This blog post is part of a series where students share their experiences attending top colleges. In this installment, they answer a key question about college life and extracurricular involvement. Follow Dewey Smart for more strategies on high school planning and college success!
What Are College Extracurriculars Like at an Elite School?
At top universities such as UCLA, Stanford, Harvard, and UPenn, extracurricular life can be rich, diverse, and highly competitive. What one student’s experience looks like often depends on their major, goals, and how proactive they are in seeking opportunities.
Student Perspectives
Cory Chen
At UCLA, student-led organizations vary widely depending on your academic area. For example, STEM majors might dive into engineering clubs like Design Build Fly or Underwater Robotics, while humanities students may find their most meaningful extracurriculars through departmental programs, internships, and research opportunities.
Top college extracurriculars also intersect with your broader college readiness strategy, from summer planning to personal passion projects. For high school students preparing early, blogs like How to Spend Your Summers in High School by Grade offer concrete ideas on meaningful summer activities. Strategic summer experiences can strengthen your profile long before you step foot on campus.
Upsides
- A wide range of opportunities from academic research to social clubs
- A chance to build leadership roles and professional skills
- Access to resources and mentorship
Downsides
- Competition is fierce and you may face many rejections
- Some popular clubs have barriers to entry
To schedule an appointment with top school students who have experience with extracurriculars, click here to contact our team at Dewey Smart. The right guidance can help you navigate this competitive space effectively.
Colton Lipfert
There are so many clubs at elite colleges that the real question isn’t whether there are options, but which ones matter for your goals. Highly selective activities requiring sustained impact align with research on standout activities for admissions success, not mere membership.
If your goal is resume building, aim for leadership roles in high-impact initiatives like research collaborations, national competition teams, or significant community projects.
Cory’s Follow-Up
You can tailor extracurricular involvement based on your priorities. If making friends is your goal, cultural or interest-based clubs are great. If long-term impact is your goal, clubs that contribute to real-world projects may help you stand out.
Matt Nola
There are plenty of noncompetitive options too. If one group seems too selective, explore community organizations or campus initiatives that align with your interests. Many students find that balancing competitive and inclusive activities creates a well-rounded experience.
Integrating High School Pathways
Elite college extracurricular life shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. What you do in high school matters too. For example, blogs like Standout Activities for Top University Admission offer deeper frameworks on how to choose activities that showcase impact and initiative.
Likewise, our piece on Beyond Grades: Extracurricular Excellence for UC Applications explains how sustained, meaningful work carries weight in university review processes focused on leadership and community contribution.
Whether you engage in research, internships, volunteering, or personal projects, the key is intentionality.
Key Takeaways
Define Your Goals Early
Your choice of clubs and initiatives should reflect what you want to explore academically and professionally.
Depth Beats Quantity
Top admissions officers value sustained commitment over superficial involvement.
Think Holistically
Your summer experiences, leadership roles, and passion projects all feed into your college narrative.
For help designing a strategic plan, consider professional support like Dewey Smart’s Ivy League & Top-Tier Admissions Counseling. This kind of guidance can ensure your extracurriculars align with your broader application strategy.
Read more in Beyond Grades: Extracurricular Excellence for UC Applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are college extracurriculars like at top schools?
They are diverse and plentiful, ranging from academic research groups to cultural teams, but often competitive due to the high ability of peers.
Are extracurriculars at elite colleges worth it for future careers?
Yes, especially when they involve leadership, real-world impact, or project work that connects to internships, research, or professional opportunities.
How should students prepare for college extracurriculars while still in high school?
Start by exploring meaningful summer opportunities and high-impact activities early, using resources like How to Spend Your Summers in High School by Grade to plan.
What if I get rejected from competitive clubs?
Rejection happens. Pivot to other high-impact initiatives, community organizations, or even start your own project.
How can extracurriculars help with UC applications?
Sustained leadership and measurable contributions are emphasized in systems like the UC reviews, where deeper involvement often matters more than club count.