WHY ARE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT?

One of the key elements to a successful application is your extracurricular activities. It is a requirement for most university applications, particularly those in the US and Canada. For instance, on Common App is a section dedicated to your list of activities. 

Extracurricular activities include sports, school clubs, volunteer and community engagements, work experience, and so forth. They not only reflect positively on your college application but play a huge role in your growth as an individual. In this article, we will explore the importance of extracurricular activities in both cases.

What do you gain from participating in extracurricular activities?

Time Management 

Pursuing goals outside the classroom is a great way to learn how to balance different aspects of your life by managing your time wisely. With activities during lunch, after school, or over the weekends, you will be prompted to plan appropriately for the amount of time you have. 

Over time, you will grow more conscious and responsible with how you use your time to ensure you make the most out of it. Appropriate time management is a core skill necessary in your pursuit of education in college. Not only will you learn prioritization, but also creating routines that will work for you 

Acquisition of Skills

The extracurricular activities you sign up for and take part in have different skills you can learn and draw from them. For instance, if you were in a robotics club, you would learn technical skills such as coding and assembling as well as interpersonal skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Outside of class, you will amass skills that are transferable and relevant to the course of study you intend to pursue. It encourages holistic growth and the development of strengths in different areas beyond academics.

Broader Perspective

Your interaction with groups of people in different extracurricular set-ups exposes you to a range of perspectives and experiences. This is particularly important when you take up internships and work experience opportunities related to the career path you are keen on. Through such, you will have first-hand experience of what the career you are interested in entails. From that, you will decide whether or not this is the path you would like to continue on. Sometimes, your experience may result in a change of heart because of the information you have gained and the perspective you have developed in the course of your extracurriculars. 

Networking

You can form lifelong friendships and partnerships from your engagements outside of class. Through different platforms, you can connect with peers who share your interests and join communities related to your extracurricular activities. For instance, you can join a community of women in STEM, aspiring footballers, crypto enthusiasts, young activists, and youth community leaders, whichever is your cup of tea. Such connections can propel you to do more and present opportunities that get you closer to your goals. 

Why are extracurriculars important in your college applications?

Denote Commitment 

Your extracurricular engagements are a vital part of your application because they exemplify your commitment to the things you are passionate about. Spending your Saturdays at a rescue center, being an active participant in a school club, building a hobby, playing a sport, starting a small business… These go to show your value system, on which admissions officers will base their conclusions on whether or not you are a fit for their institution. Additionally, they get to see what your contribution to their school will be like. Following through with projects, contributing positively in the spaces you are in, coming up with creative solutions to problems, and starting an initiative of your own show devotion and create a good impression.

 

Demonstrated Interest 

Your extracurriculars, particularly those aligned with your prospective career path, the show demonstrated interest in the major you are applying for. For instance, if you are keen on International Relations or Political Science, participating in activities such as Model United Nations indicates that you are already working towards your career goals. It goes to show colleges and universities that your choice of a major is well-informed. 

Competitive advantage

Your extracurricular involvements are mostly what set you apart from other applicants. A compilation of your endeavors presents you as a unique candidate, giving you the chance to stand out beyond your academic transcripts. They can also be a good measure for colleges to gauge whether they can accommodate your interests and match you with similar engagements in their school. Your themed list of activities exhibits specialty, significantly increasing the odds in your favor. 

This early, it is crucial to start thinking about what you would like to get involved in before your college applications. In our next article, we will highlight different activities depending on the type of major you would like to pursue. Stay tuned!