the best extracurricular activities are those that align with your passions and aspirations.

High school students are encouraged to participate in high school extracurriculars to develop important life skills, build strong relationships, explore their interests, and enhance their college applications or future career prospects. It's also a great way to prepare for extracurricular activities in college.

How do you know what extracurricular activity is best for you?

When it comes to extracurricular activities, you want to ask yourself a few questions, like: what are your passions? What can you see yourself doing? What will fit in your schedule? What activity will be most fulfilling? Can this opportunity turn into more? Does it support your career development and objective? What is going to benefit you the most? More often than not, the best extracurricular activity for you will be in those answers.

How can you balance extracurricular activities and school?

To find the right balance between extracurricular activities and school, you can start by creating a schedule and stick to it. It's easy to fall out after a few days of complacency, so you have to find the discipline to stay focused and on track with your goals. You should also choose which activities you want to take on wisely. They will take up your time, so you want to make sure it's of interest to you.

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