Are you about to begin college applications and wondering how to make yours stand out? Beyond good grades and test scores, colleges are looking for students who are actively engaged in activities outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities showcase your passions, skills, and commitment, giving admissions officers a glimpse of who you are beyond academics.

In this post, we’ll dive into the 10 best extracurricular categories and activities that can boost your college application for top schools like MIT, Princeton, and the University of Chicago. 

Why do Extracurriculars Matter?

Just having good grades isn’t enough to gain admission into a top university. Colleges want well-rounded students with demonstrated ability to excel and follow through on important projects. Extracurricular activities are window into your:

• Passion and Interests: They show what you care about outside of school.

• Leadership and Initiative: Highlight your ability to lead and take charge.

• Commitment and Responsibility: Prove you can dedicate time and effort to something meaningful.

• Skills Development: Illustrate how you’ve grown and what skills you’ve gained.

How do you Choose the Right Extracurriculars for You? 

Choosing your extracurriculars can be challenging. Some students want to focus on one particular activity while others have numerous interests. No matter which one you are there are three pillars you should follow:

• Alignment With Your Passions: Choose activities that genuinely interest you; your enthusiasm will make your involvement more meaningful.

• Depth Over Breadth: It’s more impressive to have a deep commitment to a few activities than to spread yourself thin. Long-term involvement can lead to leadership roles and significant accomplishments.

• Demonstrated Growth and Leadership: Seek opportunities where you can take on more responsibility and showcase personal development. Colleges look for students who show progression and the ability to lead.

What’s the Number One Activity for Getting Into a Top College? 

Speech & Debate 

A college’s central goal in admissions is to create a well-balanced class comprised of students who will be successful at their institution. Through its unique ability to advance critical thinking, build research skills, and show success in an academic context, debate has cemented itself as one of the best activities to get into colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. 

Debate by the Numbers: 

• Almost half of the 2027 Harvard Class did a type of speech and debate. 
• State and national award winners have a 22% to 30% higher acceptance rate at top-tier colleges. 
• Participation in debate leads to a 114.93 increase in overall SAT scores. 

How to get involved in debate 

For middle and high school students eager to dive into the world of debate, there are two main options: joining a school-based debate club or enrolling in an afterschool debate academy. 

• Join Your School’s Debate Club: Most high schools and some middle schools offer complimentary debate programs. These largely focus on the local circuit and are great for students wanting to dabble their feet in the activity. 
• Join a Debate Academy: A majority of middle schools do not have a debate program and most high schools don’t compete on the national circuit. If a student falls into one of those categories, a private debate academy is a great option. Here at Civic Debate Academy, we offer everything from introductory classes to a nationally-ranked travel team. If you want to learn more about our options, schedule a free consultation here!

What are great extracurriculars for getting into college? 

Part-time Work

Working a part-time job while balancing school responsibilities is a strong indicator of your time management skills and work ethic. It shows that you can handle multiple commitments and are willing to put in the effort to gain real-world experience.

Examples: 

Working as a retail associate, tutoring students, babysitting, or consistently holding any other part-time job.

Why it Matters: 

Having a job demonstrates maturity, reliability, and financial responsibility. It also shows colleges that you understand the value of hard work and are prepared for the demands of college life.

Athletics

Being part of a sports team or engaging in athletic activities demonstrates qualities like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Sports also highlight your dedication and ability to balance academics with physical activity.

Examples: 

Joining your school’s basketball team, practicing martial arts, participating in dance, or competing in cheerleading.

Why it Matters:

Athletic participation indicates resilience, time management, and the ability to collaborate with others. It also shows that you are committed and can handle high-pressure situations, a skill useful in both college and life.

Volunteering

Engaging in volunteer work is a powerful way to show colleges your commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on your community. Volunteering highlights your compassion, empathy, and sense of social responsibility. It also provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and form meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds. Whether it’s a long-term commitment or a one-time project, volunteer work demonstrates your dedication to the greater good.

Examples:

Volunteering at a local food pantry, tutoring underprivileged children, assisting at animal shelters, organizing charity fundraisers, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts.

Why it Matters:

Volunteer experiences reflect your values and genuine interest in giving back to society. Colleges appreciate applicants who show empathy and a willingness to invest their time and energy into making a difference. Additionally, volunteer work can teach important skills like teamwork, project management, and communication, which are useful in academic and professional settings. Volunteering also provides stories and experiences that can enrich your college essays and interviews, making your application stand out.

Research

Getting involved in research projects is a valuable way to show colleges your intellectual curiosity and commitment to exploring new ideas. Research participation allows you to develop critical thinking and analytical skills while gaining hands-on experience in a field of interest. Whether through a school program, a university lab, or an independent project, research demonstrates your dedication to deep learning and your ability to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Examples: 

Assisting in a university lab, conducting your own science experiments, participating in research internships, working on a published paper, or collaborating with a teacher on an academic study.

