Figuring out your extracurriculars while applying abroad can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we are here to help! Extracurricular activities form one of the most crucial aspects of your application. Beyond grades and test scores, colleges are eager to understand who you are outside the classroom. Think of your extracurriculars as the storyline of your application—they bring your profile to life and give admissions officers a glimpse into your passions, leadership, and impact.
Leadership Roles
Colleges love leaders as they’re looking for future changemakers. Leadership roles demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others. These can include a position in the school’s student council, debate club, or even organising a cultural fest. Take the lead! Highlight moments where you led teams, made tough decisions or introduced innovative solutions. For instance, if you started a recycling program in your school, detail its impact: how many students participated, and what results you achieved. Numbers speak volumes!
Volunteer Work and Community Service
Community service showcases your empathy and dedication to creating a positive impact. In my case, it was advocating for veganism; for you, it could be teaching underprivileged kids, organizing cleanliness drives, working with an NGO, or any other cause you're passionate about. Colleges appreciate genuine efforts to give back to society. Find a social issue that you are passionate about, and focus on figuring out and building upon your interests!
One amazing way to take this further is through multiple activities around your community service of choice. For example, I wrote two research papers on veganism, consistently wrote blogs on Blogger and made Youtube videos which reflected my deep passion for the issue and my action-oriented mindset.
Competitions and Olympiads
Participating in academic competitions shows your dedication and interest towards a subject or field. Whether it’s Math Olympiads, MUNs, or national-level quizzes, these activities highlight your intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit. Colleges are particularly impressed if you’ve won or been recognized at prestigious events. Even participation at a high level can greatly benefit your application.
Research
Collaborating with researchers on a research paper through structured programs like the Linkage Research Program demonstrates critical thinking and a deeper understanding of your field of interest. One student I mentored researched consumer trends post the COVID-19 pandemic. This not only strengthened her application but also became a great talking point during her interview as well.
Moreover, if you get your research paper published as a high-schooler, it is a significant addition to your credibility and a testament to your commitment towards critical thinking and holistic learning.
Performing Arts
Music, dance and theatre activities not only display your talent but also your dedication and creativity. Performance in school musicals, participation in dance competitions, or even composing your music, is a fantastic addition to your application as these achievements highlight your versatility and dynamism.
Visual Arts and Design
Colleges value a strong portfolio if you are into painting, digital design, filmmaking etc. A friend of mine submitted a short film she created on mental health, and it became the centrepiece of her application.
Individual and Team Sports
Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience- qualities every college values. Sports and physical activities at any formal level form amazing accomplishments as they demonstrate your commitment and ability to balance academics and athletics.
Certifications in Fitness or Outdoor Camps
Unique certifications, like scuba diving, yoga, or being part of treks and outdoor camps, set you apart. These activities highlight a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and embrace challenges- qualities that come quite in handy in college. {I can attest from experience}.
Exchange Programs and Cultural Events
Participating in student exchange programs or representing your school at cultural events highlights your adaptability and global perspective. For example, attending an international conference like a Model UN adds significant weight to your profile.
Language Skills and Certifications
Mastering a new language and earning certifications like IELTS (English), DELF (French) or HSK (Mandarin) demonstrate your dedication to personal growth. In today’s globalized world, bilingual or multilingual skills are a major plus.
Starting Your Venture
Launching a business or a passion project shows initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s an online store or a neighbourhood tutoring service, what matters is the impact you’ve made!
Participating in Business Competitions
Case competitions, and entrepreneurial challenges highlights your strategic thinking and ability to innovate. Winning or even participating in these events can significantly bolster your application, and the presentations made can become a significant topic of discussion in the interview as well. High schools are generally pretty thrilled about these, so try if you can to create a team and officially represent your school.
Presenting Your Extracurriculars
A natural follow-up question once you have prepared a list of your extracurriculars is how will you present them in your application. You cannot just list all of them in a line, there are some particular aspects of presentation that admission teams look for, let’s briefly discuss them:
- Telling a personal story: It’s not just about listing activities but weaving them into a story that reflects your personality and aspirations. Connect your extra-curricular activities to your academic and career goals.
- Showcasing Impact: Use specific metrics and outcomes to emphasize your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Volunteered at an NGO,” write, “Organized weekly workshops for 50 underprivileged children, improving their math scores by 20%.”
- Letters of Recommendation that Highlight Your Activities: Choose recommenders with solid experience who can vouch for your contributions and growth. A mentor from your volunteer project or a teacher who supervised your club activities can provide valuable insights.
Your extracurriculars are more than just a checklist; they’re a reflection of your passions, values, and potential. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy to keep yourself enthusiastically engaged, and authenticity always shines through. Remember, colleges aren’t just looking for stellar grades; they’re looking for people who will contribute to their campus community in meaningful ways. Start building your profile early, document your achievements, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. The right activities, combined with a compelling narrative, can make all the difference. Good luck on your journey to your dream university!
We will soon be uploading blogs on how you can build these extra-curriculars, containing a list of some of the best and most regarded opportunities. Stay tuned!