Extracurricular activities are a critical part of your college application portfolio.
However, besides this widely preached narrative, joining a school club has many more advantages that improve your personal and academic life.
After reading this article, we hope you’ll distance yourself from that linear mentality as you see what that student organization can do for you.
All work and no play…
You know this.
Chances are you’re swamped with tough school work as you prepare for college.
We encourage you to join a club or sports that actually forces you to step out and interact with other people.
Socializing with like-minded people is a proven stress-reliever, which translates through your entire body.
So join that football, violin, or poetry class and get the serotonin pumping!
This is your chance to experiment with different interests and find out which you love more!
Besides developing new passions, you end up boosting existing talent and even settling on a college hobby.
Are you wondering if you would make a good lawyer? Then join that debate club and test your research and communication skills!
If you are a business enthusiast, joining a business club or participating in Round Square conferences will boost your knowledge on current world events and broaden your thinking.
If tech is your passion, you could join a tech club and work on a project as you learn about emerging technologies.
This knowledge makes you motivated to learn and participate in class.
Now this definitely impresses colleges!
Showing you can effectively juggle your academics and extracurriculars shows a self-directed and motivated person.
Of course this is a skill that follows several attempts to balance your life at a young and hectic age.
You’ve got this!
You’ll learn how to interact among teams, be empathetic, communicate better, and be punctual.
Don’t be scared if you think you’re shy or socially awkward. This is something that improves as you interact with your mates.
And guess what, you are all discussing things you care about so don’t fret!
As you improve your skills in different areas, you strengthen the belief you have in yourself and your abilities.
This gradually improves your self-esteem as you continue to practice and discover how great you are.
Leadership skills are important.
This means you are a team-worker, an excellent communicator, patient, and self-driven.
These skills go beyond high school and make you an attractive job applicant since companies know you can handle projects and manage people.
Think of your job applications either in college or after.
Your extracurriculars show proof of a seasoned professional that has worked in different environments.
You also show a glimpse of your personality and leadership abilities.
All these benefits have a compounded effect of impressing colleges and employers.
But most importantly, they create a person you will be proud of ten years from now as you find yourself in different environments.
Good luck!