UC Berkeley Extracurricular Activities: Standout Options Before and After Admission

If you’re aiming for admission to UC Berkeley, the activities you pursue in high school can set the stage for excelling in UC Berkeley extracurricular activities once you arrive. Seek out opportunities, whether in leadership, community service, academic competitions, or creative pursuits, that align with the kinds of student organizations and experiences UC Berkeley is known for.

In fact, admissions officers value leadership, dedication, and sustained involvement over participating in high‑profile clubs just for prestige. By aligning your high school involvement with the kinds of extracurriculars UC Berkeley values, you’ll be ready to make a strong first impression in admissions and hit the ground running when you join the UC Berkeley community.

• Why Extracurricular Activities Matter to UC Berkeley
• How UC Berkeley Evaluates Your Extracurricular Activities
• UC Berkeley Extracurricular Activities to Choose From
• How to Get Involved in UC Berkeley Extracurricular Activities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Why Extracurricular Activities Matter to UC Berkeley

Your involvement outside the classroom speaks volumes about who you are. Admissions officers want to know: What do you care about? How do you engage with your community? How have you grown as a leader?

UC Berkeley’s comprehensive review process is based on 13 criteria, several of which directly relate to extracurriculars:

• Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular field
• Leadership in school or community organizations
• Special projects or contributions that have had a significant impact

Moreover, UC Berkeley evaluates your extracurricular activities in context. A student from a rural school with fewer opportunities may be evaluated differently from one with dozens of clubs available. Quality and commitment matter more than a long list.

For example, leading a robotics team to a national championship, building a nonprofit from the ground up, or sustaining four years in a community orchestra can demonstrate focus, resilience, and passion in ways grades alone cannot.

How UC Berkeley Evaluates Your Extracurricular Activities

UC Berkeley admissions want depth. Being involved in the same club over several years, climbing into leadership, or driving meaningful projects during your high school years speaks powerfully. Leaders, consistent contributors, award winners, even self‑starters who launched a club or project—all catch attention, especially when described within your Personal Insight Questions.

Think about adding a narrative arc: maybe you started in Student Government, led a service project, then co‑founded a nonprofit. That shows evolution. Clubs with national recognition are great, but what matters most is the depth of your role and how you reflect on it.

Below is a quick table of UC Berkeley extracurricular activities and the criteria they support:

UC Berkeley Extracurricular Activities to Choose From

Once accepted to UC Berkeley, extracurriculars still play a role in building your future. While there are over 1,000 student organizations to choose from, certain groups stand out for the skills, connections, and opportunities they offer. Here are some of those that you can consider joining:

Consulting and business clubs

Membership in these consulting or finance groups brings you into real-world client projects, competitive case competitions, extensive alumni mentoring, and accelerated skill development. You’ll be working alongside some of the most ambitious students on campus, often balancing intense recruiting pipelines and fast-paced deliverables.

If you decide to aim for one, manage your time wisely. These opportunities are prestigious, but they can also be demanding.

Here are some examples:

• Berkeley Consulting. Founded in 1996, Berkeley Consulting is the university’s oldest consulting organization and one of the most competitive to join. Members work directly with corporate, nonprofit, and start-up clients, delivering strategy, operations, and marketing solutions.
• The Berkeley Group. This nonprofit consulting group focuses exclusively on pro bono work for mission-driven organizations. Students collaborate with nonprofits to improve operational efficiency, develop marketing strategies, and design sustainable growth plans. Members are selected through a competitive application process and receive training in consulting methodologies.
• Undergraduate Marketing Association (UMA). UMA connects students with real-world marketing projects, working on brand strategy, market research, and promotional campaigns for companies and campus initiatives. Members develop creative and analytical skills while learning to work in client-facing environments.
• Berkeley Finance Club. For students aiming to explore UC Berkeley extracurricular activities focusing on investment banking, asset management, or corporate finance, the Berkeley Finance Club is a premier choice. It offers intensive training sessions, résumé reviews, and networking events with alumni at top financial firms.

Tech and engineering organizations

For students eager to innovate and solve complex problems, UC Berkeley’s tech and engineering clubs provide hands-on experience, professional networking, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.

Explore the following groups:

• Computer Science Undergraduate Association (CSUA). One of the oldest and most recognized tech organizations at UC Berkeley, the CSUA serves as a hub for computer science students. It organizes technical workshops, hackathons, and career panels, and maintains traditions like the playful “Cowsay” program.
• Blockchain at Berkeley. Known globally as a leading student-run blockchain organization, Blockchain at Berkeley offers consulting services, educational programs, and technical development projects in blockchain and decentralized technology.
• Machine Learning at Berkeley (ML@B). The student-run ML@B focuses on applied artificial intelligence and machine learning research. Students work in small teams to develop projects ranging from natural language processing applications to predictive analytics tools.

Performance and arts

If you’re looking for a creative outlet, UC Berkeley’s performance and arts groups let you showcase your talents while building friendships and contributing to campus culture. Hone your talents with these UC Berkeley extracurricular activities in the performing arts:

• UC Jazz Ensembles. For musically inclined students, the UC Jazz Ensembles offer a creative and collaborative outlet. Founded in 1967, the program includes big bands, small combos, and vocal groups that perform locally and internationally.
• Cal Origami. While not as selective as some professional clubs, Cal Origami has a unique appeal. This is one of the many UC Berkeley extracurricular activities that offer a creative space where students explore paper-folding artistry, from simple designs to complex modular creations. The club participates in local events, organizes campus exhibits, and occasionally collaborates with schools and museums.
• UC Men’s Octet. An award-winning a cappella group with a history of national recognition, the UC Men’s Octet is known for its dynamic performances and strong campus presence.
• BareStage Productions. A student-run theater company producing plays and musicals. Provides opportunities in acting, directing, stage management, and technical theater.

