Extra Curricular Activities

Although a high school student spends up to seven hours a day at school, academic classes are often not the only thing going on in the average high school student’s life. Students get involved in sports teams, clubs, fundraisers, bands and music groups, and part time employment.

Juggling all these can be a challenge, especially when you factor in homework that needs to be done on a daily basis.

Despite the fact that extra-curricular activities can put strain on a high school student’s schedule, they are an important part of a student’s overall happiness, self image, and success.

College Applications

Colleges use extra-curricular activities to differentiate between applicants. The more involved a student is with activities that he/she cares about, the more attractive that student is to the school.

Happier, More Balanced People

Many studies have shown that when students are involved in activities outside of the academic day, they are more likely to have higher grades, a stronger sense of self, and a greater feeling of belonging among peers. This leads to a happier, more engaged life in school.

Staying Involved

Some of my fondest adolescent memories are of playing sports in high school. Once I got to college, I decided to hang up the cleats, but I still wanted to stay involved with something besides my studies. I participated in a large, student run philanthropy on campus, and along with thousands of other students, I helped raise over $2 million to help children survive cancer. I think this is one reason why colleges look for extra-curricular activities in high school—they know that the odds are very good that an involved high school student will stay involved once they reach campus.

Pick Something Interesting

Your child probably gravitates towards certain activities naturally. For me, it was athletics. Others can be drawn to working in a field that interests them, musical instruments, theatre productions, community activist groups, student council, volunteering, and a whole host of other activities. The key is that your child enjoys the activity enough to stick with it. Colleges generally favor depth of experience in an activity over a dabbling in many activities. In addition, depth into an activity tends to magnify the other benefits of getting involved: self image, fitting in, and feeling a sense of pride and self-worth.

Keep a Balance

I am amazed at the schedules that some students keep. They get up at the crack of dawn and their heads don’t hit the pillow until after midnight. In between they are doing everything they can fit into a day: school, sports, work, volunteering, homework, and occasionally sitting down to a family dinner. Although activities are important, so is peace of mind. Help your child keep balance by helping them eat properly, get adequate sleep, and take time to unwind. Help them manage their time so that their grades don’t get lost in the shuffle. Most of all, become a sounding board and stay interested in what they are doing. Activities can be a great way to open up their world to you, and remain close with your child.

Get Involved Early

It is never too early to start. Sit your middle-schooler down and talk to them about what they like to do. The sooner your child gets involved, the sooner they can focus on something they really like.

For More information, see article at the College Board website.

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