150 Extracurricular Activity Examples: The Foundation of Future Success

In today's competitive world, academic success alone is not enough. This image shows that active participation in extracurricular activities helps to develop personal growth and leadership skills, serving as the foundation for future success.
Sword & Sorcery: The Evolution of Epic Heroes and Villains
Sword & Sorcery: The Evolution of Epic Heroes and Villains

Your college application is a canvas for your unique story, and extracurriculars are the most vibrant colors on your palette. To help you envision the possibilities, we've compiled insights from a list of over 150 extracurricular examples, which are part of a resource provided by Crimson Education. This guide will teach you how to use these raw examples to craft a powerful narrative that admissions officers will remember.

The Power of Your Story, Not Theirs

These examples are not templates for you to instantly copy and paste into your application. They are raw data points—the "what" of an activity. A successful application requires the "why" and the "how." You have to write better than these simple descriptions. The true value lies in the personal narrative you build around them: the challenges you faced, the skills you developed, the impact you made, and the passion that fueled your commitment.

Category-Specific Insights

  • Academic: Rather than just stating your participation in the "Fun Maths Problem Solving Society," focus on a specific problem you solved or a challenging concept you helped a classmate understand. Show your passion for the subject, not just your qualifications.

  • Art: Your art is a reflection of your inner world. For "Environmental Paintings," don't just say you created a series of works. Describe the message behind your art, the gallery where it was shown, and the conversations it sparked about conservation.

  • Community Service: Impact is everything. Instead of simply listing that you "helped care for animals," quantify your efforts. Did you organize an adoption event? How many animals found homes? Did you raise funds for a specific need? Show the tangible results of your compassion.

  • Government & Leadership: Leadership is not just a title; it's about influence. For "Student Council," go beyond stating that you led initiatives. Tell a story about a specific challenge you overcame—a difficult negotiation with the administration or a team that wouldn't collaborate—to demonstrate your diplomatic and problem-solving skills.

  • Technology: Your technology projects are a chance to showcase your problem-solving abilities. For the "App Development Competition," describe the specific problem your app for mental health awareness addressed. Explain your process, from idea to execution, to highlight your initiative and technical skills.

A Guide to Starting Your Own Club

Founding a club is one of the most powerful extracurriculars because it demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a commitment to your community. Here’s how you can make it happen, inspired by examples like the "Art Club" and "Girls Who Code":

  1. Identify a Need: What gap exists in your school or community? Maybe there's a need for a "Neuroscience Society" or a group focused on a specific social issue.

  2. Develop a Mission: What is your club's core purpose? Write a mission statement that clearly defines your goals, whether it's to teach drawing techniques, inspire young women in tech, or organize stargazing events.

  3. Find a Faculty Advisor: An advisor is crucial for guidance and official school recognition. Approach a teacher who shares your passion and can help you navigate school policies.

  4. Create a Plan: Before you recruit members, outline your club's structure. What will you do in your weekly meetings? What are your short-term and long-term goals? How will you track progress?

  5. Launch and Grow: Recruit initial members by sharing your vision. Host an engaging first meeting. As the club grows, delegate tasks and mentor new leaders. Your role is not just to run the club, but to build a sustainable organization.


Academic

Activity

Description

Physics Club

Led experiments and discussions on physics topics, helping students understand complex concepts in an engaging way.

History Research Project

Conducted in-depth research on the impacts of World War II, presented findings to classmates.

Science Fair Project

Designed and presented an experiment to test the effectiveness of various water filtration methods.

Economics Club

Participated in discussions and competitions focused on macroeconomic policies and current events.

Mathematics Club

Led a team of students in organizing weekly problem-solving sessions and preparing for math competitions.

Chemistry Olympiad

Participated in national-level competitions, reaching the finals through dedicated study and preparation.

Astronomy Club

Organized stargazing events and lectures to foster interest in astronomy.

Physics Study Guide

Authored a 50-page study guide on physics concepts, reaching over 3000 downloads.

Neuroscience Society

Founded and led the society, organizing weekly workshops, recruiting members, and shadowing a clinical neurologist.

College Prep Courses

Completed college-level courses in Behavioral Neuroscience and Social Psychology, wrote an analysis on "Narcissism and Social Media."

National Ocean Sciences Bowl

Served as Team B Captain, organizing biweekly practices and preparing the team for competitions.

Maths Competitions

Competed in various competitions, including the British Maths Olympiad, qualifying in multiple years.

Fun Maths Problem Solving Society

Founded and led a group of 40+ members, organizing weekly problem-solving sessions and inviting guest speakers.

National Honor Society

Member actively involved in peer tutoring and community service projects.

