Clubs and Activities Are Important

Clubs and Activities Are Important, Too

School life is busy.

You’re up early to get to school on time, to math, science, social studies, and other classes, and have homework to do. So, why is it important to participate in extracurricular clubs, sports, or community groups?

College admissions officers look at the things you do after school like participating in school clubs, sports clubs or teams, or community volunteer work. No doubt about it, maintaining good grades is important for getting into college, but after-school activities reveal a great deal about your interests, your readiness for college, and demonstrate your ability to:

  • Make a meaningful contribution to something
  • Maintain a commitment
  • Manage your time and priorities

Bonus:                                         
Joining clubs and volunteering is a great way to:

  • Make new friends
    You’ll meet people who have similar interests to yours. You may also meet people from different backgrounds who you may not have the opportunity to interact with before.
  • Build respect and learn team work
    Team work and respect are two important life-skills that can carry you through life. By joining clubs or teams, you’ll learn to work together towards a common goal, learn respect for coaches, leaders, yourself, and one another.
  • Gain self-confidence
    Completing a special project, playing a difficult piece of music, or being a valuable member of a team can help you gain self-esteem. Perhaps you’re not as academically talented as some other students at school; by participating in a club or other activity, you have the opportunity excel in something you enjoy and are good at.
  • Relieve stress
    Many clubs and activities take place in a relaxed environment, so you have a chance to unwind and do things you like after a busy day at school.
  • Learn real-world skills
    Many extracurricular activities provide a chance to learn real-world skills. Joining the school newspaper gives you experience at writing timely news stories; the debate club teaches the art of persuasion and negotiating skills; the robotics team helps develop problem-solving skills using creativity, computers, and technology.
  • Develop time management skills
    Juggling school, homework, and family life can be challenging. Joining clubs and other activities helps you learn the importance of planning and prioritizing.
  • Avoid risky behaviors
    Studies show that students who participate in after-school activities have greater expectations for the future and were more interested in school than their peers. Having a greater sense of purpose and more self-esteem gives you a reason to say “no” to risky behaviors. Students who participate in after-school or community activities are more likely to succeed at school.