I want my daughter (14) to have a well-rounded high school experience. She will be a freshman this year and I want to help her choose extracurriculars that will actually benefit her in life and in finding a good college. Help!
Alisha, Chicago, IL
Hi, Alisha!
It's great (and strategic) that you’re helping her make this choice at the beginning of her high school experience. Extracurriculars are important, and, given how competitive college admissions have gotten, standing out with extracurriculars is one way she might have more success when it comes time to apply for college. As far as the extracurriculars themselves, it’s important for her to choose activities that she is genuinely interested in and passionate about, as this will not only make her high school experience more enjoyable but also make it easier for her to excel. Encourage her to explore different options and find activities that she truly enjoys and finds fulfilling. Here are some types of extracurriculars to consider:
- Community Service: Volunteering-based extracurriculars not only help others but also show colleges that she is a well-rounded individual who cares about her community.
- Sports: If she hasn’t tried out a sport, high school might be a great time to do so. Sports can teach valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Also, if sports are where she truly shines, participation in a team sport may be a great way to seek a scholarship, especially to schools with renowned athletic programs.
- Arts and music: Involvement in the arts, such as theater, choir, or visual arts, can foster creativity and self-expression.
- Academic clubs: Joining clubs like debate, math, or science clubs can demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning.
- Special interest clubs: Clubs related to her interests, such as coding, robotics, or environmental activism, can demonstrate dedication and passion for a certain subject. This can showcase what a great fit she would be for similar college programs.
Also, don’t discount part-time jobs and internships. These can provide valuable work experience and teach important skills like time management and professionalism that can go a long way on a college application if emphasized correctly.
Resources We Love
Our College Admissions “subject guide” offers videos and events with top admissions officers. You can learn more about how schools view extracurriculars there.