In the competitive nature of current post-secondary education, universities look for more than just grades in their student applicants. A diverse skillset and directed interest in a field of extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership, organizational groups, or subject focus, are all examples of non academic participation that will enhance a student’s portfolio. Universities are looking for students with streamlined interests and visible personalities, which is well displayed in their non-academic interests and achievements. Students who seem like interesting people with specialized interests seem far more appealing than generalist students who have good grades.
Universities offer a large variety of extracurricular activities due to their large student population and diversity. These activities may include both intramural and competitive sports teams, social groups like sororities and fratnernities, academic groups such as competition and research societies, subject specific specializations such as theatre and band, and a multitude of other recreational activities. The best course of action is to pursue your interests rather than do everything, since that will show your personality and passion for a specific subject in your academic history.
University extracurricular activities can easily evolve into future opportunities due to the large amount of people you meet with the same interests. This serves as a form of networking that may help to reveal opportunities within your field of interest. Also, extracurricular activities often offer a different vein of experience than regular academics, and can help build different types of skills that are applicable to the workplace.
Be sure to broaden your horizons and look into extracurriculars because they will not only make your portfolio better-rounded, but also serve as good setup for the future while honing new skills.
