What are Good Extracurriculars for College - (617) 734-3700

Colleges want thinkers, doers, and contributors—not just test-takers. The right extracurriculars demonstrate curiosity, leadership, persistence, and personal growth.

At Educational Advocates College Consulting, we help students develop a strong, authentic extracurricular profile. It's not about checking boxes—it's about building a story colleges want to read.

"Students who show sustained commitment and take initiative in their interests often stand out the most," says a Senior College Consultant at Educational Advocates.

These activities highlight a student's academic curiosity and problem-solving ability.

• Debate team

• Math or Science Olympiad

• Robotics competitions

• Model UN

• Academic decathlon

Colleges seek students who can lead, organize, and inspire others to achieve their goals.

• Student government

• Club founder or president

• Youth board memberships

• Team captain

• Peer mentor programs

Creative activities show expression, discipline, and public confidence.

• Theater productions

• Band or choir

• Digital media production

• School newspaper

• Independent art portfolios

Long-term service is often more valuable than short-term efforts.

• Volunteering at hospitals or shelters

• Tutoring underserved students

• Environmental cleanups

• Creating a community food drive

• Leading nonprofit youth initiatives

Athletics show time management, teamwork, and grit—even if you're not recruited.

• Varsity or club sports

• Recreational leagues

• Individual fitness goals (e.g., marathons)

• Coaching younger teams

• Dance or martial arts

These experiences show responsibility and initiative in real-world settings.

• Part-time or summer jobs

• Research assistantships

• Internships in business, healthcare, or government

• Self-started businesses

• Freelance gigs (e.g., photography, coding)

Tech-driven or problem-solving activities can set students apart in competitive applicant pools.

• Hackathons

• Coding projects or app development

• Science fair awards

• Robotics clubs

• Engineering design challenges

Some of the most compelling activities are student-driven, not school-based.

• Starting a blog or podcast

• Publishing a book

• Launching a nonprofit or campaign

• Creating educational content (YouTube, Medium)

• Hosting community workshops

Quality matters more than quantity. Most successful applicants list 6–8 strong activities with at least one long-term commitment.

You can still shine by showing initiative—like organizing an event, launching a project, or making a meaningful impact as a member.

Yes, especially if pursued seriously. Colleges love unique stories—whether it's birdwatching, creative writing, or computer building.

Absolutely. Programs like the National Honor Society offer structure and credibility. But local and independent projects are just as valuable when done well.