Why it Matters: 

Engaging in research highlights your initiative, problem-solving skills, and ability to work methodically on complex questions. It shows colleges that you are serious about understanding your chosen field and are capable of handling rigorous academic work. Research experience can also align with your future career goals, making your application more compelling, especially if you plan to major in a STEM, social science, or humanities discipline. Additionally, research projects can provide a strong foundation for your college essays and demonstrate your capacity to contribute to scholarly communities.

Passion Project

Especially for STEM and coding-inclined students, creating something from scratch that reflects your interests can set you apart from other applicants. Passion projects show colleges that you have the drive and creativity to work on something independently.

Examples: 

Starting a personal blog, writing a book, launching a YouTube channel, developing an app, or organizing an event based on your interests.

Why It Matters:

Passion projects reveal your initiative, creativity, and dedication. They provide a window into your unique personality and commitment to your passions, making your application more memorable.

Student Government

Participating in student government is an excellent way to showcase your leadership skills and your dedication to improving your school community. By taking on roles such as student body president, class representative, or treasurer, you demonstrate your ability to advocate for your peers, make decisions that impact the student body, and collaborate with administrators and faculty. Being involved in student government teaches important skills like negotiation, public speaking, and strategic planning.

Examples: 

Serving as student body president, class officer, committee chair, or running initiatives to improve school policies or organize events.

Why it Matters:

Colleges value student government experience because it shows that you are engaged, proactive, and capable of managing responsibilities. It highlights your ability to lead and effect change, traits that universities seek in future campus leaders. Being part of student government also provides a platform for you to demonstrate initiative and a strong sense of civic duty, which are qualities that enrich both your high school environment and your potential college community.

Campaigns

Getting involved in political or social campaigns is a compelling way to demonstrate your passion for advocacy, civic engagement, and making a tangible impact on your community. Campaign work can involve canvassing, phone banking, organizing events, managing social media, or even working directly with campaign staff. These experiences offer a firsthand look at how change happens and the strategic thinking involved in political action.

Examples: 

Volunteering for a local, state, or national political campaign, advocating for social issues, running for student government, or organizing voter registration drives.

Why it Matters: 

Campaign involvement shows colleges that you are an engaged and active citizen who cares deeply about democracy and societal issues. It highlights your communication skills, perseverance, and ability to work under pressure. Campaign work also demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and the ability to mobilize and inspire others. It’s a strong indicator of your readiness to contribute to civic life on a college campus, and it illustrates your commitment to driving meaningful change.

Cultural Clubs

Participating in cultural clubs is an excellent way to celebrate diversity, learn about different traditions, and share your heritage with others. These clubs often host events like cultural festivals, language workshops, or educational panels, helping to foster a more inclusive and aware community. Cultural clubs provide a space for meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.

Examples: 

Joining a cultural heritage club (e.g., Asian American Student Association, Latinx Club), starting a language exchange group, or organizing cultural awareness events.

Why it Matters: 

Colleges value cultural clubs because they show your commitment to inclusivity and your willingness to promote awareness and understanding among diverse groups. This experience highlights your global perspective and communication skills, qualities that enhance the cultural fabric of a college campus.

Music

Participating in music, whether through playing an instrument, singing, or composing, demonstrates discipline, creativity, and a strong work ethic. Music involvement often requires hours of practice, teamwork in ensembles, and performing in front of an audience, all of which build resilience and confidence. Whether you’re part of a school band, orchestra, choir, or take lessons outside of school, your musical achievements and dedication can significantly enhance your college application.

Examples: 

Playing in the school band or orchestra, participating in a choir, performing in a local music group, composing original music, or taking part in music competitions and festivals.

Why it Matters: 

Colleges value students who are musically inclined because it shows your commitment to an art form and your ability to balance academics with a rigorous extracurricular activity. Music involvement highlights your creativity, attention to detail, and collaborative skills if you perform with others. It also enriches campus life, making you a valuable contributor to university music programs and cultural events.

Main Takeaways 

Extracurricular activities are essential for making your college application stand out. They demonstrate who you are beyond academics, showcasing your passions, leadership, commitment, and skills. Focus on choosing activities that align with your interests, show deep involvement rather than a broad but shallow engagement, and provide opportunities for growth and leadership. Highly valued extracurriculars include activities like debate, athletics, volunteering, and passion projects. Debate, in particular, stands out for its significant impact on developing critical thinking and achieving academic success. Ultimately, engaging meaningfully in these activities reflects your dedication and prepares you for the challenges of college life.

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