All parents, especially those who are willing and able to volunteer in a Parent Teacher Group, have the common goal of helping students receive the best and most balanced education possible. We want students to be prepared for the journey ahead, including the journey to a good university.
The path to the university of your student’s choosing isn’t always an easy one. Colleges can be competitive to get into, but one way to help students get themselves into the college of their choice is by supporting extracurricular activities.
What Do Extracurriculars Teach Students?
Are extracurricular activities important? The short answer, yes. Extracurricular activities offer numerous possibilities for students to learn. Classrooms are great for teaching students about school subjects and creating a knowledgeable foundation of various topics. However, extracurriculars offer more personable lessons; whether it’s about culture, teamwork, or socialization, these activities create well-rounded persons. This is precisely why colleges take such an interest in students’ extracurricular activities.
How to Choose an Extracurricular Activity
Every moment in life is a learning opportunity, and that’s what colleges care about most. What are your students learning outside of their regular courses? How are students preparing for more? Extracurriculars offer unique opportunities through competitions, personal discoveries, and self-expression. You can encourage students to join clubs that will challenge them or enhance admirable skills, such as leadership.
According to collegeboard, the skills colleges look for most are:
– Leadership
– A willingness to take risks
– Initiative
– A sense of social responsibility
– A commitment to service
– Special talents or abilities
When it comes to extracurricular activities for college, it’s important to remind students that it’s not about quantity, but quality. Admissions can tell when students join activities to pad their applications. Admission officers want to know what students have learned through their experiences and how they’ve grown into a more well-rounded and ambitious student because of it.
Extracurricular Activities Ideas for Your School
Some extracurricular activities are better suited for challenging or balancing students than others.
These are a few worthy activities that colleges often recognize to encourage students’ growth.
– Athletics
– School Paper
– Cultural Clubs
– Arts
– Debate
– Academic Clubs
– Student Government
Clubs aren’t reserved for high school students. Middle schools and even elementary school can benefit from after-school activities. Students at every age are continually discovering more about their interests. At every level, extracurricular activities are preparing students for the next step. Allowing for the discovery of a new passion or talent or growing social skills and nurturing development.
What Do Booster Clubs Offer Extracurriculars?
Any club can have its own Booster Club to support it. Booster Clubs are voluntary, usually made up of parents or others that hope to support the activities. How might a Booster Club help students’ college admissions? With Booster Clubs, extracurricular activities are provided with the support they need to function and excel. If the cheer team wishes to participate in a competition, Booster Clubs assist in raising funds for entry fees and uniforms.
If you do decide to support an extracurricular activity at your school, you may need to consider what type of insurance coverage best fits your group. Visit our website to find out more information on the types of coverages we offer.
AIM is here to help your organization succeed. Check out our other blogs for fundraising inspiration, tips, PTA, PTO, or Booster Club guidance, and more!