college admission essay sample

college admission essay sample

The Importance of Extracurricular Activities in College Admission

1. Introduction

Researching the effect of extracurricular activities on low-income high school students, Agirdag suggests that there are many positive effects that can be gained from various activities. Students who come from a low-income family and participate in activities such as music, art, drama, and various clubs have a higher probability of obtaining educational success and higher educational expectations. Agirdag states: “Enacted cultural capital forms in the school context have a positive effect on educational expectations and educational success, whereas knowing different active and dormant forms of cultural capital may foster educational success” (2013, p. 304). This information supports the claim that some activities can provide long-lasting benefits in comparison to others. He also suggests that when students participate in activities that are linked to parental education, they have a higher probability of gaining strong study habits and obtaining a higher level of self-esteem. Although the effect on educational success may vary from person to person, it is apparent that the type of activity that a student takes part in can have a major effect on their academic performance.

Extracurricular activities are found in every community, and most of us are involved in some type of activity. Whether it be chess club or varsity football, people enjoy the activities that they engage in. Extracurricular activities are seen as a positive way to keep students out of trouble and off the streets, but what if the activity that one takes part in is right backfiring on them? One common problem that many school systems today are facing is whether certain extracurricular activities are providing a positive impact on students’ lives. School is not only a place where students are taught core curriculum, but it is also where students have the opportunity to develop into well-rounded individuals. Critics believe that some school activities such as chess club or various academic clubs are not beneficial in maximizing the potential of a student (Mangan, 2002). One of the various ways to gauge the value of extracurricular activities is the effect that the activities have on an individual’s academic standings. An individual’s academic performance can be affected in many ways.

2. Section One: The Role of Extracurricular Activities

There is ample evidence to suggest that nonacademic pursuits (scholastic and otherwise) are a good predictor of a student’s future success, as opposed to raw analyses of test scores and IQ. According to ASGA’s “A Well Rounded Education,” “Many colleges recommend or require that students submit information on extracurricular activities.” This is primarily because students who are involved in school activities are able to experience success, discover what they enjoy doing, and develop successful work habits and leadership skills. “A Well Rounded Education” goes a step further to say that “many colleges use this information, including the essay, to assess whether or not the applicant is likely to enroll at the institution if admitted.” This certainly demonstrates a trend in colleges that suggest a correlation between involved students and a commitment to further education. Many individual colleges also echo the sentiment that they prefer to admit “well rounded” students. Colleges such as Macalester College, Vassar College, and University of Richmond all have web pages that stress the importance of extracurricular involvement on their campuses. The University of Richmond’s “Making A Well-Informed Decision” states that “a good match between a student’s interests and the college’s social and extracurricular environment is also a key factor in making a good college choice” and encourages students to research the school’s atmosphere by asking about extracurricular opportunities. The University of Richmond is not alone. At an information session for prospective students, an admissions officer at Macalester College claimed that 70% of the college’s decisions are based on whether or not the student will be a good contributor to the campus community. With these facts in mind, it is difficult to deny the huge role that extracurricular activities play in college admittance and campus life.

3. Section Two: Demonstrating Leadership and Initiative

Clubs and other school organizations are excellent opportunities to demonstrate leadership. The traditional run for a class officer position is a good way to get into an authoritative role for the student government. In clubs, one of the best ways for a student to become a leader is to actually create the club. This shows a great deal of initiative and the student can be the first president and have a place to rule until they graduate. The primary goal of creating a leader is to move on and better a system after the student leaves, and creating a lasting change is a superior demonstration of leadership.

Another way to demonstrate leadership is through sports. High school athletes should aspire to be a captain on their team, as this is a clear demonstration of taking charge and being a leader. Off the field leadership can also be demonstrated as well. An example is high school athletes starting a youth sports camp for the local community. This is a great way to demonstrate not only leadership, but also responsibility and care for the community.

Leadership is an essential quality that colleges are looking for in students. This is because holding a position of authority, no matter how big or small, demonstrates that the student is willing to take charge, be responsible, and make decisions. A great way to demonstrate leadership is through a job or internship. For example, being a lifeguard, camp counselor, sales associate, or even a waiter shows that the student is able to manage a team, interact with people, and make important decisions. Summer jobs or internships are a great way to develop leadership skills because it usually allows the student to take positions of high authority due to older staff members and administrators being on vacation. Any position in which decision making is involved shows initiative as well, and initiative is a part of leadership.

4. Section Three: Developing Key Skills and Talents

Extracurricular activities offer opportunities for students to learn the values of time management and setting priorities in a way that is unique from academic settings. A student has a personal life too, and finding a healthy balance that will advance that student’s future is an activity that is crucial for survival in a competitive society. Experiencing the discomfort of failure is a good lesson to learn early in life, for it is a teacher that will be met many times later. Developing the talents and interests through a variety of extracurricular activities can give a student a sense of what they really enjoy and would like to pursue in the future. A recent study conducted in Rhode Island found that low-income students who are involved in extracurricular activities have a greater likelihood of college attendance and acquiring a post-secondary education. This group of students, however, of all those benefiting from extracurricular involvement, is the one to benefit the most. As such, extracurricular activities become a utopian dream for a society in search of a better-educated populace.

Extracurricular activities can help motivate a student to improve grades, attend school more often, develop a positive attitude towards education, provide a solid foundation of strong social skills, and give vital experience in areas of leadership, responsibility, sociability, and teamwork. These activities form important channels for the growth and development of young people. A recent study reveals that students who participate in extracurricular activities are three times more likely to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. It also found that 57 percent of students participating in extracurricular activities had good attendance records, compared to 50 percent of non-participants. In addition, the study shows a 14 percent difference in the dropout rate between participants and non-participants (6% vs. 20%).

5. Conclusion: The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on College Admission

In the perspective of a parent, advisor, or a concerned adult, the overall goal for a high school student is to do well academically in order to attend a college that will better their future. Being well-rounded is the common phrase in which many try to achieve. Dr. Katherine Cohen, a CEO and founder of IvyWise states, “Colleges really want students who are going to make an impact on their campus, these students are leaders not followers.” Extracurriculars are a great example of a method that can determine leadership abilities. Many sports teams are successful because of team leaders or captains. Student-run clubs have a president or a team of students who organize events, and in fine arts, there is usually a section leader or a band/orchestra president. High schools usually have a student government which is a key way to prepare students in being leaders in society, and what better way to become a leader than applying what you have learned in a club activity to your society in your community.

At the end of the day, your actions and choices help shape your future. Participating in extracurricular activities can have a lasting impact on your life. According to a survey taken by the school in California, it has been proven that students who participate in extracurriculars have a higher GPA than those who don’t. Colleges admire hardworking, intelligent students, and extracurriculars can be the activities that can put you above the rest. Due to higher GPAs from time management skills and possible scholarships, the college student’s life after high school can already be altered from such a simple choice.