Data Analysis Project

Analyzed publicly available data sets to identify trends in environmental changes, mentored by a local college professor.

STEM Outreach

Participated in national-level competitions, reaching the finals through dedicated study and preparation.


Art

Activity

Description

Calligraphy Club

Practiced calligraphy techniques, creating personalized greeting cards for community events.

Pottery Workshop

Created pottery pieces for community events, showcasing artistic skills and craftsmanship.

Graphic Design Club

Designed posters and digital artwork for school events, contributing to the visual branding of campus activities.

Photography Project

Completed a series of wildlife photos for a community exhibit, highlighting local biodiversity.

Piano

Took lessons for thirteen years, performing both contemporary and classical pieces at community recitals.

Environmental Paintings

Created a series of paintings focused on environmental conservation, exhibited at a local gallery to raise awareness.

Community Theater

Participated in multiple theater productions over four years, taking on various acting and backstage roles.

Animated Film

Produced a short animated film using digital software, showcased at a local film festival.

Art Club

Founded and led a club to teach drawing techniques to students at the community center.

Mural Painting Project

Created a mural in the school cafeteria to promote environmental awareness.


Community Service

Activity

Description

Senior Center Volunteer

Organized recreational activities and events for elderly residents at a local senior center.

Community Sports Coach

Coached a youth soccer team on weekends, helping young players develop skills and teamwork.

Food Bank Volunteer

Organized donations and distributed food to families in need, supporting community food security.

Park Restoration Volunteer

Assisted in cleaning and restoring local parks, including planting native trees to improve green spaces.

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Helped care for animals and organized adoption events to support local animal shelters.

Community Clean-Up

Organized a community clean-up event that attracted over 100 participants, improving the local environment.

Habitat for Humanity

Worked as a member to help build homes for underprivileged families in the community.

Charity Work

Collaborated with a local charity to distribute food packages to families in need during the holiday season.

Mentorship Program

Established a mentorship program for underprivileged middle school students, providing academic and emotional support.

Kalliope Organization Committee

Vice President, initiated and organized the school's first charity green fashion show, raising funds for the bursary fund.

Youth-run Charity

Founded and managed a charity providing literature to rural and developing areas, expanding educational access.

Violinist

Played in a string ensemble to raise money for the NSQ Kids in Need program and the Australian Chamber Orchestra Music Education Program for disadvantaged children.

International Student Association

Vice President of Community Service, hosted orientation events and organized fundraisers for international social issues.

Service Trip

Raised over $10,000 through fundraising, assembled school supply packages, and taught classes at schools in East Timor.

NGO Project

Vice Chair, supervised 20 students, collaborated with an NGO to develop a machine that converts plastics into bricks to address pollution.

Book Drive Organizer

Collected and distributed books to local schools and libraries in need.


Government & Leadership

Activity

Description

Mock Trial

Participated in a mock trial competition, gaining insight into the legal process and courtroom procedures.

School Event Coordinator

Planned and coordinated school events such as talent shows and fundraisers to enhance student life.

Debate Club

Competed in local and regional debate tournaments, winning multiple awards for effective argumentation.

Youth City Council Member

Represented youth interests in local government meetings, contributing to community decision-making.

Student Council

President leading school-wide initiatives to improve student life, including new programs and events.

Youth Advisory Board

Worked with local government to create a board that addresses community issues from a youth perspective.

Voter Registration Drive

Organized a voter registration drive at school to increase youth involvement in local elections.

Leadership Group

Co-founded a group focused on helping new students transition into high school through mentorship and support.

Model United Nations

Represented different countries in international policy discussions, developing negotiation and diplomacy skills.

Congresswoman Internship

Interned in Washington, D.C., wrote letters addressing constituent concerns, and attended hearings and briefings.

Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition Internship

Spread awareness about human trafficking by delivering seminars at community centers.

Ammar Campa-Najjar Campaign

Intern and Office Manager, managed daily tasks, trained volunteers, and crafted promotional materials in both English and Spanish.

Entrepreneurship Summer Program

Prototyped a smartband for individuals with panic disorder, conducted market research, and pitched to investors.

News Service Internship

Conducted research on Neural Networks for named entity recognition as part of a summer internship.

Law Firm Internship

Conducted economic research and prepared memos in the competition department of a law firm.

Book Drive Organizer

Collected and distributed books to local schools and libraries in need.


Media

Activity

Description

Yearbook Committee

Helped design and edit the school's yearbook, capturing key moments from the school year.

School Blog Contributor

Wrote articles for the school's blog, covering various student events and activities.

School Newspaper

Editor-in-chief overseeing content creation, writing articles, and managing a team of student journalists.

