Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in College Admissions

When parents think about college applications, grades and test scores usually come to mind first. And while academics are absolutely important, there’s another factor that colleges weigh heavily: extracurricular activities. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 top colleges (88%) report that extracurricular involvement is “Important” or “Very Important” when reviewing applications (Admit Report).

So, what exactly are colleges looking for - and how can you help your child prepare?

More Than Just a Resume Filler

Colleges want to know who your student is beyond the classroom. Extracurriculars - clubs, sports, volunteer work, music, theater, and more - show admissions officers a student’s passions, values, and ability to contribute to a campus community.

But here’s the key: it’s not about doing everything - it’s about doing what matters.

Quality Over Quantity

Imagine two students:

• Student A signs up for five clubs but attends meetings only once in a while.
  

• Student B joins one club, takes on a leadership role, and starts a project that impacts the community.

Even though Student A technically has “more” activities, colleges are far more impressed with Student B’s depth, commitment, and initiative.

Leadership and Commitment Count

Admissions officers love to see growth. Did your child go from being a member to a leader? Did they stick with a sport or activity for several years? Have they created or improved something within that activity? These patterns show perseverance, responsibility, and leadership skills - qualities that prepare students for college and beyond.

How Parents Can Help

• Encourage passion projects. If your child loves writing, maybe they can start a blog or school newspaper column. If they love science, encourage them to volunteer at a STEM camp.
  

• Support consistency. Help your student stick with one or two meaningful activities over the years.
  

• Promote leadership opportunities. Look for ways they can take on responsibility, whether that’s becoming a club officer, leading a fundraiser, or mentoring younger students.

Final Thoughts

Yes - grades and test scores matter, but extracurricular activities tell the rest of the story. They show colleges who your child really is, what they care about, and how they’ll contribute to campus life. By encouraging your student to commit deeply to a few meaningful activities, you’re helping them build not just a stronger application, but also important life skills that last well beyond college.

🌟 Ready to Help Your Student Shine?

Balancing academics with extracurriculars can feel overwhelming - but your child doesn’t have to do it alone. At Education One, we specialize in helping middle and high school students improve their grades, strengthen study habits, and build confidence - so they have the time and energy to stand out in college applications.

📅 Schedule a consultation today and let’s create a plan to help your student thrive in school and beyond.