When you apply to colleges in the U.S. in 2025, your grades and test scores will be important, but so will your extracurricular activities. They let admissions officers get to know you better than just your grades. They show what you’re interested in, how you lead, and how you help your community.
This book explains the most important types of extracurricular activities, how colleges look at them, and how to make a list of activities that can help you get into college. This article will help you show off the kinds of activities that can really boost your college application, whether you’re just starting off or making changes to your application. Find out how to communicate your experience in a way that makes you stand out.
Why Activities Outside of School Are Important for Getting into College
Colleges in the U.S. use a holistic admissions process, which means they look at more than simply GPA and test scores when deciding who to accept. Extracurricular activities provide admissions officers a better idea of your interests, values, and how you’ll fit in on campus.
Schools want kids that are really passionate, can lead, and make a difference. They are more impressed by people who stay involved in a few significant activities than by a huge list of random clubs. Starting a foundation to help kids learn or leading your robotics team to a national competition are both better than just joining five groups. Admissions teams usually care more about depth than breadth, especially if your activities are related to your intended major or future ambitions.
Some activities are better than others. Some students put down trivial activities just to fill space, but admissions readers can tell when someone is just trying to fill out their résumé. An activity that stands out is one that tells a story about who you are. It shows that you are distinct and that you have taken the initiative, grown, or made a difference in your community. Use the activities area of the Common App to clearly show off your accomplishments, and be ready to talk more about your role in interviews or extra essays. A good exercise can help you get into college.
The 12 Best Extracurricular Activities for Colleges to See
In 2025, what activities will impress college admissions authorities in the U.S.? Here are 12 extracurricular activities that exhibit leadership, enthusiasm, and influence, which are things that top schools love to see.
- Competitions in school
Math Olympiads, scientific fairs, and Model UN show that you are interested in learning, can solve problems, and can speak in front of a group—traits that many prestigious institutions look for. - The Government of Students
Being the class president or student representative shows that you can lead, make decisions, and stand up for what you believe in, as well as show that you care about your school community. - Helping Others
Consistently volunteering, especially in regions that don’t get enough help, shows that you care about others and are involved in your community. Colleges care more about how much effect you have than how many hours you work. - Research Projects
Doing lab work or publishing research (even on your own) shows academic initiative, especially for STEM and pre-med majors. - Arts and Crafts
Being involved in music, theater, film, or visual arts shows creativity, discipline, and self expression, which are all important skills for any major. - Sports
Teamwork, dedication, and time management are important in varsity and club sports. Being the captain of a team gives you an extra boost in leadership. - Internships or work experience
Paid jobs, internships, or working for a family business show that you are responsible, professional, and can learn skills that will help you in the real world. This is especially crucial for business or IT studies. - Starting a business
Colleges like students who start a business, blog, or nonprofit because it shows initiative, risk-taking, and problem-solving. - Robotics or STEM Clubs
Coding clubs, robotics teams, and hackathons are examples of activities that show technical ability and the ability to learn with others. These are great activities for anyone who want to study engineering or computer science. - Groups Based on Culture or Identity
Being a leader in a cultural or affinity organization shows maturity, empathy, and social awareness—qualities that universities are looking for more and more in diverse communities. - Debate or Speaking in Public
Speech and debate teams help students learn how to think critically and communicate persuasively, which are important skills for anyone who want to study law, policy, or the humanities. - Tutoring or mentoring with peers
Helping other people with their schoolwork indicates that you are patient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to learning. It’s also a simple method to show how your institution affects the community.
When you write about your activities on applications, make sure you talk about how they affected you, not just how you participated.
How Colleges Look at Extracurricular Activities
Colleges in the U.S. use a holistic admissions process, which means they look at more than just test scores and GPAs to get a whole picture of the applicant. Extracurricular activities show admissions staff what you value, who you are, and how much you can improve. But not all activities are given the same weight. Here’s how they are usually judged.
