What counts as an extra-curricular?
Activities completed outside of a student’s regular, academic timetable (or “school day”) are of interest to most schools. However, there are certain activities or programs that may “count” more than others.
For instance, on its Ivey Business School application, The University of Western Ontario categorizes extra-curricular activity as: “Community involvement, paid and/or volunteer work experience, and entrepreneurial ventures.”
Simon Fraser University’s definition includes: “Athletics, Arts, Community Leadership and/or Involvement, Entrepreneurship, Work Experience and/or Other.”
The University of British Columbia’s Personal Profile, which must be completed for all programs, classifies extra-curricular activities as: “Club, Family/community responsibilities, Creative or performing arts, Work/employment, Athletics, Volunteerism, Service to others, and Other(s).”
When applicable, it is also worthwhile for students to participate in enrichment programs. For example, prospective Engineering students can apply to participate in popular STEAM programs like Shad, whereas future Commerce students may benefit from taking part in Business Case Competitions.
Many of these opportunities may require applications, payments, and travel, so it is always best to do some research before registering.
Can hobbies be included?
Students often wonder if they can discuss their hobbies, like video gaming, reading, or skiing, as extra-curricular activities. Though they can mention interests such as skiing or reading as part of their supplementary application to describe their pastimes, universities view extra-curricular activities as initiatives, programs, or pursuits that are either official and sanctioned by an organizing body, like a school, athletics club, or non-profit or which involve sustained commitment, interest and growth. For example, a student who develops their passion for crafting into an Instagram business, or who donates their handiwork to seniors’ homes or children’s hospitals, can definitely make this a centerpiece of their application.
For an activity to be a strong extra-curricular, it should include a growth component. For example, if a student is a skier, practical, marketable applications like guiding, instructing, and competing would be desirable to schools. If a student is an avid reader, perhaps volunteering to read in a seniors’ center, local children’s library or daycare setting would be an appropriate way to share their passion.
And let’s not forget work! Many students begin part-time jobs starting as early as 10th grade. Some jobs, like leading sports or technology camps, may relate directly to academic or career interests. Others, like working at a restaurant or grocery store, may be less closely related, but will still teach many lessons, allow students to see how a business operates, and provide opportunities for learning, promotion, and leadership. If a student doesn’t know how to build their extra-curricular profile, a job is always a wonderful place to start.
Is there a magic number?
Though there is no universal benchmark for the number of extra-curricular activities in which students should be engaged, some schools, like UBC, invite applicants to describe up to five different activities. We encourage our students to explore widely in the early years of high school, with the aim of focusing on a few in greater depth in their senior years.
It is important to note that in addition to breadth, universities also seek depth. Schools want to hear from applicants who have long-term extra-curricular commitments with consistent, frequent involvement. In other words, it is often more advantageous to have five serious extra-curricular activities with deep, meaningful participation, rather than ten activities with little contribution.
Universities often ask students which extra-curricular activities are most important to them, as well as what they have learned through their participation. Schools, especially UBC, are invested in applicants’ growth, maturity, and development. So, it is always a good idea for students to keep track of all their involvement and reflect upon their experiences so that they can share their learning. Students should avoid thinking about their extra-curricular activities as merely a lengthy list of achievements, but rather view them as tools to learn about themselves, their communities, and even their future careers.
We are here to help!
Our Educational Consultants are always happy to talk about which extra-curricular (and gap year) opportunities may be a good fit, and our Writing Coaches are eager to work with students to help craft any applications. Contact us today to book your appointment!
