How Much Do Extracurricular Activities Really Affect Scholarships? 

 Posted on August 27,2025 in Uncategorized

When applying for scholarships, students often wonder whether extracurricular activities actually make a difference. Good grades and test scores are typically the foundation of most strong applications, but committees also want to see what students do outside the classroom. 

The truth is that extracurricular involvement can significantly influence scholarship decisions, but not always in the way students expect. Learn more about extracurricular activities, scholarship applications, and what you can do if you’re not involved in tons of extracurricular activities by the time you plan to apply for college. Then, take a look at our scholarships and let OVC Scholarship Network help empower your education. 

Why Do Scholarship Committees Care About Extracurricular Activities?

Scholarship organizations are not just investing in a student’s education, they are investing in the student as a person. Grades show academic ability, but extracurriculars provide a window into leadership, commitment, and personal values. Committees often look for applicants who demonstrate qualities like initiative, teamwork, and resilience.

For example, captaining a sports team might show leadership and discipline, while years of volunteering with a community food pantry may highlight dedication to service. Even activities that seem unrelated to academics show personal passion and the ability to balance responsibilities. Strong applicants may have experience in any of the following: 

• Playing an instrument

• Performing live, such as dance, theater, or orchestra

• Academic clubs

• Math competition teams

• Debate teams

• Community service projects 

• Student government or council 

• Environmental or social justice

If you are thinking about getting involved in an extracurricular activity to boost your college applications, don’t just pick anything. Choose one that you’re actually interested in, that you enjoy, and that you will stick with over time. 

Do All Extracurriculars Carry the Same Weight?

Not all activities are viewed equally. In general, long-term commitments are more important than a long list of short-term involvements. Committees prefer to see depth rather than breadth. This means it is often better to stick with a few activities over several years and take on leadership roles rather than joining as many clubs as possible.

Selective or prestigious activities can also stand out. Being elected student government president or earning a national music award may carry more weight than casual participation in a club. That being said, what matters most is the level of impact and personal growth, not just the title.

How Do Extracurriculars Impact Different Types of Scholarships?

The role of extracurricular activities depends on the scholarship.

• Merit-based scholarships often consider extracurriculars alongside grades and test scores. Students with strong academics but no outside involvement may struggle to stand out.

• Need-based scholarships primarily focus on financial circumstances, but extracurriculars can still help demonstrate determination and responsibility.

• Specialized scholarships tied to athletics, arts, or community service may weigh extracurricular involvement most heavily, sometimes even more than grades.

This variety means students should carefully read eligibility requirements and adjust their applications to highlight the activities most relevant to the scholarship.

What If You Do Not Have Many Extracurriculars?

Not every student has the same opportunities. Many work jobs after school, care for siblings, or face other obligations that limit their ability to join clubs or teams. The good news is that scholarship committees also recognize these responsibilities as valuable experiences, especially when they are framed as such. 

Employment, caregiving, and other real-life commitments can show you have time management skills, maturity, and dedication just as much as traditional extracurriculars. It’s just a matter of telling that story on your scholarship applications and in your essays. 

OVC Scholarship Network Can Help You Find Scholarships

Extracurricular activities do matter for scholarships, but they are not the only factor. What matters most is showing commitment, growth, and the ability to make a difference, whether that comes through sports, volunteer work, jobs, or unique personal experiences. Students should focus less on stacking their résumés with activities and more on pursuing the ones that genuinely matter to them.

At OVC Scholarship Network, we have a large, accessible collection of scholarship opportunities that you can apply for. If you have questions, contact us today.