When you ask, “What are the best extracurriculars for college?” one of the smartest decisions you can make is to use your summer well. Summer activities are about more than staying occupied – they’re a key chance to grow personally, build career-centric abilities, and give your college application an edge.

Why invest in summer programs and extracurriculars?

  • Skill Building: Summer activities, from research internships to creative arts programs, allow you to develop interests not always covered in school.
  • Demonstrating Initiative: Colleges notice applicants who go beyond what’s required and pursue learning for its own sake.
  • Career and Academic Exploration: Programs help clarify possible majors or future careers by letting you try new fields in a low-pressure way.
  • College Application Strength: Distinctive summer experiences provide concrete evidence of your talents and dedication, which can become great topics for essays and interviews.
  • Building Your Network: You’ll connect with peers, mentors, and teachers who can support your academic and professional future.

Admissions teams today are looking for depth and authenticity. Choosing unique, meaningful extracurriculars that match your interests can genuinely raise your odds of acceptance to competitive universities.

Summer activities for high school students span academics, research, leadership, creativity, tech, athletics, and much more. Each experience adds something powerful to your resume – and to your sense of yourself.

How to Choose the Best Extracurriculars for College You’ll Actually Stick With

Choosing an activity you truly enjoy is one of the most valuable decisions you can make. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, motivation comes naturally – you’ll be more engaged in the process, more resilient when challenges arise, and more confident when you talk about it in applications or interviews. Admissions teams and recruiters can easily spot authentic enthusiasm, and it often sets you apart from peers who have chosen experiences just to “tick a box.” Enjoyment drives deeper commitment, richer stories to share, and a stronger sense of purpose, which together create lasting impact and positive associations.

Introduction: The Best Summer Activities for College Admission

Now, let’s look at the best extracurriculars for college you can do this summer. These activities and selective programs let you showcase your strengths, stretch your abilities, and stand out as a well-rounded, motivated applicant.

Each recommendation below includes a subtle way to take your passion further with an Immerse Education program – making it easy to find concrete next steps if one of these opportunities speaks to you.

Business Management

In-person

Cultivate leadership skills in New York, where multinational...

Career Insights
Provides a comprehensive introduction to various professions. Suitable for students starting to consider their future careers and wishing to explore different professions.
Ages: 15-18

Coding

In-person

Master the language of technology in Cambridge, a...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
A laptop that shows programming codes.
Ages: 16-18

Top 10 Summer Activities to Boost Your College Application

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1. Research Internships and Science Programs

Gaining hands-on research experience through a summer internship or science program helps you develop critical skills like data analysis, academic writing, and real-world problem-solving. Whether you join a university science lab, partner with a local professor, or collaborate on a research project in another field, you’ll learn how to ask questions that matter and contribute to knowledge in a real way.

Why it’s a top extracurricular:

  • Demonstrates your initiative, intellectual curiosity, and discipline – traits colleges value highly.
  • Lets you work on authentic projects, gaining skills that transfer to university-level study.
  • Provides stories to share in your college essays about challenges faced, teamwork, and discoveries made.

Do this with Immerse:
Broaden your research skills and network with international peers through the Immerse Education Online Research Programme. This program lets you experience real academic research with expert mentors – no lab coat required.

2. Leadership and Community Service Camps

Developing leadership through summer programs is about much more than just holding a title; it’s about learning to work with others, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact. Leadership camps, civics initiatives, or running a fundraising campaign all count. Colleges notice students who take the lead – or champion a cause – in their communities.

Why it’s valuable:

  • Shows you’re capable of motivating others and managing projects.
  • Allows you to engage deeply with social issues you care about.
  • Builds communication, organization, and empathy – all skills for life.

Do this with Immerse:
Discover your leadership potential and connect with like-minded young women through the Immerse Education Female Future Leaders summer programme. This course empowers girls to develop the confidence, strategic thinking, and real-world skills needed to lead – and make a difference.

3. Creative Arts Workshops and Intensives

If you love expressing yourself through writing, theatre, music, dance, or the visual arts, a summer intensive offers the perfect space to hone your craft and collaborate with creative peers. Whether you join a local workshop or a prestigious national program, the experience will deepen your skills and strengthen your application – colleges appreciate artistic vision and dedication.

Why it stands out:

  • Adds a unique, personal dimension to your application.
  • Allows you to build a performance or creative portfolio.
  • Promotes innovative thinking, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence.

