Take this quiz to find out how your extracurricular activities rank!
Extracurricular activities are essential for highlighting your passions, talents, and commitment when applying to college. However, with numerous options available, which activities will have the most significant influence? Below, I have ranked and assessed several of these activities to help you.
Criteria for Ranking
We’ll use a tier system—S (best), A, B, C, and D(least influence) to make sense of it all. Activities are ranked based on the following:
They are considered highly relevant to career goals while offering you real-world experience at a young age. Not only does it demonstrate commitment but initiative. Going a step further, securing international internships, remotely or not, adds a valuable global perspective to your experience.
Startups
Most startups are but a show name slapped on the college application, and no actual work has been done. Therefore, for you to stand out, your startup must have a goal you’d like to achieve and an impactful result. It shows entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
This extracurricular is considered to be one of the hardest to achieve, as you’d likely need connections within your social circle for you to start or join a research group. However, if done correctly, then it showcases advanced knowledge and dedication, boosting your college application (especially if you’re a STEM student!).
Robotics is a great activity as it teaches problem-solving and teamwork skills through hands-on projects, giving colleges an idea of your technical skills and ability to work in a team. To stand out, S-tier-wise, consider winning national/international competitions with your team. But, it's still a very strong extracurricular activity whether you win.
Coaching Sports
Coaching sports, or any type of coaching (like art, coding, music, etc.), is an excellent way to demonstrate leadership and communication skills. It involves directly interacting with parents and their children, mentoring your students, and showing colleges that you can teach and positively impact your community.
Science Olympiad
Olympiads are big talk and could easily be ranked in the S-tier, so why didn't I do that? Simple: that's only if you win big! Participation in them shows passion for science, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Competing in international science fairs like Intel ISEF or local competitions adds prestige to your profile.
College Programs
Let's be real: out of the 100 students who participate in a summer college program, only 25 will be accepted. Simply put, this extracurricular does not guarantee immediate acceptance but gives you an advantage. Some programs are worth it, as they teach you much about the college and its coursework. So, if you get the chance, don't miss out!
This is a good one as it shows responsibility and work ethic. However, it's not unique enough to rise in ranking. You might want to consider a job with significant responsibilities or one related to your intended major to stand out. This can make your experience more relevant and impressive to colleges.
Volunteering
This activity is one of the most diverse—you can volunteer at hospitals, food shelters, libraries, zoos, you name it! Volunteering indicates a commitment to community service and that you care enough to spare a moment of your time for those around you. Every student should try to volunteer at some point. However, it still ranks as a B Tier for its lack of uniqueness.
Student Council
The impact of the student council varies from one school to another, but it's a great way to be involved in your school. It may even lead you to different connections in your school and open up several opportunities. Additionally, it demonstrates leadership and involvement in school governance.
Model UN
Similar to previous activities, for your participation in a Model UN to matter, you must have won something significant enough (perhaps best delegate?). This activity enhances your understanding of global issues, diplomacy, and public speaking, which you could mention in your personal statement if you are applying for a politics-related field.
Standing before a crowd to speak or debate demonstrates your communication and critical thinking abilities. If you want to take this activity up a notch and make it matter even more, you must win a national or internal title; otherwise, the impact is minimal.
Sports
Several sports teach several different skills, from teamwork to even discipline. So it's quite nice to have that on your application. It also helps you manage stress and pressure outside of academics.
But, once again, everyone has picked up a sport at some point. Therefore, it doesn't stand out as unique. That said, if you excel as an athlete, particularly by winning medals and titles, it can significantly boost your application, especially if you plan to continue competing.
There are two ways to look at it: clubs that are there for show and clubs that are actually doing something worthwhile. Many students believe that simply signing up for a club is the only thing needed to happen, but that's not the case. Not only should you sign up, but you should also bring something to the table.
Talk with the members and think of making an impact in your school. Taking up a leadership role is a great addition as well.
Choosing and ranking extracurricular activities can be challenging, but focusing on quality and commitment over quantity is key. Align your activities with your interests and career goals to create a standout application (but make sure to spread your wings a bit). Remember, it's not just about what you do but how you present it. Good luck!
Mention some activities below to help others out as well.
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Alanoud is a high school senior Involved in various clubs around the school and has taken the initiative to co-create several others such as the book club. Enjoys STEM subjects, chess, writing, reading, and photography.
