Best Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities aren’t just resume fillers—they’re a window into your values and growth. Whether you’re applying to college or figuring out who you are outside of school, what you do after class can say a lot. We will help students identify and develop activities that match their interests and goals—not just what sounds impressive. Because the “best” extracurriculars are the ones that actually mean something to you.

What Are the Benefits of Extracurricular Activities?

“Extracurriculars are anything you did inside or outside of school that wasn’t mandatory which can be academic, for enjoyment, etc. They want to know what you’re doing outside of school, what your interests are and how you’re expanding them, what type of person you are, and what is your relationship with the other people at your school and your community” 

– Reddit

They go way beyond college apps. Here’s what extracurriculars really give you:

• Balancing school and activities forces structure
• Teamwork and leadership
• You learn what lights you up—and what doesn’t
• New friendships
• College and scholarship opportunities
• A break from school stress

What Types of Extracurricular Activities Are Available?

Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

What Are the Differences Between Competitive and Non-Competitive Extracurriculars?

Not all extracurriculars are created equal. Some are high-stakes and selective, others are flexible and open to anyone. Both types help students grow—but in different ways. Understanding the difference between competitive and non-competitive extracurriculars can help students make smarter choices about how they spend their time and what to highlight on applications. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

What Is a Complete List of Extracurricular Activities?

Here’s a wide-ranging list of extracurricular categories and examples to help students map out what they’ve done—or want to try next:

This list isn’t exhaustive—but it shows just how many directions you can go. If you’ve built a Minecraft server, led a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, or edited fan videos on YouTube—you’ve developed real skills. Legacy Online School helps students translate those experiences into powerful application material that colleges understand and respect.

How to Choose the Best Extracurricular Activities for You?

The best activities are the ones you’ll stick with and actually enjoy. Here’s how to figure out which activities make sense for you:

• Start with what you love. If you already enjoy writing, join the school paper or start a blog. If you’re always helping friends study, try peer tutoring. Interest leads to commitment
• Think about your goals. Want to be a doctor? Volunteering at a hospital makes sense. Thinking about business school? Start a side project or join a finance club. Your future plans can guide your activity choices
• Try a mix before you focus. In freshman or sophomore year, explore a few different areas—sports, arts, service, academic clubs. By junior year, start focusing on the ones where you can go deeper or lead
• Look for leadership opportunities. Colleges value initiative. Being president of a small club can matter more than just showing up to meetings for a big one
• Balance your schedule. Don’t overload yourself with five activities just to impress someone. One or two meaningful ones can be stronger than a full calendar with no depth
• Create your own path. If your school doesn’t offer something you care about, build it. Start a club, organize a community project, launch a YouTube channel. Self-started activities show drive and creativity

How Do Volunteer Opportunities Fit Into Extracurricular Activities?

Here’s how volunteer work fits into your extracurricular profile:

• Long-term volunteering (like working at a food bank every Saturday for a year) tells a stronger story than one-off events
• Organizing a fundraiser teaches leadership. Tutoring younger students improves communication. Habitat for Humanity? Problem-solving and teamwork
• You can volunteer through school, religious groups, nonprofits, or projects you start yourself. That flexibility means you can find something that actually matters to you
• If you’re applying for pre-med, volunteering at a hospital or health-related nonprofit supports your story. Interested in education? Work with kids or literacy programs
• Some students think volunteering is “basic,” but that depends on how you do it. Starting your own service initiative or taking on a leadership role in an existing program shows real impact

Why Are Some Extracurricular Activities Considered the Best?

“If you think you have vision and leadership, create something and draw interests to your vision. For example, create a club many of your peers want to join, and articulate the objective of the club” 

– Reddit

Not all extracurriculars carry the same weight on college applications. Some stand out more because of the impact or leadership they show. That’s why certain activities are considered the “best”—not because they’re fancy, but because they prove something meaningful about the student behind them. Here’s what makes an extracurricular rise to the top:

• Leadership and initiative
• National or competitive recognition
• Depth and commitment
• Unique or rare pursuits
• Real-world impact

How Do Extracurricular Activities Contribute to Personal Development?

Extracurriculars do more than fill space on a college application—they help shape who you are. Here’s how extracurricular activities support personal growth:

• They build confidence. Performing in front of a crowd, pitching a project, or mentoring younger students teaches you how to own your voice and trust your ideas
• They improve communication. Group activities force you to collaborate, resolve conflict, and speak clearly—skills you’ll use in college and beyond
• They teach time management. Balancing school, activities, and a personal life isn’t easy. But the more you practice, the better you get at setting priorities and meeting deadlines
• They help you discover passions. You might join something just for fun and end up finding your future major or career path. Exploration is a key part of growth
• They push you outside your comfort zone. Trying something new—especially if you’re bad at it at first—is one of the fastest ways to grow resilience

Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School

Sources: College Board, TeenLife, Reddit