5 Unique Extracurriculars That Make Your College Application Stand Out

Surprisingly, grades aren’t the only factor considered in your college application. In fact, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, about 44% of admissions officers say extracurriculars are moderately to considerably important when reviewing applicants. So if you want to stand out, having a few unique activities on your application can help show off your values, creativity, and ambition. In this article, we’re breaking down five extracurriculars that can increase your chances of admission.

1. Passion Projects

Unlike a school club or sports team, a passion project is something you begin on your own. It’s personal, self-directed, and shaped around your interests and talents. It’s a way to show colleges you’re creative, resourceful, and take initiative without needing a formal title.

Examples of passion projects:

• Start a neighborhood book club or mental health group
• Create a friendship circle for new students
• Launch an online space for a cause you care about

Through this, you’re showing skills like:

• Communication
• Networking
• Community involvement
• Time and project management

Colleges notice when you take the lead on something meaningful.

2. Volunteering

Volunteering shows you’re willing to give your time to something bigger than yourself. It’s a clear sign you’re dependable and care about your community.

You can volunteer in a bunch of ways:

• Helping at a local food bank
• Assisting patients or staff at a hospital
• Caring for animals at a shelter
• Doing admin work for a nonprofit
  
  

According to Deloitte, 92% of people say volunteering helped them grow as leaders. Beyond that, it shows you’ve built skills like compassion and adaptability—both of which matter when you’re in college.

3. Leadership Activities

Leadership says a lot about your character. It shows you’re someone who can step up, make decisions, connect with others, and handle pressure. Colleges value these qualities. Strong leadership experience can help you thrive in group projects, manage your time, and even start a business while in college.

Here are some leadership roles to consider in high school:

• Class president or student council member
• Team captain for a sport
• Peer mentor or academic tutor

These roles show you’re reliable, motivated, and able to manage your responsibilities, which are all skills that stand out in a college application.

4. Tech Skills

When people think of tech skills, they might picture tasks like typing, doing research, or creating spreadsheets. But if you push past the basics, tech can be one of the most impressive parts of your college application.

Some standout tech-based activities include:

• Learning how to code
• Building a mobile app
• Designing your own website
• Joining a hackathon or tech competition

These accomplishments show you’ve got discipline, problem-solving skills, and a mindset geared toward learning. You don’t need to be a genius to get into tech; you just need focus, patience, and the drive to figure things out. And that’s exactly the kind of energy colleges want to see.

5. Arts & Music

Creative expression is a powerful way to show confidence, originality, and excitement. Maybe you play an instrument, perform in your school’s band, take part in musical theater, or enter visual arts competitions. These kinds of activities highlight your ability to create, perform, and stay dedicated to a craft.

Art and music also show you can work with others and be part of a creative community. Whether you’re performing on a big stage or working on a group project, you’re building collaboration skills. Colleges want students who can think differently, express themselves, and contribute to campus life in meaningful ways.

Let Your Passions Speak for You

The key to choosing extracurriculars is picking something you actually care about. Instead of just checking boxes, engage in interests that show who you are and what you bring to the table. Whether you lead, build, create, or give back, the activities you stick with should reflect your values.

If you’re a Florida high school student with an entrepreneurial mindset, the Kantner Foundation Scholarship might be the next step in your journey. Learn more here!