{"id":30773,"date":"2015-10-06T05:00:27","date_gmt":"2015-10-06T12:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/which-high-school-extracurriculars-are-right-for-your-child\/"},"modified":"2015-10-06T05:00:27","modified_gmt":"2015-10-06T12:00:27","slug":"which-high-school-extracurriculars-are-right-for-your-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/which-high-school-extracurriculars-are-right-for-your-child\/","title":{"rendered":"Which High School Extracurriculars Are Right For Your Child?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Extracurricular<\/figure>\n

You already know why admissions committees want to know about extracurricular activities<\/a>, and how to up the intensity. Now let\u2019s talk about ECs from the point of view of the one participating \u2013 your kid! <\/p>\n

There are all sorts of activities out there, so today we\u2019ll dig in to see what your student can gain from various types of ECs. We\u2019ll go through some examples and talk about what categories tend to complement one another well. Here goes! <\/p>\n

1. Sports<\/h3>\n

Arguably the most ubiquitous of extracurricular activities, don\u2019t write off sports. Joining a sports team requires dedication and builds teamwork skills like cooperation and communication. With commitment comes improvement, allowing players to move through various roles on the team and eventually into leadership positions. Being on a sports team demonstrates that students work well with their peers and can communicate in multiple modalities. <\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nStudents get a great workout + stress relief, and recognition for individual and team achievements <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nClub or intramural teams; freshman, junior varsity or varsity teams of any sport <\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nStudent government, special-interest clubs, community service <\/p>\n

2. Community Service<\/h3>\n

A huge range of activities. Service opportunities can arise from clubs organized at school, community groups outside of school or volunteer opportunities that a student seeks out on their own. Service is a great way to supplement classroom learning<\/a> and help students understand the real-life application of what they\u2019re studying. Benefits of volunteering include team-building skills like cooperation and problem-solving, and tangible skill sets such as gardening or working with children. <\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nLearn new skills, work with people you wouldn\u2019t otherwise meet<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nVolunteer at a public library or food bank<\/a>, work with an organization like Best Buddies<\/a>, join a community service club in your high school. Check out dosomething.org<\/a> for more great ideas! <\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nStudent government, activity-based clubs, academic clubs<\/p>\n

3. Student Organizations<\/h3>\n

Another vague one\u2026 Organizations that are run by students with some intention of creating positive impact within the school. Student government, National Honors Society and student publications allow students to work together for the advancement of the whole student body. By taking up leadership positions to work for specific goals, students learn time management and long-term planning, and work for the needs of their school community. <\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nWork towards a community goal, become a leader among peers <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nStudent government, school publications, National Honors Society, Key Club, 4-H<\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nCommunity service, academic clubs, special-interest clubs<\/p>\n

Academic Clubs<\/h3>\n

In any club with an academic bent students supplement classroom learning and develop academic skills that will be invaluable in college. They can explore specific topics in extra detail, or learn about a broader range of topics than they usually would. Students develop skills like public speaking and academic writing and discussion, giving them a huge leg up when they reach college classrooms.<\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nPublic speaking (!!!), awards and recognition for academic achievement <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nDebate Club, Academic Decathlon, Math Team, Model UN, Science Olympiad<\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nStudent organizations, community service, special-interest clubs<\/p>\n

Performing Arts<\/h3>\n

No lie, high school performing arts get a bad rap \u2013 they\u2019re often ill-attended and under-funded. In truth, high school performing arts are extra special because the people involved have to really care about what they\u2019re doing. They bring passion, dedication and a desire to include anyone who\u2019s interested. <\/p>\n

Students who participate gain self-confidence, hone a personal craft over years of practice and become part of a community dedicated to its own promotion and preservation. <\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nShare your work with others who appreciate it, hone your craft alongside your peers<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nDrama club, slam poetry team<\/a>, a musical instrument, dance team, theatre performance<\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nCommunity service, special-interest clubs<\/p>\n

Special-Interest Clubs<\/h3>\n

Many high schools have clubs for almost anything \u2013 anime\/manga, old English literature, queer-straight alliance, international cooking club, et cetera. A special-interest club is a great way for students to supplement other activities, or take a leadership position in an area they are passionate about. <\/p>\n

These clubs tend to be more freeform than others, with activities dependent on who\u2019s in the club and what they want to do. Such structure \u2013 or lack thereof \u2013 gives students ample opportunity to take initiative and plan an event or project alongside their peers. <\/p>\n

Bonus points:<\/strong>
\nFreedom to participate as you choose, meet others who share your interests. <\/p>\n

Examples:<\/strong>
\nLiterally anything! <\/p>\n

Also explore:<\/strong>
\nCommunity service, performing arts, sports, academic clubs, student organizations.<\/p>\n

All in all, high school (and especially freshman year<\/a>) is the time for your kid to explore every interest they may have! Share this information with them and work together to figure out what they DO and DON\u2019T enjoy. Don\u2019t hold back!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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