27 Extracurricular Activities and How to Choose the Right One

There are a myriad of opportunities to join activities, organizations, and student clubs in high school. The lengthy list of options leaves many students wondering, “What are extracurricular activities?”

As many students, parents, and teachers are aware, there are great benefits of extracurricular activities, and while students typically join student clubs and organizations in high school to benefit their college application, many don’t consider the other opportunities these groups offer.

Finding an after school program may connect you with other students who have the same interests, likes, dislikes, and dreams, making you feel more connected. It can also help you find a sense of identity.

This article from our educational nonprofit covers tips on how to choose extracurricular activities and student organizations, and check out the 27 examples to get you started.

What is an Extracurricular Activity?

An extracurricular activity is any type of club, sport, or activity that takes place after typical school hours. Many clubs or organizations are student-run, which can offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles, an important benefit of extracurriculars.

Sports teams or other clubs may have a designated coach or mentor with the focus being on teamwork and collaboration. While these student activities may require additional time spent after school, they can offer an enriching experience to students and offer a sense of community as well.

Extracurricular Activities Examples

Today, student club offerings are vast, with topics like anime clubs, robotics, and even zombie survival clubs. There are options for every interest.

If your school doesn’t have an offering available, you can take the initiative to launch your own club. Your club’s legacy could live beyond your own time spent in high school and benefit future students for years to come.

While still under a school’s roof, student clubs offer the opportunity for teens to make decisions, take on responsibility, and connect with their peers.

With less structure and supervision than a traditional classroom setting, teens in student clubs get a chance to dip their toes into autonomy, discovering the push and pull of negotiation and the give and take of teamwork and leadership.

How to Choose Extracurricular Activities

Choosing an extracurricular activity or participating in a student club should be a fun process for students. It’s an opportunity to explore interests outside their traditional curriculum and both consciously and subconsciously make connections between lessons taught in the classroom and their own interests.

With just a few extra hours a week, student clubs can help teens acquire a sense of belonging and identity that can shape the rest of their lives. With all the benefits a student club can provide it’s no wonder that within weeks, scheduled club meetings can go from feeling like a chore to something to look forward to every week.

After talking to college admissions experts about the importance of extracurricular activities, we found how to choose extracurricular activities.

Decide What’s Most Valuable to You

Start by creating a list of your passions, interests or values. By writing these items down, you can gain a better sense of what kind of extracurriculars would be a productive use of your time, while still being fun and engaging.

For example, if you’re interested in natural science and love exploring the outdoors, finding a biology club could be a great fit. If you prefer staying indoors and playing strategy games, perhaps a Chess club would be best.

Look Into the Options Already Available

Look into the extracurricular offerings of your school. Many high schools offer standardized activities, such as sports, music, or art, however you can also check the school’s website for a full list.

You may also want to ask the administration office for additional guidance. They can also tell you about historical clubs that may have stopped, offering insight as to what may or may not work for a student club at your school.

Consider Creating Your Own Student Club

If you can’t find an extracurricular activity that works for you, you may decide to develop your own club. This takes some added initiative, but it can develop leadership skills, which will look great on your college applications.

When starting an organization, you will want to speak with your school’s administration and see if there’s a faculty member or teacher who can advocate for your group and advise you in the process.

Then you’ll want to gauge student interest, which you can do by speaking about the potential club and gathering student signatures for its inception.

Look Outside Your School

If you can’t find an extracurricular activity at your own school, you may find the perfect fit elsewhere.

Check for student clubs and after school activities in your community or go virtual. Many online learning centers offer terrific opportunities for high school students, like Knovva Academy’s Model G20.

List of Extracurricular Activities

For students unsure of where to start, here is a list of extracurricular activities, student clubs and organizations that may be of interest to you.

Sports Teams

• Track and field
• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Ultimate Frisbee

Art and Performing Arts

• Painting
• Drawing and Sketching
• Sculpture and Pottery
• Art History
• Museum Club
• Graphic Design
• Theater

Music Clubs

• Chorus
• Music Theory
• Marching Band
• Guitar
• Garage Band

Language Clubs

• Spanish
• French
• Latin
• German
• Italian

Student Organizations

• Student Government
• Debate Team
• Diversity and Inclusion
• School Marketing

Student Clubs Can Help You Find Belonging

While many educators encourage students to join extracurricular activities as a way to impress colleges and build value in your college application, there is also a holistic value for the individual student.

High school is one of the first places teens are able to figure out who they are and connect that identity with their plans for the future. This is why student clubs are such an important aspect of the high school experience and shouldn’t be overlooked as just an extracurricular activity.