Academics are incredibly important in college applications, and most colleges want their students to have good grades and test scores. However, it is also very common for a university to want their students to have been involved in outside activities, extracurriculars, while in high school.
What are extracurriculars?
Extracurriculars are all those activities that you do outside of school. Sports, volunteer work, jobs, band/orchestra, and clubs all count as extracurriculars. Basically, whatever you like to do when you’re not working on school can be considered an extracurricular activity in some way.
Why should you participate in extracurriculars?
Extracurriculars can be a lot of fun if you find some that interest you. They can also give you some motivation to finish your schoolwork each day. If you have something else that you want to do or another commitment that you have to be at, you’ll probably be more likely to finish your work on time. I always have more motivation when I’m trying to get everything done before a club meeting, or when I know I need to finish my school before I go to work.
In terms of college, your extracurriculars can tell a college a lot about who you are and what you like to do. You’ll probably only volunteer for causes you’re passionate about and you won’t keep joining clubs that you find boring. And if you participate in a club from year to year or stay with the same job, you can show colleges that you can commit to one thing and be diligent in it. Also, if you’re looking to play college sports or be in a music program, colleges want to see that you were committed to that sport or instrument while in high school.
Finally, coaches, instructors, employers, and the heads of volunteer organizations can be great for letters of recommendation. While most colleges want a letter from a teacher, some may want a letter from someone who is not directly related to academics as well.
How can you find extracurriculars?
You might be wondering how you can involve yourself in extracurriculars. The first step is to find something you enjoy doing, even if it’s not directly related to an extracurricular. Start by looking at your favorite subjects, crafts, or things to do in your spare time. For instance, I like classical languages, swimming, teaching little kids, and reading. Because of this, I joined Junior Classical League through Wilson Hill Academy. I also teach swim lessons, and I just held a book drive for local elementary schoolers in need.
Look at your interests. Even if something doesn’t necessarily strike you as an extracurricular, you might be able to turn it into one. Maybe you’re good at knitting or crocheting. You could start a business selling some of the things you make, or you could host a drive for blankets, hats, etc for local people in need during the winter. Or if you are good with little kids or animals, there’s always babysitting and pet sitting among other related things that you could get involved in.
If you’re struggling to start something alone, you can also involve your friends. I started a Bible study with some of my friends so that we could read Bible passages together and attempt to discuss them deeply and thoroughly. Even though it’s small and technically unofficial, it’s a lot of fun, a great extracurricular, and we often get to learn more about each other and the Bible through our discussions.
Extracurriculars are important for your college applications. They can seem daunting at first. When I first started high school, I thought there was no way I would find enough that I would enjoy. But as time has gone on, I have participated in a variety of activities and I love them all. Using your interests as a starting point, you can begin to easily find extracurriculars that you are excited about and that will let colleges know who you are.
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