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Hi All,
Currently I am preparing for my GMAT but also want to work on improving my overall profile.
My extra-curricular activities section is very weak currently as I was never involved in any sports/ arts/ communities during school or college.
However, I want to work on this shortcoming and improve my overall profile.
I found a UN's online volunteering program while searching through the Internet, how much value would it add to ECAs.
Please guide me as to what I can do make my extracurriculars stand out from others and also any goal specific ECAs that I can do.
I plan onto getting into MBA Finance at M7 and post-MBA work in IB.
Currently I am preparing for my GMAT but also want to work on improving my overall profile.
My extra-curricular activities section is very weak currently as I was never involved in any sports/ arts/ communities during school or college.
However, I want to work on this shortcoming and improve my overall profile.
I found a UN's online volunteering program while searching through the Internet, how much value would it add to ECAs.
Please guide me as to what I can do make my extracurriculars stand out from others and also any goal specific ECAs that I can do.
I plan onto getting into MBA Finance at M7 and post-MBA work in IB.
MBAPrepCoach
Expert
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 03 Dec 2025
Posts: 3,932
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert reply
Posts: 3,932
Hi - the ideal is to have ECs that don’t immediately flag “I’m trying to get into b-school by doing this.” Choose something that is a natural extension of your experience or background.
Or, aligned with your goal as stated in the application.
And, if possible, pick something that will culminate in some observable/anecdotal or quantifiable positive impact.
For example, a being on the board/committee if a fundraiser that takes place before your application deadline.
Would ideally provide a good story that illustrates your character, and helps them get to know you as a person, if used for an essay or interview response.
psa1199
Posted from my mobile device
_________________
Or, aligned with your goal as stated in the application.
And, if possible, pick something that will culminate in some observable/anecdotal or quantifiable positive impact.
For example, a being on the board/committee if a fundraiser that takes place before your application deadline.
Would ideally provide a good story that illustrates your character, and helps them get to know you as a person, if used for an essay or interview response.
psa1199
psa1199
Posted from my mobile device
_________________
I know my clients inside and out, allowing admissions to know, like, trust - and admit them. For 11+ years now. Even overrepresented & low-stats clients crack M7. Complete my contact form to receive CV and profile feedback.
Posts: 3,047
psa1199
My first question would be, how much time do you have in hand? New extra curricular activities right before MBA applications look somewhat suspicious, yet they are better than leaving blank spaces in the application form. FYI, some of the top MBA programs ask you for college ECAs and post college ECAs in separate sections of the application form, so one would definitely want to minimize the blank space in these sections.
I suggest applicants to take up activities where they have a real passion and which don't look like you started just before applications - that means restart something that you were doing earlier. Dig deeper if you have any of those interests.
The second tip is, involve yourself in activities where you help others (volunteering work, community initiatives) as opposed to just doing something for yourself (like playing a sport, gymming etc.- which are also good for your personal development, but if you are short on time you will have to prioritize).
Thirdly, as Farrell mentioned, you should be be able to take leadership in the engagement and make an impact. Perhaps the online opportunity you are seeking may not allow for much leadership or impact, depending upon what you are expected to do there, so try figuring this bit out.
Usually your organization's community clubs/initiatives, support programs, CSR activities are a good place to start - so you can explore these options as well.
Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: [email protected]
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Sep 2026
Posts: 2,557
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,557
psa1199
psa1199 What's with the online UN volunteering? I have been reading so much about it recently on this platform before the admissions begin. Personally, I believe that applicants shouldn't try too hard to pick new extracurricular activities right before the applications. Partly why I think this way is because many candidates do not realize they still have ample material in their background that they can highlight in their EC essays. Sometimes, it takes an expert to help you do some deep introspection and bring those experiences to the surface. Very rarely do B-schools have explicitly framed questions that only ask about your extracurricular activities. It is more likely that the extracurricular and diversity initiatives would be interwoven into a question that asks how you will contribute to the class or what unique aspects you will bring to the class.
I jotted some quick notes a few years back that might still give you some perspective-
How to put together an impressive ECs essay when you don’t have many? : The B-School Applications (gmatclub.com)
Feel free to speak should you want professional advice
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
admitStreet
Joined: 14 Mar 2023
Last visit: 08 Sep 2026
Posts: 1,791
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 1,791
psa1199
@psa1199 - When it comes to Extracurriculars, recency, consistency and impact are key angles to consider.
Assuming you have the time, I would strongly suggest pursuing something hands-on (e.g. an internship, a consulting project, or even advising a start-up on their business planning or investments - if consulting/ IB is your post-MBA goal). This would make your case stronger and present transferable skills.
Also remember that if something is common and not too hard to obtain (e.g. online certification), odds are many MBA applicants would do it, and it may no longer present you with an edge. Aim to have something unique, yet closely tied to your profile and goals.
This write-up outlines other factors while building your MBA profile: 10 ways to build your profile as an MBA applicant
Hope this helps some.
Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected] | LinkedIn
psa1199
Hi psa1199,
Can you tell us something about your academics and work experience? An online UN volunteering program can be great however, an understanding of how it aligns with your goals is important.
The Adcoms at M7 and other tier 1 business schools look for holistic profiles to offer admits to ensure a well-rounded batch. We would like to get on a call with you to understand the depth of your profile and your short & long-term goals which will become the base of your applications.
Our MBA consultants have helped ample students work on their profiles and submit successful applications to top-ranking business schools.
You can book a free call with our experts here.
You can directly connect with the team via call at +91 7780769732
_________________
AugustAcademy
Joined: 26 Jan 2013
Last visit: 17 Aug 2026
Posts: 472
Schools: Stanford '19
GMAT 1: 770 Q51 V44
GPA: 3.99
Hi,
Your extracurricular activities are a way for the admissions committee to understand more about what matters to you outside of academics and work.