- Levels of Success
Admissions officials look at how far you’ve gone with your activity. They care about whether you’ve gotten recognition at the local, regional, national, or worldwide level. For instance, being a finalist in a state science fair is better than just taking part. Schools like MIT and Stanford that are very picky often look for top-tier participation. - Time and Commitment
The depth of involvement is more important than the number of people involved. A student who is really involved in one activity for four years may stand out more than someone who just did ten clubs for a semester apiece. Putting in time demonstrates commitment and focus. - Taking the lead and being proactive
Colleges like students who do more than just take part—those who manage a team, start a project, or plan activities. Being a leader doesn’t always imply having a title. For example, creating a tutoring program or putting together a fundraiser are both ways to be a leader. - General vs. Pattern/Spike
Some students have a noticeable “spike” in one area, like music or research, that they are very interested in. Some are more well-rounded. Both types of profiles can do well, but having a clear pattern or unique skill can offer you an edge at competitive institutions.
Tip: It’s better to have a few good things than a lot of bad ones. Pick things to do that you really care about and persist with them. When you only tick boxes, admissions personnel can tell.
Extracurricular Activities by Type
Here is a list of extracurricular activities that can help your college application in the U.S. in 2025. Admissions officers like students who take the initiative, make a difference, and are consistent across a range of interests, not just established clubs.
| Type | Examples and Effects |
| Competitions in school | Science Olympiad, Math League, Debate Team, and National History Day all show that you are interested in learning, can solve problems, and are good at basic subjects. Winning at the regional or national level is a big boost. |
| Arts and Performance | Theater, orchestra, film club, dance team, and creative writing show off creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Your profile gets better when you have solo shows or win accolades. If you can, think about sending in a portfolio. |
| Sports | Varsity or club sports, martial arts, and figure skating all teach collaboration, leadership, and how to bounce back from failure. Winning titles or becoming team captain makes you heavier. Even sports that aren’t varsity count if they last. |
| Service to the community | Habitat for Humanity, food banks, and tutoring programs all show that you care about others, are responsible, and take the lead. Long-term service or starting a nonprofit organization is very appealing. |
| STEM and Research | Robotics team, scientific fairs, and lab internships show that you can think critically and have hands-on experience. Writing for a youth magazine or speaking at a conference shows that you are really committed. |
| Starting a business | Starting a business, an Etsy store, or creating an app shows that you are independent, creative, and willing to take risks. Colleges love students who take charge and make things happen. |
| Roles of Leadership | Being the president of a club, the captain of a team, or in student government shows that you can be responsible, make decisions, and have an impact. Taking the lead by starting new projects or getting more people to join a club is a sign of proactive leadership. |
| Communication and Media | School newspaper, podcast, and YouTube channel all show off your communication skills and digital fluency. Having a lot of people or information about education or social concerns gives you extra points. |
| Things to do that are good for your career | Internships, job shadowing, and pre-med groups are all things that can help you reach your future goals. This kind of experience helps you figure out what you want to do with your life. |
In these areas, admissions officers value depth and growth. Pick two or three things that are important to you and get involved in them over time.
How to Find and Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start with extracurriculars; there are more alternatives than you think. Here are some ways to get active and stand out on your college applications, from clubs supported by the school to projects you start on your own.
- Opportunities at School
Look at the clubs and groups at your high school first. Check out the student government, academic teams, service clubs, or performing arts. Not seeing anything that interests you? Make your own club; it shows that you can take charge and be a leader, which universities like. Get a teacher or counselor to help you. - Choices in person and online
Look for volunteer or enrichment opportunities in your area at community centers, libraries, and charitable groups. There are also a lot of online programs, such as virtual internships, coding bootcamps, and global student networks like DoSomething.org. These choices are especially useful if your school doesn’t have a lot of resources or if you want to learn more about a certain topic. - Projects You Start Yourself
Colleges like students who take charge. Start a blog, plan a fundraiser, make an app, or put up a portfolio of your art. People frequently notice projects that are driven by personal passion more than formal club engagement. Keep track of your progress and how it affects others. You can include this in your application or activity list. - Programs for the Summer
Academic summer programs, leadership camps, and service trips are all great ways to learn more about what you love. You can sign up for pre-college programs at universities, virtual research opportunities, or even internships. Some are free or give you money to help you pay for them. It’s important to prepare ahead because a lot of deadlines occur in the winter or early spring.
How to Pick the Right Things to Do
It’s not about how many extracurricular activities you choose; it’s about what works for you. Make sure your portfolio shows your interests, values, and growth over time.
