Best extracurricular for university applications

15th January 2024 by Anita Naik

What do universities generally look for with extracurricular activities on personal statements? While the answer is well-rounded individuals who demonstrate qualities that go beyond the classroom, which activities show this best? Is it volunteering, sports, the Duke of Edinburgh or all of this and more? We find out.

As we've noted in other blogs UCAS is already looking to make the personal statement more transparent with more structured questions which link to the needs of university admissions. Two of these new questions give clues to beneficial extracurricular activities.

1. Preparation through other experiences. What else have you done to help you prepare, and why are these experiences useful?

2. Preparedness for study - What have you done to prepare yourself for student life?

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) can enhance your application as long as it's something that you genuinely feel you get value from. Completing the award can demonstrate qualities such as leadership, teamwork, initiative, and perseverance, which universities like.

However, it's important to present the DofE in a way that illustrates its relevance to your academic and personal development. Discuss the skills you developed through the various parts of the DofE program and emphasize how these skills are applicable to your chosen course of study. Also, try to connect your participation in the DofE to the university program you're applying for.

Sporting & Musical Activities

As universities want to see that you are genuinely passionate and committed, including activities that you love will also enhance your application. If you've held positions of responsibility, won awards or demonstrated leadership qualities within clubs and teams, it's worth highlighting.

Being part of a team also gives you an essential skill set. Be sure to discuss how your involvement in these activities has contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or a broader understanding of the world.

Emphasise qualities such as dedication, discipline, time management, teamwork, and leadership, and discuss how they have positively influenced your personal development. As universities also appreciate applicants who bring a range of skills and experiences to their campus, sports, music and all competitive activities show a high level of commitment and excellence.

A part-time job or volunteering

Even if you have no specific activities to add to your personal statement, anything that shows long-term commitment can demonstrate dedication and consistency. If you've been involved in a club at school or mentoring for an extended period, it can showcase your enduring interest and commitment.

Balancing volunteering and part-time work alongside academic commitments shows effective time management skills, and it indicates that you can handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.

Recruiters value individuals who are diligent, dedicated, and take pride in their work, and universities often appreciate applicants with diverse experiences and skills that come from working life.

What's more, balancing different responsibilities requires adaptability, and this shows that you can navigate various tasks and environments. A valuable trait in university life and future careers, so be sure to add that to your statement.

Academic achievements

If your primary focus has been on academic work, emphasise your academic achievements, coursework, and any relevant projects or research you've undertaken, especially if they link to the course you are applying for.

Take time to showcase your other strengths, such as relevant skills, hobbies, or personal qualities, that make you a good candidate for both the university and the course. This could include books you have read, events and more.

Universities always consider a holistic view of applicants, which means while extracurricular activities are beneficial, they are just one aspect of your application. Admissions are more interested in understanding who you are as a person, your motivations, and your potential contributions to the course and university community.

Focus on presenting who you are, what your strengths and accomplishments are and talk about your reasons why you want to do the course and you'll have a compelling personal statement.