Do this with Immerse:
Pursue your artistic ambitions with Immerse Education’s Creative Writing programs. Learn from published authors, workshop your pieces, and create original stories in inspirational settings – giving your portfolio a true boost.

4. College-Level Courses and Academic Summer Schools

Unsurprisingly, college-like experiences are among the best extracurriculars for college. Attending academic summer schools is a proven way to show your readiness for higher education rigor. Whether in philosophy, science, economics, or humanities, college-level courses during the summer can challenge you, boost your confidence, and introduce you to university life.

Benefits:

  • Demonstrates a growth mindset and curiosity beyond the school curriculum.
  • Enhances your transcript and college application.
  • Lets you taste academic independence before your first year at university.

Do this with Immerse:
Explore university-style learning with an Immerse Education Academic Insights course. Study your chosen subject alongside students from around the world in world-class university settings – no matter your academic interests.

5. Entrepreneurship and Startup Programs

Turning a creative idea into a venture or joining a summer entrepreneurship “bootcamp” is an outstanding way to develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and leadership. These programs immerse you in business basics – developing, pitching, and (sometimes) launching real startups.

Why apply:

  • Shows independence and resourcefulness.
  • Helps you build business, strategy, and team-working skills.
  • Impressive evidence for universities looking for dynamic, future-focused candidates.

Do this with Immerse:
Get a head start in the world of business with an Immerse Entrepreneurship programme. Over the summer, you’ll develop and pitch your own business ideas, learn from industry mentors, and join a community of young innovators.

6. Global and Cultural Immersion Programs

Participating in a cultural exchange, study abroad program, or international leadership initiative expands your worldview and demonstrates adaptability. Whether you travel abroad or join a virtual international project, you’ll learn different perspectives, boost your language skills, and become a more informed global citizen – traits colleges value deeply.

Key advantages:

  • Cultivates independence and cross-cultural sensitivity.
  • Shows initiative in stepping outside your comfort zone.
  • Frequently includes meaningful volunteer or collaborative service.

7. Coding Bootcamps and Tech Workshops

Technology fuels nearly all industries today. Gaining real programming, web development, or robotics experience in dedicated summer bootcamps signals forward-looking thinking. Plus, you’ll work on hands-on tech projects – great portfolio pieces for any aspiring engineer, scientist, or digital creative.

Why these are great:

  • Demonstrates analytical skills and adaptability.
  • Prepares you for a wide variety of university majors.
  • Often results in tangible projects or certifications.

Do this with Immerse:
Immerse allows software development students to specialise in the areas of Artificial Intelligence or Gaming. 

8. Volunteer Work with Impact

Consistent, meaningful volunteer work – whether it’s at local non-profits, environmental organisations, or tutoring programs – has always been one of the best extracurriculars for college. Universities want citizens, not just students, so real engagement stands out far more than a long list of disconnected activities.

Why it matters:

  • Shows empathy, maturity, and personal initiative.
  • Develops skills like leadership, public speaking, and time management.
  • Enriches your perspective and strengthens personal statements.

9. Sports Camps and Athletic Training

Participation in athletic summer activities, from intensive sports clinics to fitness camps, displays discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Athletic commitment also teaches balance – a quality admissions officers admire. Plus, this is one you can do from home – taking YouTube yoga classes, for example – or close to home at your local athletics centre.

Advantages:

  • Indicates well-rounded development.
  • Can lead to recruitment or scholarships.
  • Builds resilience, goal-setting, and planning skills.

10. Writing and Journalism Programs

Strong writers and storytellers are needed in every academic and professional field. Summer journalism or creative writing programs let you develop these skills, build a publication record, and learn from pros in the field.

Why they count:

  • Enhance critical thinking, argument, and persuasive skills.
  • Demonstrate creativity and motivation.
  • Stand out in college essays and interviews thanks to strong writing abilities.

Pro tip: An Immerse Creative Writing school (see above) is the perfect fit for motivated writers ready to go further in their fiction writing, and those interested in learning more about journalistic writing can check out our Media & Journalism programmes.

Conclusion: High School Summer Activities and Extracurriculars That Help College Applications

Building the best extracurriculars for college takes intention and thoughtfulness. Choose summer experiences that let you explore your true interests, gain new abilities, and give you stories to share on your application.

A well-chosen mix of research, leadership, arts, academic, and entrepreneurial pursuits will boost your profile and help you grow as a person – making college applications more than just a list of grades.

Ready for more preparation?
Get further insights with our guide to preparing your university application or learn about choosing the right university.