Everything you need to know about extracurriculars!

Hello everyone! This week’s topic is extracurriculars. I’m going to talk about what they are, what to do, and what not to do when deciding on your extracurricular activities in high school.

What are extracurriculars in high school?

Extracurricular activities in high school, or EC’s, are any activities that you perform outside of academics. So apart from you actually going to your classes, extracurriculars are basically anything else you do during the day. Many schools offer clubs and sports, which many students participate in.

It’s quite simple, unlike what many people think. ANYTHING you do outside of your classes can be termed as an “extracurricular.” If you go straight from school to your job at the local coffee shop, then your job is certainly an extracurricular activity. It doesn’t have to be as straightforward as a school club or sport – extracurriculars come in various forms. Volunteering at a local pet shelter, helping set up your grandma’s bingo games at the community center, and having a YouTube channel about fashion trends are all types of extracurriculars.

Now, why do you even have to care about extracurriculars? You are already studying for your terribly difficult classes as a stressed out teenager, isn’t that enough? Well for starters, they’re really fun. Clubs at school tend to have numerous events and competitions throughout the year, and they’re a great way to get to know your peers. If your school doesn’t offer any clubs, volunteering or working at places outside of school can also be really fun. Not only will you be able to make new friends, you’ll also be gaining knowledge about the real world in a hands-on way.

Extracurriculars and College Admissions

Now, let’s talk about the largest concern for most high schoolers: college admissions. Most high schoolers know that when it comes to college admissions, extracurricular activities are essential. While this is true to some extent, it’s not entirely like that. Colleges want to see who you are in your application. They want to know what your interests are, how you’ve gotten through hurdles, and the impact you’ve made on others around you.

Signing up for a couple of clubs during senior year for “the sake of college applications” won’t get you in. You don’t need to be like everyone else around you. If all 100 students at a school are in the same generic clubs, then who are the colleges going to admit? Try to be yourself and unique. Don’t do anything for the sake of college, do it because you’re passionate about it.

If you want to become a doctor in the future, you may want to join the medical club at your school, instead of the business club. You may be interested in shadowing a couple of physicians, and fundraising money for the cancer patients at your local hospital. It’s okay if all your friends are in the same club at school: if you don’t find that interesting, then don’t do it. Do what you want to do, and what you’re passionate about. Don’t do any activities just because people are telling you to.

What to do when it comes to choosing extracurriculars:

Here are some tips to help you choose the activities you’ll participate in during high school!

· Choose to join activities that you’re passionate about!

· Don’t do what everyone else is doing if you don’t want to do it!

· Don’t do activities to “impress colleges.” Do them to make your high school experience fulfilling.

· Try joining various clubs to see what you’re interested in, and then narrow them down.

· Don’t burn yourself out with too many responsibilities and activities.

· If you don’t have the time (between school and a job), then don’t worry too much about extracurriculars!

· If a certain club isn’t available at your school, then take the initiative and start it!

· If you live somewhere remote, with less access to extracurriculars, then try doing something online! Anyways, almost everything is virtual nowadays with the pandemic.

· On that note, don’t let the pandemic stop you! There are so many activities you could do online, so try to make the best of a grim situation.

P.S. Remember to not burn yourself out! You won't be able to juggle all your activities, plus your classes :)