Deep Dive: Tell Me About Your Most Significant Extracurricular Activity
Since many students have found our Ultimate Guide to College Interviews helpful, we’re diving deeper with a series on the most common interview questions. If you’re looking for general tips, feel free to check out our guide—but if you want to tackle specific questions, you’re in the right place.
When you’re in a college interview, you need to balance two truths:
The interviewer doesn’t always have access to your file, so you need to tell them things about yourself that already might have appeared in your application.
The interviewer’s job is to report back with what they learned about you, and that report is added to your application. This means you do want to include new information that was not included in your application activities section or essays.
When it comes to answering the question "Tell me about the most significant extracurricular activity you were involved in," the goal is to showcase both your leadership and personal growth. Given the above truths, you want to think about how to reframe your accomplishments and add a new layer of your personality to your application.
1. Start with Context.
The first thing to establish is what the activity is and why it was significant. Don’t just say you were the president of a club or part of a sports team—explain what drew you to it in the first place. Did you have a passion for the cause, a desire to build certain skills, or were you motivated by an influential mentor or role model?
Example:
Example 1: I’ve always been passionate about technology, and that led me to become the president of my high school’s robotics club. Initially, I joined to learn more about coding and engineering, but over the years, I discovered that it offered me much more than just technical skills. As president, I became responsible for managing a team of students, organizing meetings, and ensuring projects were completed on time. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing the workload between members with varying levels of experience. For example, one of our newer members struggled with coding, but I noticed her enthusiasm and willingness to learn. I paired her with a senior member who had coding expertise, and together, they made great progress. Watching them collaborate and develop a bond while solving complex problems was one of the most rewarding parts of being president.
Example 2: One of the most significant extracurricular activities I’ve been involved in is founding ‘Roots for Change,’ a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational resources and cultural mentorship to immigrant and refugee children in my community. As a child of immigrant parents, I’ve always understood the struggles of navigating a new culture while trying to succeed in an educational system that doesn’t always acknowledge diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I saw how many kids in my community faced similar challenges, such as language barriers and a lack of representation in school materials. This inspired me to create a platform where students could not only receive academic support but also feel proud of their heritage.
2. Discuss your role and responsibilities.
Talk about what you specifically did within the activity. Highlight any leadership positions you held or challenges you faced, as well as the impact you had. This is your chance to show the depth of your involvement and the skills you developed—be it in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, or time management.
Example:
Example 1: As president, I led our team of 30 members through the design and construction of our annual competition robot. This involved organizing meetings, managing a team of engineers, and ensuring that everyone was working efficiently toward our goal. I also coordinated fundraising efforts, which taught me a lot about budgeting and resource management.
Example 2: ‘Roots for Change’ started with a series of after-school workshops offering free tutoring, mentorship, and cultural events where children could learn about their roots through storytelling and art. I also partnered with local libraries and businesses to provide school supplies and resources. One of our most impactful events was a multicultural fair, where students showcased their cultural backgrounds through music, dance, and food, creating a sense of pride and community.
3. Share your personal growth.
Explain how the experience transformed you. What did you learn about yourself or others? Did the activity help you overcome challenges? Did it teach you lessons in perseverance, teamwork, or adaptability? Reflect on how this activity shaped your personal development and helped you become a better version of yourself.
Example:
Example 1: I quickly learned that leadership is not just about directing others, but about listening, motivating, and supporting your team through setbacks. After a major technical issue caused us to miss a competition deadline, I had to step in and boost morale, encouraging my teammates to continue working with renewed energy. This experience taught me that setbacks are inevitable, but how you handle them defines your success.
Example 2: Running the nonprofit wasn’t easy, especially with the unique challenges immigrant families face, but it helped me develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills. It also strengthened my connection to my identity as an immigrant and deepened my passion for supporting those who share similar experiences. Through ‘Roots for Change,’ I realized how powerful it is to celebrate diversity while also providing the resources necessary for success.
4. Tie it back to your future goals.
Finally, bring it full circle by explaining how this activity aligns with your future ambitions. Whether it’s pursuing a career in engineering, becoming an entrepreneur, or just developing skills that will be valuable in any field, connect your experience to your broader goals and aspirations.
Example:
Example 1: My time in the robotics club deepened my interest in computer science and engineering. The teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills I developed in robotics will be invaluable as I continue to work on projects that push the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
Example 2: I not only gained practical skills but also deepened my commitment to social justice. I learned how small actions, when done with purpose, can lead to larger, lasting change. My ultimate career goal is to pursue immigration law, with a focus on advocating for the rights of immigrant families and ensuring that they have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Final Thoughts:
The question about significant extracurricular activities is your chance to demonstrate your passion, leadership, and growth. It’s not just about what you did—it’s about why it mattered and how it shaped who you are today.
