According to the U.S. Department of Education's 2002 study, students who participate in extracurricular activities are three times more likely to have a grade point average of 3.0 or better than students who do not. The study attributed the improved academic performance to increased satisfaction with the academic experience. This is a result of greater satisfaction with the education atmosphere because of forming more relationships and relating better with fellow students and faculty.
Students who participate in extracurricular activities aspire to get higher education. A study published in the 2005 edition of the Journal of Leisure Research found that "adolescents who participated in extracurricular activities reported higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school, and higher academic aspirations." Students involved in extracurricular activities have better academic attitudes, which result in the desire to continue with their education.
Students involved in athletic activities tend to receive more scholarships than those who do not participate in extracurricular activities. This contributes to a higher number of athletes attending college. In addition, physical activity benefits the mind. According to Charles Hillman, associate professor of kinesiology and neuroscience at the University of Illinois, exercise helps ramp up development of a child's brain. This in turn increases the student's ability to perform better in academics.
Ralph McNeal says in Sociology of Education that students who participate in extracurricular activities are less likely to drop out of school and have fewer cases of school absenteeism. If a student experiences greater satisfaction in activities, he is more likely to attend school more. Sport activities may also reward the participating student with social bonds, recognition and awards that cause the student to look forward to attending school.