The Best Extracurriculars for College (that You Should Join Now!)

Some of the "best" extracurriculars one might participate in to build up their resume for college all depend upon the person and the goals they want to accomplish in their lives. But depending upon what an individual wants to do in their lives, some extracurriculars can give a boost or help them stand out more than the rest of their peers. In this article, we will cover many extracurriculars that you can do that will better prepare you for the admissions process into the college you want to attend, how these extracurriculars can help you stand out from other applicants and how these extracurriculars can be of use to you outside of university applications. 

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Debate team and student government:

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If you are going to school to be a political science major or looking to go into pre-law, here are a few clubs or organizations you may consider participating in that will help you tremendously. One would be the debate team, especially if you are an individual who loves a good argument or discussion--the debate is one of the essential aspects of law and government. Especially since we live in such a polarized world today, having the ability to argue with etiquette and prestige will give you a leg up from your peers on paper and practically. In class and the courtroom, you must present facts and evidence to back your arguments up and logically deduce the fallacies from your opponent's standpoint. And just as an overall skill, debate is becoming increasingly important in such strange days where no one can have a civil discussion.

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Student government would also be a great organization to participate in as an extracurricular. Not only the fact that you will have experience in a position of leadership and power, but it will be the first taste of what it will be like going into government. If you are a political science major, it provides insight into how democratic functions should occur, and it will be easily translated into a career in politics, whether you are going to be an actual politician or not. The main idea is to center your extracurriculars around what would give you a leg up compared to your peers regarding admission. This could be an ample opportunity if you are heading down the law and government track. 

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Regardless if you are heading down the political or law track, having experience in leadership and organizational roles can be notable on a resume or a college application. 

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The Arts and Music: 

Creative people will always be needed in any domain, not just specifically the arts, but being involved in musical, artistic, or performing arts can be a fantastic extracurricular to show your dedication to a specific organization. The arts can give vision to people, imagining what they could create, and also is an opportunity to work on your delayed gratification skills. Think about the American Marching band, for example. It takes a lot of time to put together a single show that the group will play for an entire season, and we have to take the time out of a whole week called band camp to accomplish putting together a halftime show at football games. The ability to delay the gratification of that moment of applause almost months ahead teaches an individual to have patience, and the fruits of their labor will be sweet, and soon to come. This applies to marching bands and physical hands-on art, performing arts, and different ensembles.

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This is especially attractive to universities because if you can delay gratification, then you will be more patient with the work you are putting into your degree that you will get 4 years down the line. Earning a degree is a hyper-extended, delayed, gratifying moment that will set you up for the rest of your life. As mentioned before, creative people are needed in every domain. Creating and innovating are necessary for any human endeavor and will forever be required. 

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Sports and Athletics:

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Whether you are going to college to play in the NCAA or are a sports management major, being an athletic or sporty person can support you in many ways besides your overall health for years to come. Competitive sports mainly give the opportunity to compete in micro-battles that determine a winner and a loser, and taking a win and a loss gracefully is especially virtuous. Winning is always fantastic, but how will you react when you fail? To fail with grace takes a lot of time and energy, and it can help you in anything you are searching to accomplish in your life.

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All careers and colleges will be competitive, so having a competitive nature adds to your value, staying strong in the challenge of being where you want to be. This can boost your college application, especially since you will be more cooperative and team-oriented in environments. You will be better able to work with other people in groups and bring a sense of comradery to whatever assignments you will accomplish within your academics.

Playing for school teams also puts money in the school's pocket if you are a valuable enough player and can earn you scholarships for your athletic achievement. So not only is it a good show of character that you have participated in sports but you are also helping the school with their athletic training programs. 

Research and Internships:

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Getting ahead with research projects and getting involved with internships can give you a boost especially if you are looking into a more scientific career in academia. Opportunities such as science fairs or even just working on extra labs with your Biology or Chemistry teachers can put you ahead of other students when applying to colleges. Getting a better understanding in your respective field, whatever it may be, through research and hands-on experience can do nothing but benefit you. It shows you have a better overall understanding of what you are studying and can prove that you have the hours put into your future major. 

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Having an internship landed before heading into college can be a major eye catch, especially on a resume. Working in a professional environment outside of part time work can be a great way to demonstrate your passion for what you want to work in for the future. 

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Volunteer and Part-time work:

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Not only is giving your time without any reward back virtuous in nature, but it can be a massive boost to your college application and resume to future employers. Serving one's community and thinking about the bigger picture, rather than the selfish gain, is admirable to universities. Spending time contributing to a more significant cause can help you in the long run regarding the college application process.

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Part-time work can also serve as a good start because, on campuses, many work study jobs  are available that do not just pertain to your specific major, whether that’s working in the dining hall or being a desk attendant at the library. Previous work experience can help you attain a work-study job on campus much easier. It is also suitable for your application and future resume because the more domains that you have learned to work in, the more valuable you will be as an asset to the university and your prospective employees. 

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Various other clubs and organizations:

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Regardless of whatever clubs or organizations you are dedicating your time to, the universities want to see that you are spending an ample amount of time working at something larger than yourself. This also is a form of self-discovery because not everyone knows what they want to do with their lives at the incredibly young age of 18--have patience. Whatever you are dedicating your time to it will help you in the long run.

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As long as you are working hard, you could be developing potential references for your college application, that is all that truly matters. These clubs and organizations will teach you the necessary skills and abilities to compete in a more academic environment. Those are problem-solving skills, critical thinking, team-oriented working, and many other valuable things you will gain from any experience.

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