Sports and athletics

Athletics and recreation are integral parts of campus life. Participating in UC Berkeley activities and sports can keep you active, connect you with peers, and even open scholarship opportunities.

• Cal Athletics/Varsity. As part of the Pac-12 Conference, Cal Athletics fields competitive teams in football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and more.
• Sports Clubs. Ranging from rugby to ultimate frisbee, club sports offer competition without the full varsity commitment.
• Intramural Sports. Casual leagues for soccer, volleyball, basketball, and more—perfect for socializing and staying active.

How to Get Involved in UC Berkeley Extracurricular Activities

Getting involved at UC Berkeley involves finding communities where you can grow, contribute, and make your time on campus truly memorable. Whether you’re aiming for professional development, creative expression, or a new hobby, here are proven ways to plug into UC Berkeley life and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

1. Start with CalLink.

CalLink is UC Berkeley’s official student organization directory, and it’s the easiest way to begin your search for UC Berkeley extracurricular activities. You can browse thousands of registered clubs and filter by category, size, or interest area.

Pay attention to the “Blue Heart” badge. It marks organizations with open membership, meaning you can join without going through a selective application. This makes CalLink a great place to discover UC Berkeley extracurricular activities and opportunities you might not hear about elsewhere, from academic societies to recreational sports teams.

Spending time here before the semester starts can help you create a shortlist of groups to check out in person.

2. Attend Calapalooza.

Held at the start of the fall semester, Calapalooza is UC Berkeley’s large-scale involvement fair. Imagine hundreds of clubs lining Sproul Plaza, ready to pitch their mission and activities to new students. It’s a chance to meet club leaders face-to-face, ask questions about time commitments, and sign up for interest lists.

Many organizations offer special events or introductory meetings right after Calapalooza, so bringing a notepad or keeping a notes app handy can help you track which groups you want to explore further. Even if you arrive without a plan, you’re bound to leave with several options you’re excited about.

3. Visit the Student Leadership & Engagement Center.

The Student Leadership & Engagement Center is a resource hub for those attending UC Berkeley. Advisors here can help you match your personal and professional goals with the right clubs, volunteer opportunities, or leadership positions.

If you’re unsure where to start or want guidance on balancing commitments, scheduling an appointment with an advisor can save you time and energy. They also oversee campus-wide leadership programs and other UC Berkeley extracurricular activities, which can be a great way to build skills and connect with peers across disciplines.

4. Be selective.

It’s tempting to sign up for a dozen UC Berkeley extracurricular activities and organizations during your first semester, but overcommitment can lead to burnout. Instead, choose 3–5 clubs that truly align with your interests and where you see yourself contributing meaningfully.

Admissions officers—and future employers—value sustained involvement and leadership over a long list of superficial memberships. By focusing your energy, you can develop deeper relationships, take on more significant responsibilities, and leave a lasting impact in the groups you join.

5. Seek leadership.

Once you’ve settled into a club or two, look for opportunities to lead. This doesn’t always mean running for president. It could be managing a project, organizing an event, or mentoring new members.

Leadership roles as part of your UC Berkeley extracurricular activities help you develop communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, and they give you concrete achievements to highlight in your résumé. Over time, these roles can also connect you with alumni networks and open doors to internships or research opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does UC Berkeley look at extracurriculars in my application if I don’t participate in many?

Yes. UC Berkeley values quality over quantity, so a few well-chosen activities with depth, commitment, and impact can be just as strong as a long list. Personal or family responsibilities can also count if you explain the skills, challenges, and growth they involved.

2. How many extracurriculars should I list on my UC Berkeley application?

Three to five activities that show leadership, sustained involvement, and real impact are ideal. Focus on those where you took responsibility or made a meaningful contribution rather than briefly joining many.

3. Do I need an official leadership title to stand out in UC Berkeley admissions?

No. Leadership can be shown through initiative, problem-solving, or organizing projects—whether or not you hold a formal title. Admissions values action and results, not just positions.

4. Are niche clubs valuable for UC Berkeley applications?

Yes. Niche clubs can be just as impactful as large, well-known ones, often offering earlier opportunities for leadership and deeper engagement. Passion and authentic contributions matter more than prestige.

5. Do sports count as strong extracurriculars for UC Berkeley?

Yes. Varsity, club, and intramural sports can highlight teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Leadership roles, like captain or organizer, further strengthen your profile.

Takeaways

• Before applying to UC Berkeley, choose high school extracurricular activities that show depth, leadership, and authenticity. Prioritize commitments that align with your interests or intended major, and focus on roles where you can demonstrate measurable impact.
• Once you’re a UC Berkeley student, explore clubs, organizations, and sports that complement your academic goals while expanding your skills and network. Aim for a healthy balance between academics and campus involvement to make the most of Berkeley’s opportunities.
• Quality engagement matters more than quantity—whether it’s a few standout activities on your application or a focused set of commitments during your time at Cal.
• Work with an expert. Our Private Consulting Program helps you craft a standout extracurricular profile and application strategy tailored to UC Berkeley’s admissions process.