As a high schooler, your hobbies can help you relax, escape academic pressures, and improve your chances of getting into your dream college!
This guide will explore the best hobbies for high school students.
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The Importance of Hobbies
Hobbies are fun activities that fill your leisure time, but they can also strengthen your college applications.
Colleges look for well-rounded students who have interests and passions outside the classroom. Engaging in hobbies shows your commitment and ability to manage time effectively.
Read on to discover the top hobbies that look good on college applications.
Hobbies for High Schoolers That Look Good on Applications
There isn’t a definitive list of hobbies that can strengthen your college applications. Any hobby that helps you develop or acquire new skills can boost your applications.
Here are some popular hobbies and how they can increase your chances of getting into top colleges:
Playing an Instrument
Learning to play an instrument requires dedication, consistent practice, and perseverance.
These qualities are highly valued by admissions committees as they demonstrate long-term commitment and discipline.
Blogging
Blogging allows students to express themselves creatively and communicate their thoughts on various topics.
It showcases excellent communication skills, creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas. Maintaining a blog requires consistent effort and passion.
Coding or Programming
In a digitalized world, showing proficiency in technology through coding or programming can set you apart.
Participating in coding competitions or working on personal projects displays discipline, initiative, and creativity.
Experience in coding can also lead to internships and research opportunities, further strengthening your college applications.
Language Learning
Learning a new language is challenging and requires time, patience, and perseverance. It enhances cognitive development, improves memory, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities.
Language learning also reflects global awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity, which are valued by college admissions committees.
Sports
Participation in sports demonstrates the ability to set and reach goals, leadership, and teamwork.
It also highlights time management skills, balancing academics with training and competitions. Whether you’re a swimmer, golfer, or runner, having a sports hobby can enhance your college applications.
Reading
Reading exposes you to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas, broadening your knowledge and understanding of the world.
It enhances vocabulary, writing skills, and analytical thinking. Including your reading hobby in your college application shows intellectual depth, passion for knowledge, and dedication to personal growth.
Playing Chess
Strategic board games like chess require critical thinking, problem-solving, and planning.
These games demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to make informed decisions under pressure, which can boost your college application.
Volunteering
Community service reflects compassion, empathy, initiative, and concern for social issues.
Volunteering shows that you are an active member and leader within your community, making it more likely that you will also contribute positively to your college community.
How Hobbies Can Help With College Applications
Now that you know about some hobbies that look good on college applications, let’s recap how these hobbies can increase your chances of acceptance:
- Show Time Management: Hobbies indicate that you can manage your time effectively and balance academics, extracurricular activities, and social life.
- Demonstrate Dedication: Pursuing long-term hobbies shows passion and a genuine interest in the activity, highlighting your willingness to continue learning and improving.
- Portray Individuality: Hobbies reflect your interests and can differentiate your application, giving the admissions committee a more comprehensive picture of you.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Hobbies often develop valuable skills like problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. These skills are useful in academic and professional settings, showcasing your readiness for college and future success.
Don’t choose a hobby just to impress colleges. Pursue activities that genuinely interest you and that you can dedicate time to over the long term.
FAQs: Hobbies That Look Good on College Applications
What Hobbies Should I Include on My College Applications?
Choose hobbies that genuinely interest you and showcase your dedication, leadership, creativity, intellectual development, or community involvement. Examples include playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, blogging, language learning, reading, playing chess, or volunteering. Select hobbies that highlight your unique qualities and talents.
Do Colleges Consider Hobbies?
Yes, colleges consider hobbies as they want to know what students do outside of academics. Colleges use a holistic approach in their admissions process, so demonstrating that you are well-rounded and excel in various pursuits is important.
Can I Include Multiple Hobbies on My College Application?
Yes, you can include multiple hobbies. Highlighting a variety of activities shows your versatility, time management skills, and ability to engage in diverse interests. However, prioritize quality over quantity to avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
Overall, pursue hobbies that interest you and that you can commit to over a long period.
It’s not about having a long list of hobbies but showcasing a few activities that reflect your passions, dedication, and personal growth.
Hobbies that align with your interests and highlight your unique qualities will strengthen your college applications and help you stand out.
