The role of extracurricular activities in graduate school applications

Extracurricular activities are not nearly as important to your graduate school applications as they were when you applied to college. However, they can play a role in showcasing a few facets: your interests and hobbies outside your intended graduate field, as well as your commitment to your field. Here’s how extracurriculars could have a positive impact on your graduate applications.

Demonstrating Leadership and Teamwork

Graduate programs, especially those with a strong research or professional focus (think JD or MBA), value candidates who have demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills. Extracurricular activities, such as leading a student organization, participating in community service, or being part of a research group, can provide evidence of these qualities. These experiences show that you can manage responsibilities, collaborate with others, and take initiative—skills that are crucial in graduate school.

Showcasing Passion and Commitment

Extracurricular activities allow you to demonstrate your passion for your field beyond the classroom. Whether you’ve volunteered for organizations related to your area of study, participated in relevant workshops, or engaged in advocacy, these experiences signal to admissions committees that you’re genuinely invested in your field. This can be particularly important if your academic background isn’t directly aligned with the program you’re applying to, as it shows your commitment to making the transition.

Enhancing Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to weave your extracurricular experiences into your narrative. Discuss how these activities have shaped your academic interests, developed your skills, or influenced your career goals. By doing so, you create a more compelling and multidimensional application.

Hobbies, Skills and Interests

If you have any hobbies or skills – completely unrelated to what you want to study in graduate school – you should be sure to include them on your résumé. These can make you stand out compared to other applicants: perhaps you know several foreign languages, or love to travel, or sing in the choir, or taught yourself how to play a musical instrument. These hobbies can stand out, but you never know – someone who is reading your application might have a similar interest and want to meet you because of that shared interest. If nothing else, unusual interests are memorable to admissions committees.

Extracurricular activities are more than just a résumé filler—they provide a window into your character, leadership abilities, and passion for your field. Highlighting these experiences in your graduate school application can make you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. [Book your introductory call with us] today to get expert advice on showcasing your extracurricular activities effectively in your graduate school application.