When you begin your college search, at almost every college visit you will repeatedly hear how important it is to be involved, both in and out of the classroom. Colleges and universities want solid GPAs and test scores, but they are also seeking well-rounded students. That is where your extracurriculars come in. College and university Admissions Officers are the people who determine your admittance, so what better way to introduce yourself than to provide them with concrete evidence of your interests and some insights as to what you are seeking for your future.
As Anthony Michael Hall states at the end of one of my favorite movies, The Breakfast Club, “You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question?”
College Admissions Officers read over what YOU present to them, how you answer their questions, what you add to your resume, and what your recommenders say about you. “They want to create a class of students with diverse interests and backgrounds. They’ll look closely at your extracurriculars to get a sense of the person you are and what you care about” (How Extracurriculars Help Your College Application, 2025).
The key is QUALITY not quantity! Before you begin, take a minute to determine where your interests lie. When you enter high school, explore ways to volunteer, seek out the different clubs that are offered, sports, or create something new that you and others may be interested in. When you are an upperclassman, narrow in on those interests and strive to be a captain or a leader. You have 4 years to give the time needed to establish your interests and become involved.
Your interests become the tools to help you understand others by working together as a team while participating in something that is best for your community, school, or even something you want to pursue in your future endeavors. A 2022 survey by Kaplan Test Prep found that 87% of college admissions officers viewed community service as strong factor in holistic admissions, particularly for scholarships.
Extracurriculars provide many things for you as a student – purpose, drive, adaptability, understanding, community, etc. They also make you stand out from other college and university applicants.
How will you choose to answer the question?