Podcast

Produced a podcast discussing political and social issues relevant to teenagers, engaging peers in meaningful conversations.

Magazine Articles

Wrote articles for a local magazine on environmental and social justice topics, raising awareness in the community.

News Anchor

Worked as a news anchor for the school television network, reporting on school events and announcements.

Social Media Management

Managed social media for a school club, increasing engagement by 40% through creative content.


Music & Performance

Activity

Description

School Orchestra

Played violin in the orchestra, performing at school concerts and community events throughout the year.

Spoken Word Poetry

Wrote and performed original poetry at school talent shows and local community events.

Jazz Band

Played trumpet in the school jazz band, performing at various school and community events.

Garage Band

Founded a band with friends, performing at local events and festivals to raise funds for charity.

Choir

Participated in school and community choir performances, contributing as a vocalist in multiple concerts.

Dance Showcase

Choreographed and performed dance routines for the school's annual dance showcase.

Community Theater

Took on lead roles in multiple community theater productions, gaining experience in acting and stage presence.

School Music Council

Co-President, organized and promoted musical events across campus, collaborating with the music faculty.

Acapella Group

Co-President, led a group of 17 performers, arranged music pieces, and organized performance opportunities.

Choir

Alto singer, participated in six performances annually, including holiday and spring concerts.

Violin

Played in the first violins section of various orchestras, including school and regional groups.

Piano

Classically trained pianist, earned diplomas, and placed in regional and state competitions.

Cello

Selected as lead cellist for the Youth Orchestra Philharmonic, performed in semi-professional concerts.


Sports & Recreation

Activity

Description

Ultimate Frisbee Club

Practiced regularly and competed in local ultimate frisbee tournaments.

Archery Team

Trained weekly and competed in regional archery competitions, developing precision and focus.

Badminton Club

Competed in local tournaments, consistently improving skills through practice.

Rock Climbing Team

Practiced climbing weekly and competed in regional climbing competitions.

Soccer

Captain of the varsity team, leading the team to the regional championships and mentoring younger players.

Tennis

Competed in regional tennis tournaments, achieving a top-ten ranking in singles matches.

Hiking Club

Organized and led weekend hiking trips to nearby trails, promoting outdoor activities among peers.

Martial Arts

Practiced Taekwondo for six years, achieved a black belt, and competed in state-level competitions.

Swimming

Competed in state-level swimming competitions, winning multiple medals in freestyle and butterfly events.

Cross Country

Captain of the cross country team, led training sessions and motivated teammates during competitions.

Basketball

Played as a Power Forward in the first and second squads, competed in the GPS/CAS competition.

Lacrosse

Played as a defenseman, attended daily practices, started in games, and was chosen as captain for multiple matches.

Softball

Team Captain and Starting Pitcher, led practices, and played a key role in regional competitions.

JV Girls Basketball

Team Manager, organized game schedules, managed scorebooks, and assisted coaches during practices.

Netball

Played for the school's netball team, reaching the finals in multiple seasons and contributing as an offensive player.

Kayaking Club

Participated in weekly kayaking trips and led safety workshops for new members.


Social Activism

Activity

Description

LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group

Organized events to promote acceptance and equality within the school community.

Anti-Bullying Campaign

Created posters and led workshops to raise awareness about the effects of bullying.

Climate Change Campaign

Organized a campaign to raise awareness of climate change, involving local schools and community members.

Amnesty International

Participated in activities advocating for human rights, including letter-writing campaigns and protests.

Recycling Program

Created a school-wide recycling program to promote environmental sustainability.

Social Justice Protests

Participated in protests advocating for social justice and equality in the community.

Girls Who Code

Founded a local chapter to encourage young women to explore computer science and technology.

Oaktree

Community Leader, raised funds and developed educational curricula for use in developing countries.

Cancer Action Network

Secretary and Spokesperson, advocated for legislation to improve palliative care access for low-income families.

Tikkun Olam

Co-President, organized Holocaust awareness events and cultural activities, including field trips.

Child Rights Group

Founded a group working with NGOs in India to address issues like child abuse and food insecurity.

Special Needs Charity

Founder and Executive Director, set up chapters in seven countries, led inclusion campaigns, and published articles.

Climate Activist Group

Regional Director, organized global events to raise awareness about climate change.

Fair Trade Club

Advocated for fair trade practices by organizing awareness campaigns at school.


Technology

Activity

Description

Game Development Club

Worked with a team to create a video game using Unity, showcased at a school event.

3D Printing Project

Designed and printed 3D models for use in science classes, integrating technology into learning.

Volunteer Website

Built a website to connect local community members with volunteer opportunities.

