Online Extracurricular Activities: How to Make Them Work for College Admissions

You know the drill—college admissions aren’t just about the grades and the test scores anymore. In fact, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 44% of colleges consider extracurricular activities as a significant factor in their admissions decisions. 

When it comes to getting into an Ivy League school, the game is all about showing that extra spark. Nothing does that better than your extracurricular activities. But what if most of your extracurriculars need to be online?

Online extracurricular activities can be an excellent option, whether due to logistics, comfort, or simply wanting to explore global opportunities. This guide is here to help you find the best online extracurriculars and make the most of them in your Ivy League application.

• What Are Good Online Extracurricular Activities?
• Benefits of Online Extracurricular Activities
• How to Showcase Your Online Extracurricular Activities on Your Application
• Common Challenges of Online Extracurricular Activities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are Good Online Extracurricular Activities?

When it comes to online extracurricular activities, it’s all about the impact. Ivy League schools want to see a combination of passion, commitment, and meaningful contribution. Here are some examples of the best types of online activities that you could include on your application:

1. Online courses and certifications

Taking online courses can be a great extracurricular, especially if they’re linked to your intended field of study. For instance, if you’re into economics, completing an edX course from Harvard or an MIT OpenCourseWare module could make a big impression. Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy have a variety of courses you can use to demonstrate intellectual curiosity.

2. Virtual internships and research assistantships

Virtual internships show that you can apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios. For example, an internship with a tech startup could help you gain experience in project management and coding while interning for an online magazine could develop your writing and editing skills.

Companies like Chegg, Parker Dewey, and Forage have opportunities that allow high school students to explore various career paths. In addition, some universities offer online research assistantships, which allow you to work on projects under professors’ guidance—a major plus for an Ivy League application.

3. Volunteering remotely

Volunteering can be impactful even if you do it online. Consider using platforms like Zooniverse to participate in crowd-sourced research or VolunteerMatch to find remote volunteering opportunities in fields that matter to you. If you’re interested in education, tutoring through organizations like Learn To Be can make a tangible difference in students’ lives.

4. Competitions and academic Olympiads

Online competitions can be a fantastic way to stand out. For example, consider the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) or the Conrad Challenge for Innovation. Participating in online debates like Model UN conferences or essay competitions shows commitment to critical thinking and advocacy.

5. Clubs and online communities

You could also join or form online clubs and communities related to your interests. For instance, a student passionate about literature might create a virtual book club and invite members globally to discuss books. Alternatively, tech enthusiasts could join coding forums like LeetCode and GitHub for collaboration and project building.

6. Online hackathons and innovation challenges

Participating in online hackathons or innovation challenges can showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork. For example, platforms like Devpost and HackClub host numerous virtual hackathons where students can create tech solutions, collaborate, and present their projects.

7. Language exchange programs

Learning a new language online through exchange programs can demonstrate cultural interest and adaptability. Platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk provide opportunities to connect with native speakers worldwide and practice conversational skills, showing your enthusiasm for cross-cultural communication.

8. Creative projects and portfolios

If you have a creative side, consider building an online portfolio to showcase your work. Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another creative endeavor, having a well-organized online portfolio can help demonstrate your dedication to the craft. Platforms like Behance or even personal blogs can serve as a great way to highlight your achievements.

What makes online extracurricular activities a great choice?

Online extracurricular activities have emerged as flexible, accessible, and sometimes even more diverse than their in-person counterparts. You can take up coding, learn a new language, join global clubs, attend academic conferences, or even intern virtually—all from the comfort of your home. 

What’s great about online extracurriculars is how much flexibility they give you to showcase your interests, skills, and dedication. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a budding scientist, or a future entrepreneur, there are endless options for you.

Online activities can help you achieve a lot in a relatively short time. For example, completing a coding bootcamp could help you build a portfolio, or joining a virtual debate club can improve your public speaking skills within months. 

Let’s say you’re interested in social activism—joining an online debate club could sharpen your arguments while volunteering virtually for a non-profit organization can provide real experience with activism. Another example: if you love tech, taking up a course on app development or joining a robotics competition could be just what you need to stand out.

Admissions teams at Ivy League schools understand the value of online activities as much as they value in-person ones. They know that showing initiative in an online environment demonstrates resilience. Adaptability and self-motivation are also highly appreciated by elite schools.

How important are extracurricular activities for college applications?

In the Ivy League admissions process, extracurricular activities play a crucial role. They’re how schools gauge who you are beyond the numbers—a way to assess your personality, creativity, leadership, and capacity to grow. Especially in competitive Ivy League admissions, strong extracurriculars can be the difference between getting accepted or not.

