Your sophomore year can be a sweet spot in high school: you aren’t brand new, but you’ve still got time to explore and try different things. One of the best ways to discover new passions is through extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars aren’t just résumé‑fillers or college‑application boosters (though yes, they can help with that!), they’re experiences that shape your interests, your skills, and your confidence. Here are some of the real benefits of your extracurricular involvement and some tips on how to choose what’s right for you:  

1. You discover what you enjoy (and what you don’t).

Maybe you’ve always been curious about debate, or robotics, or theater, or environmental activism — but you’ve never tried it. Extracurriculars give you the opportunity to explore new interests without committing to them forever.  

I recommend that you start by asking yourself: What do I enjoy? What classes excite me? What topics matter to me? Start where you already feel energized and be willing to try something new.  

2. You build skills that matter after graduation.

Joining a club or a team can help you strengthen your communication and leadership skills, develop time management strategies, and enhance your collaboration abilities. These skills can make you stronger both academically and personally, and they can provide a foundation to build on as you continue your involvement.  

3. You’ll meet people who share your interests.

Clubs and activities introduce you to classmates who have similar passions and interests. I recommend thinking about the community, not just the activity, when considering a specific club or activity. An organization may sound interesting, but the people who are involved will make all the difference.  

4. You grow your confidence.

Stepping into something new can feel overwhelming. But each time you try something different — speak up in debate, organize a fundraiser, perform in front of an audience — you are pushing yourself a little further. And remember: you can change your mind! If something isn’t clicking or doesn’t feel like the right fit, you’ll have developed the confidence to step away, knowing that as your interests may evolve, your activities can, too.

5. You create a story that’s truly yours.

Colleges don’t want students who have done “everything.” We are looking for students who commit to things that genuinely matter to them. I would rather see a student who is deeply involved in a few activities than barely involved in many. And remember, extracurricular involvement isn’t only joining organizations, clubs, or playing sports — it can also mean holding a part-time job, babysitting, family commitments, and volunteering. Engagement outside the classroom takes many forms and will provide many opportunities for leadership roles, for you to create projects, or to mentor younger students. That kind of growth matters more than a long list.

My final recommendation: Give yourself permission to explore. Extracurriculars aren’t about perfection or performance — they’re about discovering who you are. Every club meeting, practice, rehearsal, or event is a chance to learn more about yourself and the world around you.