Extracurriculars do more than fill after-school hours—they help students build skills, find their passions, and stand out to colleges. Whether your child is just starting or ready to boost their college resume, choosing the right activities can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the best extracurriculars for every stage so they can be set up for success when the time comes to apply to their dream school.
First Things First: What are the Benefits of Extracurriculars?
1. Improved Time Management Skills
Juggling schoolwork, activities, and personal time teaches students the art of managing their day. With each practice or meeting, they get better at balancing responsibilities—a skill that sets them up for academic success and future careers.
#2: Building Social Confidence
Extracurriculars bring students together with others who share their interests, expanding their social circles and boosting communication skills. Making friends outside their usual classrooms gives them a confidence boost and strengthens their ability to connect with others.
#3: Provides Stress Relief
Whether it’s a sport, art, or theater, extracurriculars offer a healthy outlet for students to relax and recharge. These activities help them cope with stress and feel happier, which ultimately keeps them motivated and engaged in school.
#4: Stronger Work Ethic
Activities that require practice and commitment, like music or sports, teach students the value of hard work. They learn how to persevere through challenges and work well with others—qualities that will benefit them for years to come.
#5: Unlocked New Opportunities
Extracurriculars open doors to exciting possibilities, especially when it comes time to apply to colleges. From boosting applications to earning scholarships, these experiences can set students apart and create valuable pathways for their future.
What Are The Best Extracurriculars for Elementary Students?
For elementary students, extracurriculars are all about exploration and fun, while getting them prepared for future success at a young age. The after-activities they choose in elementary and middle school are often the ones they stick with through being a high school senior! Here are some top activities to spark curiosity, build friendships, and help young learners discover their passions.
Art and Creativity
Art classes, crafts, or DIY projects let kids unleash their creativity and see their ideas come to life! These activities encourage self-expression, build confidence, and spark a love for exploring new ideas.
Beginner Sports
Whether it’s soccer, gymnastics, or swimming, early sports introduce kids to the fun of teamwork and staying active. The focus is on fun and learning new skills, helping kids build confidence and coordination in a supportive environment.
Music and Performance
From music lessons to dance or theater, performing arts give young students a creative outlet and a chance to build focus. Plus, getting on stage helps them overcome nerves, boosting confidence with every practice and performance.
STEM Clubs
Early STEM activities like coding, robotics, and simple science experiments make learning exciting and hands-on. These clubs fuel curiosity and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of technology and problem-solving.
Language and Culture
Language and cultural clubs introduce kids to new words, customs, and perspectives. Learning a new language or exploring other cultures sharpens their minds and broadens their view of the world, building respect and understanding early on. Plus, being bilingual is great way to stand out on college apps!
What Are The Best Extracurriculars for Middle School Students?
Middle school is the perfect time for students to dive deeper into activities they enjoyed in elementary school while starting to explore new interests.
At this stage, students can build on skills they’re passionate about—whether it’s art, sports, or STEM—and push themselves to grow even more.
It’s also a great time to consider joining clubs that develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and creativity, setting a strong foundation for high school and beyond. Middle school extracurriculars help students discover what they truly enjoy and prepare them for success in high school.
What Are The Best Extracurriculars for College Applications?
When it comes to high schoolers filling out college applications, extracurriculars can be the key to standing out. The right activities not only showcase students’ talents but also demonstrate qualities like leadership, dedication, and a passion for learning. Here are some top choices to make a strong impression on admissions officers.
Leadership Roles
Holding leadership positions in clubs like student government or honor societies highlights a student’s initiative and sense of responsibility. Colleges notice students who lead by example, make impactful decisions, and inspire their peers.
Specialized Skills
Remember those passions from Elementary school? Committing to activities like competitive sports, debate, or coding clubs showcases the drive to master complex skills over time. Colleges value students who are deeply invested in a specific passion, demonstrating focus and dedication.
Volunteer Work
Community service—whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or tutoring younger students—reflects compassion and a commitment to giving back. Colleges look for students who show up for their communities and genuinely want to make a difference.
Academic Clubs and Competitions
Joining academic clubs like Model UN, Science Olympiad, or math teams provides students with intellectual challenges and a chance to stand out in competitions. These pursuits highlight curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to growth in and out of the classroom.
Creative Pursuits
Activities like theater, art, or music allow students to express themselves while developing discipline and focus. Creative talents add depth to a college application, showing a well-rounded personality and a dedication to honing unique skills.
Internships or Job Experience
Internships or part-time work in a student’s area of interest provide invaluable real-world experience. These roles show colleges that the student is mature, ambitious, and ready to take on new challenges, setting them apart from the crowd.
Choosing a School With Extracurriculars and Programs That Matches Your Interests
Finding a school that supports a student’s unique interests can make all the difference in their education.
A school that offers clubs, resources, and opportunities tailored to their passions—whether it’s sports, arts, STEM, or leadership—encourages students to pursue what they love, build confidence, and develop skills that set them up for future success. With the right environment, students are more engaged, motivated, and likely to thrive academically and socially.
Need help finding a school that has everything you are looking for? Schola is here to help families discover schools that align with their child’s interests. Using ScholaMatch, you can get matched with schools that offer the programs and opportunities that will best support your child’s growth, giving them a solid foundation to pursue their dreams.
Let Schola guide you to the perfect school match for your student’s unique journey.