Should extracurricular activities be required for high school graduation? by Amanda

Should extracurricular activities be required for high school graduation? by Amanda - October 2015 Scholarship Essay

Did you know that approximately 80% of high school students participate in extracurricular activities? Students could have many benefits for being in extracurricular activities. For instance, they could have better grades and higher scores on standardized tests, be more outgoing, and learn to stay organized, or even attending school and not missing days for nothing. Students can learn a lot of skills too, like working with others, and leadership. Being in activities can also keep them busy so they don't end up doing something they aren't supposed to be doing.

Students that don’t do extracurricular activities, often stay at home and do nothing. Around 60% of students who are not in extracurricular activities start to have problems with drug/alcohol abuse. These students are probably shyer than others, don’t have a good as grades as those who do participate in activities, and skip school more often. It can also be harder for them to get into some colleges since some look at what kind of stuff students do after school. It can look very impressive to colleges if you have good grades and are involved in other activities outside of school.

Therefore, extracurricular activities should be required to graduate. They help students learn skills, have students set higher standards up for themselves, and learn to be more themselves around people. Being in activities can make students look better for their future. They can also meet new people who do other activities as well.