The Ultimate List Of Extracurricular Activities: 500 Examples

Extracurricular Activity Examples By Category

Now that you know what extracurriculars are, the next step is figuring out which ones are right for you. Fortunately, middle schools, high schools and other institutions cater to diverse student interests, so there’s no doubt you’ll find an extracurricular you’re passionate about!

If you’re looking to broaden your interests, strengthen your college application, or simply learn something new, there are a ton of extracurriculars available. 

Perhaps you need to write a sample extracurricular activity description for your college application. This description can serve as a valuable tool to highlight your unique experiences and contributions beyond academics.

Regardless of your reasons for considering extracurricular activities, keep in mind that they can truly enhance your life and offer a well-rounded perspective. Without further ado, here are over 500 examples of extracurricular activities for you to choose from. 

Arts Extracurriculars

Arts Clubs focus on various disciplines, including visual, performance, and fine arts:

Academic or Career-Related Extracurriculars

Academic-related extracurricular activities provide opportunities for students to engage in intellectual pursuits and enhance their knowledge and skills beyond the regular classroom environment: 

Activism-Related Extracurriculars

If you’re passionate about certain social justice issues, you can join a group that focuses on addressing and improving them through the following extracurricular activities:

Clubs

Activist Organizations

Athletic Extracurriculars

Joining sports extracurriculars is a great way to hone your athletic skills and hone your discipline, time management, and leadership skills! Remember, these don’t have to be offered by your school to be considered extracurriculars! Look into local sports organizations to join a team and participate in competitions:

Community Service Extracurriculars 

There are several extracurriculars you can join through your school and other organizations to give back to your community: 

Diversity and Culture Extracurriculars

Diversity and culture extracurricular activities focus on promoting and celebrating the backgrounds, cultures, and identities of different communities:

Hobby or Interest-Related Extracurriculars

While we’ve distinguished between hobbies and extracurriculars, it’s important to note these categories often overlap. You can take a hobby or interest of yours and make it into a Club at your school, as many students often do! Here are some examples:

Don’t see your passion on this list? Don’t fret! You can always start your own club at your high school! Doing so can further strengthen your college applications and ensure you thoroughly enjoy your extracurricular activity. 

Student Government Extracurriculars

Make an impact on your school and peers by joining your school government extracurricular activities:

Summer Programs

If you're concerned about your college application lacking extracurriculars, remember that doing something meaningful during the summer before college can really make a difference. It shows your dedication to self-improvement and can strengthen your application.

So, have some free time in the summer you’d like to spend pursuing a useful extracurricular activity? Taking these programs during the summer offered by various institutions can help you develop your abilities and boost your resume!

Employment

It’s common for students to pick up part-time or summer jobs to keep busy and make some extra money to buy their first car, their overpriced prom dress, or save up for college. But did you know these jobs can also be considered extracurriculars? Here are the most common positions students seek:

So, there you have it! There are a ton of extracurriculars to choose from. Whether you're looking for content for a standout extracurricular essay, seeking personal growth opportunities, or simply wanting to pursue your passions, getting involved outside of your academic studies can be a rewarding and enriching experience. 

If you’re overwhelmed by all the extracurricular options, don’t worry! Our college admissions counselors at Quad can help you build an extracurricular list that makes your application stand out.

Best Extracurriculars to Get Into College by Major

When it comes to applying to college, choosing the right extracurricular activities can really make your application shine, especially if they align with your intended major. These activities not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you've got the skills and experience relevant to your chosen field. Let's dive into why these specific extracurriculars are great choices for each major:

Business

• Student Government: This is a fantastic way to show off your leadership skills, which are key in the business world.
• DECA/FBLA: These clubs offer practical business challenges and leadership opportunities, which are exactly what admissions officers look for.
• Internships: Nothing beats real-world experience. Internships show you can apply what you've learned and have a serious interest in business.

Health

• Volunteering at Hospitals or Clinics: This shows your commitment to healthcare and gives you a firsthand look at the field.
• HOSA: Joining HOSA can really boost your application by showing you're serious about a healthcare career, and it gives you a chance to engage in related activities and competitions.
• Research: Doing research shows you're curious and driven—qualities that are gold for a prospective health major.

Social Sciences

• Model United Nations: It sharpens your public speaking and diplomacy skills—both huge pluses for social sciences.
• Volunteering for Social Causes: This demonstrates a commitment to understanding and solving societal issues, which is what social sciences are all about.
• Economics Club: Analytical and economic thinking skills are key in social sciences, and this club is a great place to develop them.

Engineering

• Robotics Club: Applying engineering principles to build something real can significantly bolster your application.
• Science Olympiad/Engineering Competitions: These competitions show off your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
• Coding Competitions: They highlight your logical thinking and quick problem-solving skills, essentials for any engineering student.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

• Science Clubs: Being actively involved in a science club shows your enthusiasm for the subject and willingness to go beyond just classroom learning.
• Research Projects: Engaging in research demonstrates your initiative and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
• Internships: Gaining practical experience in a lab shows you're serious about pursuing science as a career.

Psychology

• Peer Counseling: This is a great way to show empathy and interest in human behavior, key aspects of psychology.
• Psychology Club: Participating in a psychology club helps deepen your understanding of various psychological theories and practices.
• Research Assistance: Helping out in research projects can provide valuable insights into the field and prepare you for higher studies.

Computer Sciences

• Coding Boot Camps: These are intense, focused, and show you're committed to learning programming deeply.
• Hackathons: These are fun and collaborative, testing your ability to apply coding skills under pressure.
• Tech Internships: Practical experience in the tech industry is incredibly valuable and shows that you have real-world skills.

Visual and Performing Arts

• Art Exhibitions: Displaying your work publicly shows dedication and helps you stand out as an artist.
• Performances: Whether it’s music, dance, or drama, performing arts demonstrate your commitment and skill.
• Competitions and Awards: Winning awards or being recognized in competitions can really highlight your talent and dedication to the arts.

Communication and Journalism

• School Newspaper/Blog: Writing or editing for these can sharpen your communication skills and show your ability to engage with current issues.
• Debate Team: This develops your ability to argue effectively and think critically, both essential for this field.
• Internships: Working in a real media setting provides practical skills and industry insights.

Education

• Tutoring/Mentoring: This shows your ability to teach and your passion for education, which are critical for a future educator.
• Education Clubs: These can be great for showcasing your creativity and leadership in developing educational programs.
• Summer Camps: Working at a camp shows you can lead and educate, perfect for building your profile in education.

Choosing activities like these not only strengthens your college application but also gets you ready for your future academic and professional journey