How to Leverage extra curricular activities for scholarship success.

This article covers everything you need to know about how to Leverage extra curricular activities for scholarship success.

Extracurricular activities covers a wide range of activities, which includes: School dance teams or theater groups, School sports teams, Church groups or clubs, Community organizations or clubs, Club sports teams or leagues, Academic teams, debate teams, math teams, quiz bowl and other clubs at school. These extracurricular activities is not only limited to sports, clubs, volunteering, and leadership roles.

However, extracurricular activities does not only involve Participating in all of the above  activities, which does not only foster personal growth but also provides essential and tangible benefits when it comes to scholarship applications.

However, In the competitive landscape of higher education, academic achievement alone may not be enough to secure the financial support needed for pursuing a college degree.This is where  Scholarships, especially exclusive ones, fill the gaps as it often requires a more holistic approach that mostly goes beyond just grades.

And normally, since academic excellence has been the primary means for scholarship eligibility. However, a paramount shift is occurring in the scholarship landscape, with an increasing number of institutions recognizing the value of a well-rounded individual.

Extracurricular activities are now being viewed as an important component of a student’s overall profile, showcasing qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and commitment.

Type of scholarships that focuses on extra curricular activities

For the type of scholarships that focuses on extra curricular activities, these type of scholarships are highlighted below:

1. COMMUNITY BASED SCHOLARSHIPS:

Community based scholarships are the type of scholarship which are specifically offered to students by Local organizations, businesses, and community foundations to  support their needs. These scholarships may have specific requirements such as residency or involvement in community service activities.

2. ACTIVE PARTICIPANT SCHOLARSHIPS:

These scholarships are mostly granted by some Foundations or donations to  students. Some scholarships are based on a student’s involvement with a profession, hobby, or extracurricular activities.

These scholarships recognize students who have actively participated in community service activities and have made a positive impact on the society through their service work. In some cases, funding for this type of scholarship  comes from philanthropic donations or foundations that partner with the school. 

3. ATHLETIC BASED SCHOLARSHIP:

Athletic scholarships are granted to students who are athletes and also  excel in sports and can contribute to an institutions athletic team. Sports scholarships are an excellent way of seeking for  financial aid for higher studies as there are fewer applicants for these scholarships as compared to other scholarships.

For those who have much passion for sports, they might use it to their advantage even after school. Athletic scholarships are based on student’s participation in a variety of sports ranging from football to hockey. Some scholarships offer full rides covering the entire cost of tuition, housing, and books. Athletic scholarships helps the institutions  sports team to attract and recruit talent to play for the school team.

However, just Like other scholarships, this type of scholarship also needs some certain requirements that a student must meet up to including some certain qualifications which is in addition to their athletic abilities such as: Minimum CGPA, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities.

These scholarships may cover part or all of the student’s tuition fees depending on their athletic abilities and performance.

4 IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

Before we proceed to the importance of extra curricular activities, you might want to check out gthis article on TOP 6 REASONS WHY FINANCIAL AIDS ARE GRANTED TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

1. ENCOURAGING VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS:

Many exclusive scholarships place a strong emphasis on community service hereby encouraging volunteer programmes.

Also, Engaging in volunteer work not only contributes to society but also enhances your eligibility for scholarships that prioritize social responsibility.

2. DEMONSTRATION OF GOOD LEADERSHIP SKILLS: 

Extra curricular activities helps to demonstrate good leadership skills. Since Many exclusive scholarships are looking for future leaders, Since the Active involvement in clubs, student government, or community organizations can boost up ones leadership abilities, hereby differentiating one apart from other applicants.

3. BUILDING A GOOD PROFILE:

Building a good profile helps to boost Scholarship opportunities.  Since most scholarship platforms  seek students with various different interests and skills.

Ones Involvement in a wide variety of extracurricular activities allows one to present a well-rounded profile that goes beyond ones academic achievements.

4. ENCOURAGING COMMITMENTS AND PASSION:

Extra curricular activities helps to encourage commitments and passion among members of these groups. Since, most Admissions committees appreciate dedication.

Consistent participation in a particular extracurricular activity over an extended period of time demonstrates commitment and passion on the part of members, both of which can be powerful factors in scholarship decisions.

HOW TO LEVERAGE EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITH SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS – 5 WAYS

1. GETTING RECOMMENDATION LETTERS:

When applying for scholarships, It is advisable for one to get strong letters of recommendation which can be a great game-changer in the course of applying for scholarship programmes.

Hereby, it is advisable that one gets recommendation letters which can speak highly of ones character, work ethics and ones intense contributions in these extracurricular activities.

2. ACQUIRING LEADERSHIP ROLES AND INITIATIVES:

By acquiring leadership roles and initiatives involves Actively seeking for leadership roles within ones chosen activities.

Initiating these projects or leading a team can significantly enhance ones leadership skills and make a long lasting impression on the scholarship committees.

3. WRITING A CONVINCING STATEMENT:

In Leveraging extra curricular activities to improve scholarship success, it is important that one uses  ones  personal statement to write a compelling  narrative that connects ones extracurricular experiences with ones academic and career aspirations.

However, This is an opportunity to showcase the skills and qualities that one has developed asides from classroom teachings.

4. DOCUMENTING ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES:

For Leveraging extra curricular activities with scholarship growth, it is essential and important for one to Keep a detailed record of ones  accomplishments within each extracurricular activity.

This documentation will serve as a tangible and reasonable evidence of ones contributions and success in the organization, hereby supporting ones scholarship applications.

5. ACTIVITY SELECTION:

Be strategic when selecting extra curricular activities. In choosing the extracurricular activity  that aligns  with ones interests and future goals, it is advisable that one  Focuses on the quality rather than quantity to ensure a meaningful participation and impact on the scholarship committee.