Introduction
The college admissions game has changed—and dramatically. As the dust settles post-COVID, students can no longer rely solely on test scores and grades to impress admissions committees. The spotlight has shifted toward extracurricular involvement, personal expression, and how students have chosen to grow and lead beyond the classroom. In a world where test-optional policies are now standard and holistic application reviews dominate, building a compelling extracurricular profile is more important than ever.
Colleges want to see more than resumes; they want stories. They’re looking for initiative, creativity, resilience, and most importantly, authenticity. This guide walks through how today’s students can build meaningful extracurricular experiences that help them stand out in a competitive admissions landscape shaped by societal shifts, digital transformation, and new expectations around student engagement.
Developing an Extracurricular Strategy That Matters
Why It’s More Than “Checking Boxes” Now
The days of simply listing a dozen unrelated clubs are over. Admissions officers are now seeking depth over breadth. They want to see how a student’s activities reflect personal interests, values, and growth over time.
Rather than trying to do everything, students should focus on building a narrative across their experiences. A clear connection between activities and future goals or personal values can go a long way.
Key Areas to Focus On Post-COVID
Emphasis on Passion Projects and Independent Work
Many students turned to self-driven learning and passion projects during the pandemic. This trend has stuck—and it’s a good thing. Colleges now value initiative more than ever.
Examples of standout passion projects:
Starting a community newsletter or blog
Launching a local tutoring program
Creating an app or digital product
Conducting independent research or art exhibitions
These projects show problem-solving, innovation, and long-term commitment—qualities that can’t be measured by a GPA.
Real-World Experience Matters
As the admissions process grows more holistic, real-world skills are becoming a key differentiator. Internships, part-time jobs, research programs, or volunteer work show maturity, discipline, and community impact.
Where to start:
Reach out to local organizations for internship or shadowing opportunities
Volunteer at nonprofits aligned with your academic interests
Apply to virtual internships or research mentorships
You don’t need a fancy title—just a clear story about what you learned, how you contributed, and why it mattered.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Leadership today is more than holding a title. It’s about how you respond to challenges and serve your community. During the pandemic, many students stepped up in small but meaningful ways—organizing donation drives, starting online support groups, or helping younger students adjust to online school.
What to highlight:
Where you took initiative to solve a problem
Any leadership roles you created, not just filled
Projects that had a visible impact on others
If you led a small community project, explain how it grew, what results it delivered, and how you organized your team.
Using Digital Platforms for Expression
The rise of AI and digital screening tools in admissions means that students need to be consistent and intentional about their digital footprint. Social media profiles, portfolios, and personal websites can all support your extracurricular story.
Tips:
Build a personal website that showcases your work (projects, writing, coding, design)
Keep your LinkedIn or online portfolio updated and clean
Be mindful of public social media posts—your online presence is part of your application now
Consistency across your application and digital identity boosts credibility and authenticity.
Writing About Your Experiences Authentically
In a test-optional world, essays and recommendations carry more weight. Use them to tie together your extracurriculars and reflect on how they shaped you.
Focus on:
Specific challenges you overcame
What you learned from a particular role or experience
How these experiences influence your future goals
A unique extracurricular story can set the tone for a personal essay that truly resonates.
How to Start Early and Build Over Time
From 9th Grade Onward
You don’t need to have everything figured out in 9th grade, but it’s a great time to explore broadly. Try a few clubs, test different interests, and reflect on what sticks.
As you move into 10th and 11th grade, narrow your focus. Start building deeper involvement in 2–3 key areas. Take leadership roles, launch your own initiatives, or expand existing projects.
By 12th grade, your goal is to be able to say:
“This is who I am, this is what I care about, and here’s how I’ve shown it through my actions.”
Leveraging Programs Like UniPrep and EssayPrep
Some students benefit from guidance in shaping their extracurricular strategy. Programs like Sesameed’s UniPrep are designed to help students align their goals with meaningful involvement starting as early as 9th grade. EssayPrep and AI training courses help ensure students learn how to tell their stories effectively and ethically—even when using modern tools.
With professional support, students can gain insight into how to frame their work in a way that resonates with admissions officers without compromising authenticity or creativity.
Also See: Navigating the Common App: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Update)