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Extracurricular events: a list for those just getting started

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If you're serious about sending in a competitive package, then you know you need extracurricular activities. Many students will do a sport or play an instrument in high school, but what else is there to do? What if you don't like sports or music? There are tons of things to do across all kinds of topics in many different variations and formats – from small writing contests to big national events that often require an entire year of prep, qualifiers, and then competitions. There are so many events to choose from, it can get confusing. 

We're going to be doing bigger posts breaking down the big fields with explanations on more events, but, if you're an underclassmen or you're a rising junior just starting to think about what to put in your Common App later, this is a good place to start. We broke down the big fields and gave an example of small and large activities in each one. 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Everything science and science-related with numbers. 

Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge 

[If you're just starting out]

This is interesting because it's a free contest. Define something that uses a problem using design cues from adaptations found in nature. Excellent experience for future STEM hopefuls and a win would be a great thing for any serious applications. 

Odyssey of the Mind

[If you already have a club]

There is a membership fee to join this community, but there's a lot to do here (fundraise your membership fee and that alone makes an excellent thing to add to a supplemental essay). The entire program is very well-structured and gives you guidance every step of the way. Be warned, if you're looking for a quick win, this is not that – you start with competitions organized first by locale and then by state, with the very best teams going on to the World Finals in May or June.

Business: Anything that a student would want on their application to demonstrate acumen in business theory or application.

Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

[For smaller time commitments]

This is a 12-hour business idea competition that is open globally to anyone ages 14-19 and in high school (you prepare for longer than this, but it's not like a major conference). You present an idea and your team solves the idea using your unique combination of backgrounds and talents. Though not strictly business, you can see from past winner videos that a big part of this is taking an idea or solution and tracing out the steps to create a viable revenue stream.



Start your own activity that demonstrates core business-related disciplines

[For serious (part-time) commitments]

FBLA and DECA are great, but they take time. So does a business, but you decide everything and social media can make ideas big really fast. You can start small and test things out while learning at a pace that fits with your schedule. Even fundraising for charity events still involves ledger-keeping and promotional activities. If dog walkers in New York are making $100,000+ per year, the ideas are out there. Be creative.

Deadline: Before your Common App is due and beyond


Humanities: For students who want to study a slice of the human experience. 


Stossel in the Classroom 

[If you're just starting out]

This is a contest with essay and video categories. There are three topics to choose from, and you can either write a 500-1,000 word essay or make a 1-3 minute video. If you're shooting for Tier 2 schools, even just participating in events like these will give you subject-relevant experience to talk about in your supplementals. 


Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

[If you have a lot of opinions/ideas to share]

This is one of the most famous and well-known competitions for high school students. There are lots of categories with a modest submission fee, and you can send in entire portfolios. It's very competitive, but all of the major national competitions will be. If you like writing anyway, this one is a given. Look at past winners to see the level of writing it takes to win.

Law: These are the kinds of activities for students interested in traditional law, governmental mechanics, as well as corporate topics. 

The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

[If you're just getting started]

You write a 1,000-word essay going into any part of the 100-year history of AFSA's mission that explains why a specific region of AFSA operations failed or succeeded in meeting foreign policy goals. You will also need to present an argument for how these goals would be better attained. It's not as intensive as doing model UN, but it's still a chance to demonstrate your interest in the field.


National High School Model United Nations

[If your school already has a model UN or if you want to start something longer term]

Model UN is offered to students of all ages. There is a college level model UN that is almost 100 years old. In this high school version of the activity, students simulate global diplomacy and experience the complexities of societal harmony. The NHSMUN Conference allows students to meet with actual diplomats from the countries they are representing and provides unique access and experience. There are many conferences, so start with the model UN for your state to see when your conferences are. 

  • Deadlines: Vary by state