As high school students begin thinking about applying to college, they may wonder what types of hobbies and interests would impress admissions officers. While academics and extracurricular activities are important, hobbies and interests can also give insight into an applicant’s personality and character. In this article, we will explore some of the best hobbies and interests to showcase on a college application.
Hobbies and Interests: An Overview
When it comes to applying to college, many students are focused on their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. However, one area that is often overlooked is hobbies and interests. Hobbies and interests can provide insight into a student’s personality, values, and potential contributions to a college community. In this article, we will explore good hobbies and interests for college applications.
The Benefits of Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and interests are more than just fun activities to pass the time. They can provide numerous benefits for college-bound students, including:
- Demonstrating a student’s passion and commitment
- Showing a student’s creativity and problem-solving skills
- Highlighting a student’s leadership and teamwork abilities
- Demonstrating a student’s ability to balance multiple responsibilities
- Providing a unique perspective that can set a student apart from other applicants
Popular Hobbies and Interests for College Applications
While any hobby or interest can be valuable in a college application, some are more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular hobbies and interests for college applications:
A key takeaway from this text is that hobbies and interests are an important aspect of a college application that can demonstrate a student’s personality, values, and potential contributions to a college community. Popular hobbies and interests for college applications include sports and fitness, creative arts, volunteer work and community service, and academic pursuits, and it is important to effectively highlight them in the application by being specific, connecting them to academic and career goals, showing passion, highlighting leadership or teamwork experience, and providing context.
Sports and Fitness
Participation in sports and fitness activities can demonstrate a student’s dedication, discipline, and teamwork skills. Some popular sports and fitness hobbies to consider include:
- Running or jogging
- Yoga or Pilates
- Weightlifting or bodybuilding
- Swimming or water sports
- Martial arts or self-defense
Creative Arts
Participation in creative arts activities can demonstrate a student’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Some popular creative arts hobbies to consider include:
- Painting or drawing
- Photography or videography
- Writing or storytelling
- Music or singing
- Acting or theater
Volunteer Work and Community Service
Participation in volunteer work and community service can demonstrate a student’s compassion, leadership skills, and commitment to making a difference in the world. Some popular volunteer work and community service hobbies to consider include:
- Habitat for Humanity or other home-building organizations
- Animal shelters or rescue organizations
- Soup kitchens or food banks
- Environmental organizations or clean-up efforts
- Youth mentoring or tutoring programs
Academic Pursuits
Participation in academic pursuits can demonstrate a student’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and potential for academic success. Some popular academic pursuits hobbies to consider include:
- Debate or public speaking
- Model United Nations or other student government organizations
- Science or math clubs
- Writing or journalism clubs
- Foreign language clubs or language immersion programs
How to Highlight Hobbies and Interests in a College Application
Once you have identified your hobbies and interests, it’s important to effectively highlight them in your college application. Here are some tips for showcasing your hobbies and interests:
- Be specific: Instead of simply listing your hobbies and interests, provide specific examples of how you have pursued them and what you have accomplished.
- Connect your hobbies and interests to your academic and career goals: Explain how your hobbies and interests have influenced your academic and career aspirations.
- Show your passion: Use descriptive language and examples to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for your hobbies and interests.
- Highlight any leadership or teamwork experience: If you have held leadership roles or worked collaboratively on projects related to your hobbies and interests, be sure to highlight this in your application.
- Provide context: If your hobbies and interests are not well-known or widely recognized, provide some background information to help the admissions committee understand their significance.
FAQs – Good Hobbies and Interests for College Applications
What are some good hobbies or interests to include in my college application?
When it comes to choosing hobbies and interests to include in your college application, it’s essential to highlight activities that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, talents, and passions. For instance, if you enjoy computer programming, volunteering, playing sports, or creating art, showcasing these experiences can make you stand out from other applicants. Ideally, your hobbies and interests should reflect your values and showcase what makes you unique as well-rounded individuals.
How many hobbies or interests should I include in my college application?
Quality is more critical than quantity when it comes to the hobbies and interests section of your college application. It’s better to list a few meaningful activities or interests that you’ve spent a significant amount of time on or have had a significant impact on you. Colleges want to see that you’re passionate about something and that you dedicate yourself to it rather than seeing a long list of superficial activities.
Do my hobbies or interests have to be related to my intended major or career?
No, your hobbies or interests don’t necessarily have to relate to your intended major or career path. The admissions officers want to know more about who you are outside of your academic endeavors, and learning about your hobbies and interests is a great way to do that. However, if you can showcase how some of your hobbies or interests align with your future goals, that would be a plus.
Should I only include hobbies or interests I’ve done through school or organizations?
No, it’s not necessary to include only school or organization-related hobbies or interests. Admissions officers want to see what you do outside of the classroom, whether it’s something you’ve done on your own or with your friends or family. Colleges are interested in how you spend your free time and what motivates you.
Can I include hobbies or interests I’ve only recently started?
Yes, absolutely! It’s never too late to start a new hobby or interest, and including it in your college application can demonstrate that you’re willing to try new things, grow and challenge yourself. Be sure to highlight what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
How do I write about my hobbies or interests on my college application?
When writing about your hobbies or interests, be sure to explain why they matter to you and what tangible skills you’ve gained from them. Be specific about the role you played in each activity and what impact it had on you. Use descriptive language to bring your hobbies or interests to life, and be honest about why they’re essential to you. Remember, the goal is to provide the admissions committee with insights into your personality, character, and values.
