How Do Extracurricular Activities Help Students?

Have you ever heard the phrase “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?” Well, for today’s students, it’s really more like “All work and no play means Jack doesn’t get into his dream college.” No, seriously! Extracurricular activities aren’t just a great way for students to blow off steam; they’re a major part of what colleges look for during the admissions process. Today, let’s talk about the value of extracurricular activities and how they will help your students with their college application, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. We’ll even touch on how extracurriculars can improve their SAT and ACT scores. Let’s take a look at the serious business of having fun.

Extracurricular Activities and College Applications

According to a 2023 survey run by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 77% of students think that extracurricular activities should be important when making admissions decisions. And that aligns with data from colleges; over half of all colleges rate extracurricular activities as highly or moderately important. As UIUC admissions counselor Julian Parrott said, “Schools don’t want to know about the school, they want to know about you.”  Colleges want more than a transcript filled with perfect grades and a brilliant test score.  Admissions officers look for students who demonstrate passion, leadership, commitment, and a sense of purpose. Activities outside the classroom help students stand out and tell a more complete story about who they are.

Involvement in sports, clubs, arts, or community service can tip the scales in a student’s favor during a competitive admissions process. For selective schools, a strong GPA and test scores are expected, but sustained participation in meaningful activities shows depth and initiative. Holding a leadership role in a club or holding a job tells colleges that the student contributes to their community and pursues interests with intention. 

Positive Impact on Academic Performance

There’s a common fear that extracurriculars might distract students from academics, but research shows the opposite when students are mindful of how much time they spend. The UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) found that students who participate in activities like student organizations or community service report higher GPAs and greater satisfaction with their academic experience.

For example, seniors who participated in credit-bearing internships or were officers in student organizations had cumulative GPAs as high as 3.58, compared to 3.41 for those who didn’t participate. That might not seem like a lot, but it can make a huge difference at competitive institutions. Students involved in clubs or community service were also more likely to report feeling a strong sense of belonging, which is linked to academic persistence and motivation.

Extracurricular activities are also important because they allow students to develop practical skills that aren’t always part of a classroom curriculum. Time management, collaboration, conflict resolution, and public speaking often emerge organically from group activities, performances, or team sports. Students in leadership programs or volunteer organizations learn how to communicate with diverse groups of people and set goals. Internships and academic clubs give students a chance to experience what it’s like to solve problems in real-time. These skills translate directly into college life and the workforce.

Healthier Students, Inside and Out

Extracurricular activities don’t just support academic performance; they can be a powerful force for mental and physical health. Students who regularly engage in physical activities, such as recreational sports or dance, benefit from improved fitness and stronger sleep patterns. Physical movement helps regulate mood and energy, giving students a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety. But even if your student isn’t an athlete, they’ll still benefit from their extracurricular of choice. Clubs, theater groups, and cultural organizations offer more than hobbies; they create spaces where students feel supported and valued. 

And that support and valuation can make a huge difference in student success. That’s why creative extracurriculars are so important; they give students a chance to process their emotions in a safe and constructive way. Artistic expression can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while boosting confidence and self-esteem. Having a creative outlet is especially helpful during high-stress periods, such as exam season or the college application process.

Boosting Standardized Test Scores Through Better Habits

At first glance, extracurriculars might seem completely unrelated to standardized testing. After all, how does playing trumpet in the school jazz band or volunteering at a local shelter help with algebra equations or grammar drills? The connection with high test scores is stronger than you might expect. 

According to a College Board study that analyzed the SAT scores of more than 480,000 high school students, participation in extracurricular activities correlates with significantly higher SAT performance. After accounting for family income, prior academic achievement, and demographic background, the study found that students involved in activities outside the classroom scored, on average, 53 points higher on the verbal section and 45 points higher on the math section compared to their peers who were not involved. This is a measurable, meaningful gain that reflects more than raw academic skill.

Why does this happen? One reason is that extracurricular participation strengthens many of the cognitive and behavioral habits that standardized tests require. Students involved in yearbook, theater, debate, or robotics are continually solving problems, working toward goals, and practicing time management. They build discipline through repetition and develop the ability to think on their feet, which are all skills they need to deal with the pressure and pacing of exams like the SAT and ACT.

These students also tend to be more consistent with their academic habits overall. Because they have to plan around practices, meetings, and events, they often learn to budget their time more efficiently. That structure often leads to better study routines, more productive test prep, and stronger follow-through. It’s no coincidence that students who show up on time to morning practices tend to show up prepared for test day, too.

The benefits of extracurricular involvement aren’t limited to wealthy students from wealthy schools, either– and that’s one of the major benefits that lines up with the benefits of standardized testing. Remember, not all schools offer the same curriculum. Not every school offers a full suite of AP or IB classes, and not every school district has the same funding to invest in teachers, opportunities, and course materials. This economic unfairness is one of the reasons that schools like Yale and Dartmouth have returned to standardized testing, with Yale officials noting that the test scores are “especially valuable for students attending high schools with fewer academic resources.” And the same is true for extracurricular activities… even if they’re not officially offered by the school.

That College Board report found that participation in extracurriculars can have a massive impact on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These activities provide a valuable source of enrichment that helps close the gap. The message here is clear: the effort students invest in activities outside the classroom isn’t wasted. Far from being a distraction, these experiences reinforce the very skills students need to succeed on high-stakes tests. They improve focus, teach perseverance, and encourage a growth mindset.

Ready to Get Involved?

If your student is wondering whether extracurriculars are worth the time, the answer is yes. They help students build confidence, learn responsibility, strengthen college applications, and enjoy school more. So go ahead; sign up for that club meeting, audition for that play, or say yes to the next volunteer opportunity. It might just be the smartest move you can make. 

Applying for college is all about making smart moves. Another smart move? Studying for those standardized tests the right way. Here at Prep Expert®, we help students like yours in all aspects of their college admissions process, and our specialty is helping them develop their standardized testing skills so that they can tackle their application with confidence. If they’re ready to take that next step up, check out our SAT and ACT prep course catalogs today. With prep options for every test date, we can help your student over that last hurdle.