Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

Getting involved in clubs, sports, work or other pursuits outside the classroom can give you new skills and help you learn about yourself — and can be fun. Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

Here’s something else you should know: Extracurricular also play a part when you apply to colleges. Most college applications ask about your activities. That’s because the things you do in your free time reveal a lot about you — in ways that grades and test scores can’t. Your accomplishments outside the classroom show what you’re passionate about and that you have qualities valued by colleges. Here are a few examples:

• Serving in student government shows that you have leadership skills.
• Being on the track team through high school shows that you’re able to make a long-term commitment.
• Doing volunteer work at a hospital shows that you are dedicated to helping others.
• Working a part-time job while keeping your grades up shows that you are responsible and can manage your time. Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

Colleges want to know who you are and what you can do. Your activities help you show them. So put down the books and get out there!  Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

Kinds of Activities

Here are the most common kinds of extracurricular activities. Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

School Activities

These might include sports teams, special-interest clubs, a school newspaper, music groups and student government.

Community Activities

Examples are community theatre, music, and art groups as well as local clubs and sports teams.

Work

Internships, summer jobs, part-time work, babysitting, delivering newspapers — it all counts.

Volunteering

This might mean tutoring elementary school kids, helping out at the animal shelter or raising funds for a charity.

How to Get Started

Whether you want to learn more about politics, public speaking or cooking, you can find an activity that will help you explore that interest. Here are some ideas for starting your search: Extracurricular Matter to you and to Colleges

• Ask your friends what groups they belong to.
• Check your school’s bulletin boards or website.
• Talk to your school counsellor or your teachers about activities.
• If you have a place of worship, find out if it organises activities.
• Look into national organisations, such as Junior Achievement, Girl or Boy Scouts, and the YMCA or YWCA.
• Think about starting your own club or group.