The word extracurricular is a combination of the prefix extra, which translates to “on the out-side” and curriculum, which translates to “a running course/career.” These are activities that fall outside the scope of your regular curriculum. Extracurricular activities require a regular time commitment and initiative

1. Improved Academic Performance
Participating in activities you are passionate about can increase your brain func-tion, help you concentrate and manage your time better, all of which contribute to higher grades. High endurance sports, for example, will train you to focus and build stamina in the face of intense difficulty. This gives you an advantage when it comes to studying and taking exams.

2. Explore Interests and Create Broader Perspectives
When you participate in multiple different activities, you’ll get the opportunity to explore a range of interests and unlock passions you never knew you had! Plus, diversifying your interests subsequently broadens your world view.

3. Higher Self-esteem
The more you achieve success through activities you’re passionate about, the more your self-confidence will improve.

4. Social Opportunities
Each extracurricular you engage in provides you with another opportunity to ex-pand your social network, which will also come in handy when you’re looking for a job.

5. Productive Breaks
Extracurricular activities give you something fun (and parent approved) to do aside from school. Take the much needed break while having fun.

6. Essential Life Skills
One of the greatest advantages extracurricular activities give you is “real world” skills. The more you push yourself in your extracurricular endeavors, the more you’ll develop these skills. These skills include (but are not limited to):

• Goal setting
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Prioritization
• Problem solving
• Analytical thinking
• Leadership
• Public speaking

7. Resumes
Without much previous work experience, one of the only ways hiring managers can assess your ability and work ethic is through your extracurricular activities.

8. University Applications
Universities want to see that you’ve gone above and beyond in your intended ar-ea of study and have made a difference and/or excelled your field.