As such - no one thing will help you stand out.
Find something that you are passionate about - this could be community service (find a cause that you are passionate about - a local community organization, Habitat for Humanity, or anything else really - there is no one right thing), or a hobby or outlet that you find allows you to express yourself creatively.
You could be a sportsperson, a musician, or an Instagram influencer.
The central idea is - are you demonstrating excellence? Passion? Leadership in your chosen endeavor? These qualities matter. Ticking a box doesn't.
Feel free to reach out after your GMAT is done: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Best,
Karthik
_________________
Your extracurricular activities are a way for the admissions committee to understand more about what matters to you outside of academics and work.
As such - no one thing will help you stand out.
Find something that you are passionate about - this could be community service (find a cause that you are passionate about - a local community organization, Habitat for Humanity, or anything else really - there is no one right thing), or a hobby or outlet that you find allows you to express yourself creatively.
You could be a sportsperson, a musician, or an Instagram influencer.
The central idea is - are you demonstrating excellence? Passion? Leadership in your chosen endeavor? These qualities matter. Ticking a box doesn't.
Feel free to reach out after your GMAT is done: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Best,
Karthik
psa1199
_________________
Karthik P.
Founder and CEO,
August Academy.
Schedule a free consultation with us: bit (dot) ly (backslash) GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Email: info (at) augustacademy (dot) in
About: We are an India-based MBA admissions consulting firm. We've been helping Indian MBA applicants (students belonging to the most competitive MBA admissions pool) since 2013. Several of our students study at the top 20 schools in the US including Harvard, Booth, Kellogg, MIT, Yale, Ross, and Darden, top European schools including INSEAD, IMD, London Business School, Cambridge, and Oxford, top Canadian schools like Rotman and top Asian schools like ISB and NUS. Our students have won over USD 2.1 Million in scholarships over the last 3 admissions years.
Founder and CEO,
August Academy.
Schedule a free consultation with us: bit (dot) ly (backslash) GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Email: info (at) augustacademy (dot) in
About: We are an India-based MBA admissions consulting firm. We've been helping Indian MBA applicants (students belonging to the most competitive MBA admissions pool) since 2013. Several of our students study at the top 20 schools in the US including Harvard, Booth, Kellogg, MIT, Yale, Ross, and Darden, top European schools including INSEAD, IMD, London Business School, Cambridge, and Oxford, top Canadian schools like Rotman and top Asian schools like ISB and NUS. Our students have won over USD 2.1 Million in scholarships over the last 3 admissions years.
GeneralEducation
Joined: 12 May 2010
Last visit: 07 Sep 2026
Posts: 1,403
Status:Assisting candidates to get admit in to top global business schools
Affiliations: MBA
Location: Bangalore
Schools:HEC, Paris
WE 1: 9 Years
Posts: 1,403
Consistency is the key. Once you start engaging in extracurricular activities, you must be consistent. That's the main thing which helps in improving so. Extracurricular activity will only benefit your MBA application if you show real achievement. Adcom will try to see your positions in societies, awards, commendations, and advancement in skills are all evidence of achievement.
You can connect with our admission experts to learn more about what activities suit your candidacy.
_________________
You can connect with our admission experts to learn more about what activities suit your candidacy.
_________________
Best Wishes,
General Education Team
General Education Team
Posts: 2,671
psa1199
Hello psa1199,
Thanks for writing in.
As suggested above, try and avoid giving the impression that you are involving yourself in extra-curricular activities for the purpose of the MBA applications alone. At this point, whatever you involve yourself with is not going to be a deal maker as such; however, when you do take something up, please try and focus on showcasing potential for leadership and impact rather than just involving yourself as a volunteer.
All the best!
_________________
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MBAPrepCoach
Expert
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 03 Dec 2025
Posts: 3,932
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert reply
Posts: 3,932
AugustAcademy
Love this Karthik!
_________________
I know my clients inside and out, allowing admissions to know, like, trust - and admit them. For 11+ years now. Even overrepresented & low-stats clients crack M7. Complete my contact form to receive CV and profile feedback.
AugustAcademy
Joined: 26 Jan 2013
Last visit: 17 Aug 2026
Posts: 472
Schools: Stanford '19
GMAT 1: 770 Q51 V44
GPA: 3.99
Thank you Farrell! Great insights from you as well!
Karthik
_________________
Karthik
MBAPrepCoach
_________________
Karthik P.
Founder and CEO,
August Academy.
Schedule a free consultation with us: bit (dot) ly (backslash) GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Email: info (at) augustacademy (dot) in
About: We are an India-based MBA admissions consulting firm. We've been helping Indian MBA applicants (students belonging to the most competitive MBA admissions pool) since 2013. Several of our students study at the top 20 schools in the US including Harvard, Booth, Kellogg, MIT, Yale, Ross, and Darden, top European schools including INSEAD, IMD, London Business School, Cambridge, and Oxford, top Canadian schools like Rotman and top Asian schools like ISB and NUS. Our students have won over USD 2.1 Million in scholarships over the last 3 admissions years.
Founder and CEO,
August Academy.
Schedule a free consultation with us: bit (dot) ly (backslash) GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation
Email: info (at) augustacademy (dot) in
About: We are an India-based MBA admissions consulting firm. We've been helping Indian MBA applicants (students belonging to the most competitive MBA admissions pool) since 2013. Several of our students study at the top 20 schools in the US including Harvard, Booth, Kellogg, MIT, Yale, Ross, and Darden, top European schools including INSEAD, IMD, London Business School, Cambridge, and Oxford, top Canadian schools like Rotman and top Asian schools like ISB and NUS. Our students have won over USD 2.1 Million in scholarships over the last 3 admissions years.
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