by Steven Tagle
No Extracurriculars? How to Write About Activities You Started Late
You are nearly finished with your application, but when you get to the section that asks you about your extracurricular activities, you freeze up. “I don’t really have any extracurricular activities,” you think. “What should I do now?”
I’ve worked with countless applicants who have found themselves in the same nail-biting dilemma. They search frantically for a non-school or non-work endeavor to latch onto, hoping the activity will reflect well on them. And then they hope admissions readers won’t dwell on the fact that they just started the activity two months before the application due date. (Yikes!)
Table of Contents
- You might already have some extracurriculars that would fit the bill.
- If your life situation doesn’t allow time for extracurriculars, let the school know.
- Starting late is better than never.
- Even short-term involvement can transform you.
- Your application efforts might be delayed or extended.
- Having hobbies is good for you.
I’m here to ease your mind with these six ideas:
You might already have some extracurriculars that would fit the bill.
It’s unlikely that your life consists solely of school, work, and basic life maintenance. Look at your calendar to discover what unique experiences you’ve engaged in (or engage in regularly) that could be considered “extracurricular.” These don’t need to be as clear-cut as “President of the Chess Club” or “Volunteer with a local soup kitchen.” Do you sing in a choir on Tuesday nights? Participate in a weekly fiction-writing circle with friends? Are you an avid gamer? Do you do yoga or meditate? Are you training for a half-marathon? Do you have a podcast or moderate a discussion group on Clubhouse? Are you learning website design? Do you run an Etsy shop? Do you have a standing weekly “date” with a grandparent who is otherwise alone most of the time? These activities are all completely valid, growth-oriented ways to invest your time outside of work or school. Each has the potential to reveal your passions, interests, and goals. Some might have even helped you develop your leadership skills. With other activities, your gains might be physical, creative, intellectual, social, professional, or emotional-psychological. In the eyes of an adcom, these sorts of pastimes would contribute to a fuller picture of you as a unique individual.
If your life situation doesn’t allow time for extracurriculars, let the school know.
Not everyone has the time or energy to devote to extracurricular activities. You might be working multiple jobs to support yourself or your family, or you might have other commitments that require the majority of your time and attention. You might have an illness or disability that makes it difficult to leave the house. You might feel like you don’t have a moment to even catch your breath. Whatever the case, let the adcom know. Providing context for your life and accomplishments is an important part of the application that candidates often overlook. Remember, the admissions readers will only know what you put on the page. If life circumstances have affected you, make sure to document them.
Starting late is better than never.
Some applicants think that they’d be better off bypassing the extracurriculars section entirely, rather than beginning an activity at the last minute. No one wants to come across as phony. I agree that showing long-term commitment to one or more extracurricular activities is preferable, but recent and short-term involvements are better than nothing. (And they will certainly be better than sitting at home stressing over your lack of planning!) Now’s not the time to harp on regrets; now is the time to act. Get out there and do something.
Even short-term involvement can transform you.
Keep in mind that participation in non-school and non-work activities, even if just for a limited time, will elevate a flat, one-dimensional admissions profile into a more vibrant, colorful, and personal profile. Not only will you be viewed in a more holistic way, but your new activity might also begin to expand your vision of yourself, your understanding, your skills, and your potential. Now’s your chance to do something you’ve always wanted to try. Give yourself permission to reinvent yourself! Don’t be afraid to pursue interests and passions that are new or unfamiliar, or that you think you might not be good at.
Your application efforts might be delayed or extended.
Another reason you might want to jump into an extracurricular activity even though you might feel like it’s too last-minute is that you don’t know what the outcome of the application process will be. For example, you might decide for one reason or another to postpone applying until next year. You might get waitlisted, or you could get rejected from all your top-choice schools and need to reapply later. This could potentially be the beginning of what turns out to be an entire year of extracurricular involvement.
Having hobbies is good for you.
Forget for a minute that you’re applying to schools and think about what’s actually good for you. It’s not healthy to be working or studying for 18+ hours a day before crashing on the couch or crawling into bed. Forget the application process completely – finding something to do that is unrelated to work, school, or other obligations will enrich your life. The right activity will energize you both physically and mentally, making you a happier person. It’s never too late to get involved in some meaningful, interesting, enriching, and fun extracurricular activity!
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