Hackathon

Participated in a 24-hour hackathon, developing an app to help students track and manage their homework.

Robotics Club

Lead developer, competed in national robotics competitions, building and programming robots.

Coding Platform

Created an online platform to teach basic coding to middle school students.

Machine Learning Project

Developed a machine learning model to analyze social media sentiment as an independent research project.

Drone Building Workshop

Led a workshop teaching students how to build and pilot drones, focusing on engineering and aerodynamics.


Special Interest

Activity

Description

Bird Watching Club

Organized bird-watching trips and documented local bird species, sharing findings with the community.

Gardening Club

Grew vegetables and flowers in the school garden, donating produce to local food banks.

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Organized weekly campaigns, creating an inclusive space for students interested in role-playing games.

Civil War Reenactments

Participated in reenactments, researching historical figures and portraying them at events.

Chess Team

Competed in local and state-level tournaments, developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Book Club

Founded a club focused on discussing classic literature and modern novels, fostering a love for reading.

Renaissance Faires

Participated in Renaissance Faires, sewing costumes, and acting as a historical character.


Drama & Theater

Activity

Description

Improv Club

Participated in weekly improv sessions, developing quick-thinking and performance skills.

Costume Design

Designed and created costumes for the school play, contributing to the visual aspect of the production.

Royal National Theatre of London

Selected for an international dramatist network, attended workshops, and performed in productions.

House Drama Captain

Wrote, directed, and organized a school play, managing all aspects of the production.

Musical Theatre Group

Trained in dance and acting, restaged musicals in Off-Broadway theaters, performing as a member of the group.

Drama Productions

Played lead roles in various productions, including street plays and dance performances.


Entrepreneurship

Activity

Description

School Store Manager

Managed inventory and sales for the school store, gaining experience in retail and customer service.

Social Enterprise Founder

Created a business selling handmade crafts to raise funds for a local charity.

Startup Founder

Founded a small business providing eco-friendly products, managing a team of five employees.

E-Commerce Platform

Developed an online store to sell handmade crafts, learning about web development and digital marketing.

Business Plan Competition

Participated in a business plan competition, developed a plan for a social enterprise, and won second place.


Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives

Activity

Description

Recycling Awareness Campaign

Led a campaign to increase recycling within the school, including organizing educational workshops.

Tree Planting Initiative

Organized a tree-planting day, engaging students and community members to promote environmental awareness.

School Garden Project

Created a community garden on school grounds to promote sustainability and teach gardening skills.

Beach Clean-Up Leader

Organized monthly beach clean-ups, involving community volunteers to help reduce pollution.

Composting Initiative

Started a composting program at school to reduce food waste and promote sustainable practices.

Water Conservation Campaign

Led a campaign to promote water conservation at school, including installing water-saving devices.


Health & Wellness

Activity

Description

Meditation Club

Founded a meditation club to teach stress-relief techniques to students.

Nutrition Workshop Organizer

Organized workshops on healthy eating habits and nutrition for students.

Yoga Club

Founded a yoga club to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students.

Mental Health Advocate

Led workshops to raise awareness about mental health issues and provided resources for students.

First Aid Volunteer

Volunteered at local events, providing first aid support as part of a community health organization.


Cultural & Language

Activity

Description

Spanish Poetry Club

Organized weekly meetings to read, write, and discuss Spanish-language poetry.

Japanese Cultural Club

Hosted events celebrating Japanese culture, including traditional tea ceremonies and festivals.

Language Exchange Club

Organized weekly meet-ups for language practice between English and Spanish-speaking students.

Cultural Festival Coordinator

Planned and coordinated a school-wide cultural festival to celebrate diversity and different heritages.

Heritage Dance Group

Participated in a traditional dance group, performing at cultural festivals and school events.

Korean Language Club

Organized cultural exchange events and taught basic Korean language to interested students.


STEM Competitions

Activity

Description

Robotics Competition

Built and programmed a robot to complete specific challenges, competing in a regional competition.

Chemistry Challenge

Competed in a state-level chemistry competition, solving complex chemical problems.

Science Olympiad

Competed in regional Science Olympiad competitions, winning multiple medals in various science categories.

Engineering Design Challenge

Participated in a local engineering design challenge, created a working prototype of a bridge.

App Development Competition

Developed a mental health awareness app and presented it at a technology competition.


Final Thoughts

The extracurricular examples you have are a valuable tool. Use them as a jumping-off point to find your own passions and to understand the level of detail required for a compelling application. Remember, the goal isn't to be a perfect copy of someone else's accomplishments, but to be an authentic, dedicated, and unique version of yourself.


@CrimsonEducation