10 High School Clubs and Extracurriculars That Look Great on a College Resume

Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s high school experience, fostering personal growth, and building essential skills for the future. Beyond the classroom, participation in clubs and organizations not only adds vibrancy to a student’s life but also proves invaluable when crafting a compelling college application.

In this guide, we will delve into the diverse world of extracurriculars and explore the activities that not only look good on a college resume but also contribute significantly to skill development and personal enrichment.

What Is a College Resume?

A college resume serves as a dynamic showcase of a student’s high school journey, encapsulating achievements, experiences, and involvement beyond academics. As colleges increasingly seek well-rounded individuals, a comprehensive resume offers a quick snapshot of a student’s achievements and passions. While not the sole determinant for admission to college, a well-crafted resume can catch the attention of admissions advisors and provide a compelling narrative beyond test scores and grades.

Impressive Clubs and Extracurriculars for a College Resume

When it comes to crafting an impactful college resume, certain extracurricular activities stand out. These experiences not only highlight a student’s dedication and passion, but also showcase a diverse skill set that extends beyond the classroom.

1. Student Government

Student government is a dynamic platform for students to engage in civic responsibility and leadership. From class representatives to executive roles, students participate in decision-making processes, organize events, and act as liaisons between students and administrators.

Student government isn’t just for students interested in politics. Students who want to become accountants or work in finance can also benefit from holding a treasurer position. Students who dream of a career in law can forge connections between the student government and other businesses and further develop their knowledge of legal documents and contracts.

Positions such as President, Vice President, or Secretary reflect the hierarchy within student government and offer students an opportunity to develop communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

2. Academic Teams

Participation in academic teams, such as math or science competitions, elevates a student’s intellectual prowess. These teams foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a competitive spirit.

Some of the most popular academic teams include:

• Math
• Science
• STEM
• Coding
• History
• Environmental Science

Competing at local, state, or even national levels not only enhances subject-specific knowledge, but also builds independence and resilience, crucial abilities for success in higher education.

While it’s fairly common for math and coding teams to compete, many academic clubs work on collaborative projects at their high school. An example might be the environmental science team working together on a green energy initiative at their school.

3. Nonprofit School Branches / Volunteering

Participating in nonprofit organizations with school chapters or volunteering independently allows students to contribute to their community. Organizations such as the American Red Cross often have school branches, providing students with opportunities to take on various roles, such as event coordination and community outreach. Students volunteering with the Red Cross can expect to attend blood drives, clothing donations, and fundraising events like 5K races.

Volunteering, whether individually or in groups, offers a chance to develop empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. Students can choose to get involved by themselves or coordinate a group of students to volunteer together.

Some volunteering ideas outside of school include:

• Teaching English at a language center
• Participating at a fundraising event
• Planning a charity event

4. Student Newspaper

For the wordsmiths and storytellers, positions in the student newspaper or literary magazine offer a creative outlet. Student writers, editors, and photographers can hone their communication skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

The most common student-run publication in high school is a newspaper, which is staffed by a team of editors, photographers, and graphic designers. Students typically hold positions where they write and edit articles, report on important events, or conduct interviews and research. Graphic designers then format the articles for print and digital publication.

These roles not only provide an avenue for self-expression, but also cultivate skills vital for future academic and professional success. Including a student newspaper on your resume is a great way to showcase skills relevant for majors in communication, journalism ,and design.

5. Student Athletics

Participation in sports teams extends beyond physical fitness; it builds discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Whether on the football field, basketball court, or track, students develop leadership and resilience while contributing to a collective goal. The commitment and dedication required for sports involvement are attributes that resonate positively on a college application.

The most popular sports teams for high school students include:

• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Golf
• Volleyball
• Tennis

In sports, students exhibit much more than endurance and physical strength. Personality skills developed while playing sports include:

• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Tenacity
• Strategization

6. Part-time Job

Balancing academics with a part-time job demonstrates a student’'s commitment to responsibility and work ethic.

The most popular type of first job is usually within the restaurant industry, where students can learn how to stay organized and calm and communicate effectively while developing excellent problem-solving skills. Other popular first jobs are in the retail industry, which allow students to acquire real-world experience and exposure to customers and their demands and whims.

These work experiences not only add depth to a resume but also showcase a student’s ability to take on challenges outside the academic realm. Students will also learn essential money management skills while offering them some financial freedom.

7. Debate Team

Joining the debate team provides students with a platform to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills. From crafting compelling arguments to engaging in spirited discussions, debate team members develop confidence and the ability to articulate their ideas effectively.

Students might debate popular topics like:

• Should the voting age be lowered?
• Is climate change irreversible?
• Is the death penalty ethical?
• Should schools require uniforms?
• Should voting be mandatory?
• Should governments provide free healthcare?

Many debate teams travel to other schools for competitions, exposing students to a greater variety of people and perspectives.

8. Language and Culture Clubs

Language clubs allow students to immerse themselves in linguistic and cultural exploration. Whether students learn a new language or delve into different cultures, these clubs foster open-mindedness and global awareness.

Common language clubs include:

• Spanish
• French
• German
• Chinese
• Latin

Many clubs spend time conversing in the language, sampling foods native to a specific country, or discussing local events. Some may also enjoy music and movies in that language.

Participating in language and culture clubs can significantly contribute to a student’s ability to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. It also assists learning other languages with similar derivations.

9. Music Clubs

Whether playing instruments or participating in musical clubs, students develop creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Learning an instrument not only enhances musical abilities but also promotes dedication and perseverance. Whether as part of a school band, orchestra, or individual music club, these experiences showcase a student’s commitment to artistic expression and are a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime.

10. Leadership Organizations

Leadership organizations empower students to take charge and drive positive change. From organizing community service projects to leading student initiatives, these roles instill qualities of responsibility, initiative, and effective decision-making.

There are various organizations throughout the U.S. that promote leadership skills. The American Legion created the Boys and Girls States, which mimic government entities and develop students’ negotiation skills.

Others may encourage students to engage in complex subjects surrounding social issues or delve into the beginning stages of starting a business. Here are a few other popular organizations:

• Bank of America Student Leaders Program
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
• Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
• Harvard Summer School's Secondary School Program
• MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)

Conclusion

The importance of extracurricular activities in high school goes beyond building an impressive college resume. These experiences shape individuals, foster their personal growth and resilience, and help them establish multifaceted skill sets.

As students engage in diverse activities, they not only contribute to their communities but also develop qualities that will serve them well in higher education and beyond. College admissions officers seek evidence of leadership, commitment, and passion, and extracurricular involvement provides the perfect avenue to showcase these qualities.

So, whether it’s student government, academic teams, or cultural clubs, participating in high school extracurriculars is transformative and leaves a lasting impact on both the individual and their path to success.