- Aligning Interests
Figure out what you really like or are interested in first. Colleges can tell when your passion is real, therefore activities that are related to your hobbies, like environmental activism, creative writing, or tech, are more likely to keep your attention. - Long-Term Involvement
Admissions officers like things to stay the same. Instead of joining a lot of short-term clubs, try to stay with 2–3 main hobbies for a few years. Being involved for a long time shows commitment and lets you take on leadership roles or make a difference. - The 3–2–1 Strategy and a mix of purpose and proof
The 3–2–1 technique says to do three things that are connected to your possible major or interest, two that indicate leadership or service, and one that is just for pleasure. This mix gives you both purpose (it helps you reach your goals) and proof (it shows you have an impact and take initiative). For instance, you could combine robotics club and a summer STEM camp with helping younger pupils with their homework and setting up a tech workshop in your area. The most important thing is to make a mix that shows who you are and what you bring to the table.
When to Start Making Your Extracurricular Profile
- 9th Grade
Look around a lot. Try out different clubs, sports, or volunteer groups to see what you like. It’s fine to try things out. This year, pay attention to where your passions and natural talents show themselves. - Grade 10
Begin to narrow your focus. Let go of what doesn’t interest you and focus more on 2–3 things. Look for entry-level leadership positions, start a project, or join a summer program to get more involved. - Grade 11
Get more involved. Apply for officer jobs, lead projects, or win awards or competitions to get noticed. Colleges care about effect, so now is the moment to show real contributions and successes in the areas you want to study. - 12th grade
Keep going and sum everything up. Pay attention to consistency in important tasks. If you can, help younger students or accomplish a big assignment. Be ready to clearly explain your role in college applications, including what you learned, what you did, and examples of how you led.
How to Write About What You Do on College Applications
The Common App
You can include up to 10 activities on the Common App, and each one can have a description of up to 150 characters. Use action verbs, talk about how you made a difference, and talk about how you led (for example, “Founded tutoring club; raised GPA avg. by 0.6 for 15 peers”). Put activities in order of how important they are. Use language that is simple and to the point to show how you are helping and how committed you are.
Extra Essays
A lot of colleges ask short-answer or essay questions regarding the most important thing you’ve done. Don’t just send in your CV; tell them why you want the job, what you’ve learned, and what you’ve had to deal with. Admissions officers want to know why it matters to you and how it has changed you. For instance, talk about how putting together a school blood drive made you want to learn more about health care.
Linking to Major or Career
Colleges like it when the activities you do are related to your major or career objectives. If you’re applying as a computer science student and made a mobile app or took part in robotics contests, make sure to connect those dots in your application. Real, shown attention makes you look better.
Questions and Answers About College Extracurricular Activities
- How many activities outside of school do I need?
Quality is more important than quantity. Most applicants who get the job indicate five to eight relevant activities. Instead than adding to your resume, focus on making a difference and staying involved. - Are hobbies considered extracurricular activities?
Yes, especially if you take it seriously. You can show passion and initiative by coding apps, composing poetry, or establishing a YouTube channel. Make your hobbies stand out. - What if I don’t have any experience as a leader?
Titles don’t make you a leader. It’s okay to start something new, help your peers, or share your ideas. Colleges also value stability, innovation, and taking the lead. - Which is better, depth or breadth?
Depth. Colleges would rather you stick with a few things for a long time and progress in them than be involved in a lot of activities with no depth. A “spike” in one place can make you stand out more. - Can employment that aren’t full-time be considered extracurricular?
Yes, of course. Having a job indicates that you are responsible, can manage your time, and have real-world skills. If it helps you reach your family or personal goals, it means a lot more.
Last-Minute Advice for Making a Strong Extracurricular Profile
Start early so you have time to look around and really commit to activities that you enjoy. Admissions officers know how to tell whether someone is being real, so pick activities that show who you are instead of what you believe universities desire. Instead of a long, fragmented list, focus on quality over number. Two or three positions that have a big influence are better than a long, scattered one.
Think about what you did: Did you get more people to join a club? Get money? Start something new? Put those results in your applications. This shows that you can lead and take charge. Use features like the Common App Activities section to make your roles clear and short.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun while you’re doing it. The best extracurriculars are the ones that help you grow, make connections, and figure out what you want to do with your life.
