How Many Extracurriculars Should I Do In High School?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Strong applications tend to have

between 8 and 10 extracurricular activities

. This sounds like a lot, but many activities are seasonal, so it’s possible to fit, for example, three to four sports into one year. That being said, the most important thing to keep in mind is quality over quantity.

What is a good amount of extracurriculars?

In general,

between 5 and 10 hours per week for each main activity

is a good benchmark, depending on how many activities you are involved in and how much time you devote to other responsibilities. (Remember to never let your academics suffer at the expense of extracurriculars!)

What extracurriculars should I do in high school?

  • Debate. …
  • Academic Teams and Clubs. …
  • Creative Pursuits. …
  • Sports. …
  • Part-Time Jobs.

Do you need 10 extracurriculars?

Do I need ten extracurricular activities?

No

. Just because there are ten blank spaces and filling in each one is as inexplicably satisfying as finishing a plate of meatloaf you didn’t even want, it does not mean that you should participate in more activities to fill out all ten spaces.

Are extracurriculars important for high school?

Extracurricular activities provide

a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom

, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education.

Is senior year too late for extracurriculars?

Senior year is not the time to abandon the activities that are important to you. … And if you haven’t been involved in any extracurriculars,

senior year is not too late to start

. “Extracurricular activities are very important, and are highly considered during the admissions review,” Nicoletti says.

What are the extracurriculars for Harvard?

There are more than 450 student-run organizations at Harvard, among them dozens of publications,

five orchestras

, an extensive community service program, more than 40 intercollegiate athletic teams, and a broad assortment of other activities—artistic, musical, political, and social.

Does playing a sport look good for college?


You do not have to be an athlete to get into college

. Indeed, for a very small segment of the high school population, excelling in a sport, and thus being recruited to participate in intercollegiate sports, can and does translate into fantastic college opportunities, including, in some cases, scholarships.

Can you get into college without extracurriculars?

Colleges prefer to see a strong history of extracurricular activities, of course. But starting in your senior year is better than having nothing at all to show them. You’re probably thinking that after having seen thousands of applications, they’ll know exactly what you’re up to. You’re right; they will.

What clubs look good for college?

  • Leadership Activities. Leadership activities are some of the most important ones to put on your college application. …
  • Internships. …
  • Athletic Participation. …
  • Work Experience. …
  • Academic Teams and Clubs. …
  • Creative Pursuits. …
  • Technological Skills. …
  • Political Activism.

What are the best clubs to join in high school?

  • American Red Cross. …
  • Amnesty International. …
  • Days for Girls. …
  • Envirothon. …
  • Future Farmers of America (FFA) …
  • Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) …
  • Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) …
  • Key Club.

What are high school clubs?

  • Film Club.
  • Cooking Club.
  • Foreign Language Club.
  • Improv Club.
  • Future Medical Professional Club.
  • Soup Kitchen Club.
  • Photography Club.
  • Art History Club.

Is starting a club good for college?

Starting a club

looks good for college

. Such high school endeavor demonstrates initiative, leadership, and drive, all of which are traits that college admissions officers look for in applicants. Especially if the club is purposeful and successful, founding it can enhance your college application.

Do colleges know if you lie extracurriculars?

The greater impact the claim has on your potential as an applicant, the more likely it is that schools will do some fact-checking.

It’s never worth it to

lie on your college application! It will derail your education down the line if discovered (you’ll get kicked out or have your degree revoked).

Is junior year too late to join clubs?

Whatever your motivation, even though colleges want to see dedication over time—meaning the earlier you get involved with extracurricular activities, the better—

it is generally okay to join a club during your junior

or senior year of high school. …

Can I get into Harvard without extracurriculars?

No,

there is absolutely no chance to get admitted to

MIT or Harvard or any other top college in the US if a student doesn’t have extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities should show your interests and interpersonal skills.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.