Getting Involved in Extracurricular Activities in Middle School

With college admissions becoming more competitive, many students and parents are wondering if colleges look at middle school grades. And if that is the case, then do colleges pay more attention to extracurricular activities in middle school?

While students interested in pursuing an education at one of the top 10 universities should start extracurriculars in middle school, is there a benefit for the average student to start early with activities? This blog discusses the reasons behind beginning extracurricular activities in middle school, plus shares popular options to get your student started.

Why Are Extracurricular Activities Important in Middle School?

As many colleges are becoming more selective and students find it more difficult to gain admission, students need something to distinguish themselves. Participants who start early in an extracurricular activity allow themselves enough time to become an expert and leader in the activity. Leadership is a highly sought after characteristic that college admissions officers look for in prospective students.

Extracurriculars That Can Improve Your College Application

• Anything that combines your passion with your intended area of study
• Organizations that have national or international impact
• Philanthropic organizations that give back to your community
• Any activities that allow you to take an active leadership position
• If you love what you are doing, that interest will come through in your college essay!

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Middle Schoolers

There are plenty of ways a young student can benefit from extracurricular activities, such as:

Mental Health

Longitudinal studies support the benefits of involvement for students. Being a member of a team, band, or club gives the participants a sense of belonging. Finding other students who share their interests or talents is an excellent way to build friendships. Those friendships and sense of belonging can help students weather the storms of high school more successfully.

Enhanced Academic Performance

Contrary to popular belief, most students make better use of their time if they are busy. They shouldn’t be so overly committed that they don’t have any time to rest, but busy enough that they need to be more organized with their time. Learning to structure and manage your time are skills that will serve you well throughout life, especially at college.

Transition from Middle to High School

Transitioning from middle school to high school can be challenging for many students. Going into that transition with friends, teammates, or colleagues helps calm some of the nerves that accompany the change.

Develop Non-Academic Interests

The early teen years are the time developmentally when students separate themselves from their parents and start to figure out what they like and dislike. The opportunity to try many different activities with little risk helps them find their passions.

Opportunity for Physical Activity

While there are undeniable mental health benefits to students participating in sports, there are also a multitude of physical health benefits. Being on a team and practicing give students the opportunity to become and stay more flexible, agile, and strong. Plus, starting or continuing to play sports in middle school sets up students for high school sports.

The Best Extracurricular Activities in Middle School

Many schools have existing extracurricular activity options – the choices are nearly limitless. If there isn’t a team, club, or organization already in place, you could try to start your own. For example, many students learn how to set up a math team in middle school so they can prepare for competitions throughout high school and college. Here are a few examples you might find interesting:

Sports:

• Cheerleading
• Football
• Soccer
• Fencing
• Field hockey
• Archery

Music:

• Musical instruments
• Band or orchestra
• Chorus

Performing Arts/Arts:

• Theater groups
• Improve comedy classes
• Art classes
• Dance classes
• Photography club

Languages:

• Spanish club
• French club
• Italian club
• German club

Technology, STEM, IT, coding:

• Robotics
• Coding classes

Clubs:

• Chess club
• Debate club

Organizations:

• School newspaper or yearbook
• Model United Nations or Model G20
• Student government
• Gay-Straight Alliance, LEGO leagues

Other ideas:

• Tutor for younger students
• Community organization volunteer

Use Extracurricular Activities to Learn About Yourself

Don’t become too focused on your extracurricular choices. It’s essential to keep in mind that in middle school, you’re still a kid! You don’t have to choose your college major by the summer after sixth grade! Instead, middle school is the time to try new things.

The pressure to earn stellar grades and prepare strong resumes will come soon enough. Now is the time to foster your curiosity. If you’re super motivated and want to spend your summer at Duke Talent Identification Program, then great! Remember, trying new things gives you the opportunity to learn what you like and don’t like. Failing or making the wrong decisions when you are still young and living at home, with the help and guidance of your parents, is how you can become more resilient. Plus, trying something new, becoming better at it, or failing at it gives you necessary life experience early on. Ask yourself: When you encounter a challenge or a setback, how do you handle it? What has your past taught you about managing obstacles?

Final Takeaways for Middle School Extracurriculars

If you spend hundreds of hours every year in an activity, it should be something you enjoy, at least most of the time. If you’re interested in trying something new, some of your skills may even transfer over to new activities. The best field goal kickers on the JV football team may turn into the best goal scorer on the soccer team.

Here are some essential takeaways for planning which extracurriculars to try:

• Starting to be purposeful and intentional with activity choices in middle school is a good thing.
• Exploration is a part of the process. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
• The goal is to find something that you can pursue long-term and lead to leadership opportunities, but that may take starting (and stopping) many things along the way.
• Fill your time with meaningful activities, but also give yourself time to relax.