Top Extracurricular Activities to Boost Your College Readiness
You might think the best way to get ready for college is to bury yourself in books and study nonstop. High school students are under a lot of pressure to get top grades and perfect standardized test scores, so it often feels like the only option is to live in the library.
However, colleges actually pay close attention to your extracurricular activities as part of the application process. Being involved in social clubs or volunteer work suggests to them that you have the social skills needed to succeed in college.
Even if you have great grades, focusing solely on academics without engaging in other activities can hurt your chances during college admissions. Here’s a list of extracurricular activities that could boost your college performance:
### Sports
There’s a common stereotype that athletes don’t do well in school, but the truth is quite the opposite. Student-athletes need to maintain good grades to stay on their teams, whether in high school or college. So if you love sports like basketball, it actually provides extra motivation to keep your grades up.
College admissions boards recognize that sports help develop leadership qualities. They know athletes often display discipline, good communication skills, and a healthy respect for authority—traits that are valuable for college success.
### Debate and Public Speaking
If you tend to be shy or avoid conflict, joining a debate club could be beneficial. Being too shy or unable to express your ideas can negatively affect your college performance and admissions interviews.
Debate clubs provide a safe and positive environment to help you come out of your shell and articulate your thoughts. If you’re naturally inclined towards verbal competition, participating in debate and public speaking events can really make you stand out. Winning awards in these areas can set you up for college success.
### Foreign Language Clubs
Similar to debate clubs, foreign language clubs are fantastic for students who either excel at or struggle with foreign languages. These clubs offer extra practice and the opportunity to interact with peers while taking on leadership roles like president or treasurer.
Colleges appreciate students who show leadership and adaptability, qualities essential in today’s diverse and ever-changing business world. Participation in foreign language clubs helps develop these skills.
Universities recognize that a student fluent in languages like Mandarin or Spanish is well-prepared for the business world, and those with skills in French or Latin tend to excel in literature. These abilities not only help with college admissions but also provide ongoing benefits throughout your college career.
By diversifying your activities and getting involved in various extracurriculars, you can greatly enhance your college application and set yourself up for a successful future in higher education.
