Learn which college extracurricular activities might be overrated for your college application and which ones to prioritize instead.
Deciding which extracurriculars to include on your Common App activities list is no small task. With only ten spots available, students often feel pressured to showcase all their meaningful experiences from high school, while keeping in mind how competitive college admissions have become.
The common advice to "be well-rounded" is outdated. Today's admissions officers are looking for students who stand out by being excellent in a few focused areas, not applicants who are involved in every possible activity.
Your GPA and test scores are crucial for college admissions, but extracurricular activities give colleges a fuller sense of who you are outside the classroom. Admissions officers want to understand your passions and how you spend your time beyond academics.
When done right, extracurriculars can help you stand out, giving insight into your unique personality and what you'll contribute to the campus community. Highlighting activities that demonstrate your commitment, leadership, and interests can set you apart from other applicants who have similar academic profiles.
Some activities may seem like they'll enhance your college application, but they often don't help you stand out unless you've gone above and beyond. Here are six overrated activities that many students commonly participate in:
Sports are a fun and rewarding way to stay active, but unless you're an extraordinary athlete being recruited by a college, sports won't make a big impact on your application. Many students participate in sports, making it hard to stand out unless you're at an elite level. Moreover, athletics often consume significant time that could be spent on other pursuits that better reflect your passions.
Model United Nations is another popular extracurricular that can be fun and educational. However, its widespread popularity has diluted its impact on college applications. Many students participate in MUN, making it difficult to stand out unless you hold leadership positions or achieve significant success in national or international conferences. Additionally, MUN often involves expensive travel, which can lead admissions officers to view it as a "pay-to-play" activity.
Marching band, like sports, requires a significant time commitment. While it can foster teamwork and discipline, it won't necessarily help you stand out unless you're a standout musician or hold a leadership role. If band is something you're passionate about and you've taken on significant responsibility, include it. Otherwise, your time might be better spent on other endeavors.
Leadership programs like the National Youth Leadership Forum might sound impressive, but they're often more about networking and less about genuine leadership. These programs come with high costs, and admissions officers are aware of this. They know that participation doesn't necessarily reflect leadership skills or initiative. Focus on tangible projects where you've made an impact instead.
Many students join student government hoping to show leadership experience. However, most roles don't involve meaningful leadership — they're often more ceremonial. Popularity contests often determine election outcomes, and admissions officers know that. Unless you've held a significant role like student body president and made a meaningful impact, student government won't do much to make you stand out.
Working on the yearbook or school newspaper can be fun, but it's not going to make a huge difference unless you hold a significant leadership role or have made a notable contribution. If you're passionate about writing or photography and have taken on major editorial responsibilities, it could be worth including, but for most students, it won't be a game-changer.
You can list up to ten activities on the Common App, but there's no need to fill every spot if it doesn't reflect who you are.
If you feel like you're lacking enough activities, think creatively. Many students overlook personal hobbies or side projects that could count as extracurriculars. Did you build your own computer? Teach yourself a language? Create digital art? Even seemingly small interests can showcase dedication and personal interest.
The order of your activities matters. Admissions officers might only skim your list, so your most impactful, meaningful activities should come first. Start with the ones that required the most time and effort, or that had the biggest impact on your school or community. Activities that reflect leadership, commitment, and passion should be listed at the top.