Colleges assess grade point averages and SAT scores to determine a student's ranking for acceptance. Extracurricular activities show a student's commitment to a particular sport or field of study and often factor into a student's acceptance. Ivy League colleges are particularly interested in a student's extracurricular life. When a college has two students with similar grades and SAT scores, acceptance may be based on what activities a student has participated in.
Beginning a new college program can be overwhelming, particularly if you have moved far from home and find yourself on a large campus. Extracurricular activities offer a smaller group to establish yourself in, as well as provide you with excellent experience for future goals. Students choose extracurricular activities based on interest and future goals.
Students benefit significantly from participating in extracurricular activities. There are social, learning and career benefits. For example, a student interested in social justice work can benefit from joining a club related to social work in the college's community. This helps a student determine whether her chosen field is a good fit, while gaining valuable experience for her curriculum vitae. Along with these practical benefits, students develop interpersonal and leadership skills.
Extracurricular activities are not required, but are becoming almost necessary in gaining acceptance to good colleges. The activities reveal the interests, skills and motivation of potential applicants. With so many good candidates, extracurricular activities set an applicant apart, often showing an admissions committee what she is all about.