Online extracurricular activities offer similar benefits to traditional activities in terms of showcasing dedication and skills. Admissions officers look for depth of involvement and the impact you’ve made—they don’t care as much about whether the activity took place online or offline.

Benefits of Online Extracurricular Activities

If you’re wondering whether there’s a real benefit to doing extracurriculars online versus in person, here are some reasons why online options can be just as advantageous, if not more:

• Accessibility. With online extracurricular activities, there’s no barrier when it comes to location or availability. You have access to opportunities that you might not have had locally.
• Building unique skills. You can develop skills like online communication, digital literacy, and cross-cultural understanding. These are critical, especially as workplaces worldwide increasingly move toward remote and hybrid setups.
• Self-driven growth. It takes a certain level of discipline to complete activities virtually, whether it’s an internship, course, or volunteer job. Colleges like the Ivy League look for students who can work independently and have demonstrated initiative.
• Networking opportunities. Online activities can connect you with peers, mentors, and professionals worldwide. This global exposure can broaden your perspective and help you build valuable relationships for the future.
• Cost-effective involvement. Many online extracurriculars are free or low-cost, making them accessible regardless of financial background. This helps you explore different fields without a heavy financial burden.

How to Showcase Your Online Extracurricular Activities on Your Application

Simply participating in an activity isn’t enough—how you present it on your application matters a lot. The key is to highlight what you learned, the skills you developed, and the impact you made. 

For example, if you were part of an online research project, explain the research topic, your specific contributions, the results of the project, and the skills you gained, such as data analysis or collaboration. Admissions officers love seeing metrics: for instance, stating that you “tutored 15 students over 3 months, helping improve their test scores by 20%” will likely make you more memorable.

If you were involved in an online competition, mention the ranking you achieved or any awards you received, and describe the skills you honed during the process. When you describe your activities, emphasize not only what you did but why you did it and how it aligns with your future goals. Ivy League schools want to see the connections you’re making between your current passions and your future aspirations.

Common Challenges of Online Extracurricular Activities

While online extracurricular activities offer many benefits, they also come with unique challenges. Here are some common obstacles and how you can address them:

• Lack of motivation. Without the structure of in-person meetings, staying motivated can be difficult. Setting personal goals and scheduling regular check-ins with peers or mentors can help keep you on track.
• Limited hands-on experience. Some activities may lack a practical component. To counter this, try to supplement your online learning with small DIY projects or seek opportunities for in-person practice if possible.
• Time management issues. Balancing online extracurriculars with schoolwork can be challenging. Creating a structured schedule and using time management tools can help you stay organized.
• Technical difficulties. Online activities depend heavily on technology, which can sometimes be unreliable. Having a backup plan, such as using different devices or accessing technical support, can help mitigate these challenges.
• Limited social interaction. Online activities may not offer the same level of social engagement as in-person ones. To overcome this, actively seek out opportunities for group activities, virtual hangouts, or online forums to connect with peers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can online extracurricular activities really compete with in-person ones?

Absolutely. If you choose meaningful activities and show dedication, online extracurriculars can stand out as much as in-person ones. They show your adaptability—a quality that Ivy League schools value highly.

2. What are some good online platforms for finding extracurricular activities?

Look into websites like Coursera, edX, VolunteerMatch, Forage, and even LinkedIn. Each offers different types of activities, from courses to internships to community involvement.

3. How important are extracurricular activities for college admissions?

Extracurricular activities are very important, especially if you’re aiming for an Ivy League school. They’re an opportunity for admissions officers to understand your passions, leadership potential, and what sets you apart.

4. Should I focus on many different activities or just one?

Depth is often better than breadth. Colleges—including the Ivy League—prefer to see commitment to a few activities where you’ve made a significant impact rather than minimal involvement in a lot of activities.

5. How do I know which online extracurricular activity is right for me?

Think about your interests and goals. If you like science, look for research or competitions in that field. If you’re into social justice, find online activism opportunities. The key is alignment with your passion.

Takeaways

• Online extracurricular activities are a flexible, impactful way to strengthen your Ivy League application.
• Highlight the depth of your involvement and the impact you made when showcasing your activities.
• Adaptability, digital literacy, and self-discipline are key skills gained from online extracurriculars. These skills are highly valued by Ivy League schools.
• Choose activities aligned with your interests, as these best demonstrate passion and commitment to admissions officers.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to a college admission counselor for guidance on your college journey. Their expertise can help you navigate the application process effectively.