What Extracurriculars are Graduate Programs Looking For?

Hi, I’m Debby C., a Graduate Admissions Coach on Leland and a former Director of Graduate Admissions at Stanford University. I have more than 18 years of experience helping students get into the grad programs of their dreams. In reviewing resumes and application essays (i.e., the statement of purpose), I often get asked about the role that extracurriculars play in admissions. Below is my advice for those applying to grad schools. For personalized, one-on-one advice on resumes, grad school applications, or anything else, work with me on Leland. Book a free intro call on my profile to get started!

What are graduate admission committees actually looking for when they review your resume? How are extracurricular activities such as work experiences, research, and internships considered in the review of your application? Why are they important for you as a prospective graduate student?

As you begin to build your extracurriculars and resume in college, consider the following:

• Extracurricular experiences come in many forms, and students often think that gaining relevant research or internship experiences are the only valuable options. While those experiences are valuable, there are many ways you can gain experience in an area of study and show admissions committee members your motivations for learning as much as you can about your intended field of study. In short, don’t just make a “Plan A and Plan B” for gaining experiences; make plans A-Z. There is not one “right way.”
• Experiences can be a time of self-discovery and to gain confidence in various areas of your life, such as improving your communication, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.
• While experiences can be about adding another bullet point to your resume, they are more so about learning new concepts, skills, and work processes.
• Building and working with your network are also important steps to take in college, and extracurriculars will help you develop your network.

What About Experiences Unrelated to a Future Career?

Not all extracurricular activities must be 100% aligned with your career goals. One gains many transferable skills through various experiences, such as time management, organization, and interpersonal communication. Admissions committee members want to see applicants who are passionate about a variety of issues within their intended field of study. Showing them how you've grown through related and unrelated experiences and that you have passions and interests outside of a career gives the adcom a glimpse into the kind of person you are and the contributions you will make in graduate school.

Extracurriculars are also there to help you discover new avenues of interest. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but allowing yourself to be curious and take chances are often ways to build layers of experiences that shape who you become and the contributions you will make to a graduate program and career.

Recognize Your Successes

Many people believe their successes are a result of luck and fail to realize that their persistence and hard work at school and extracurriculars are some of the greatest contributions to success. How can you shift your mindset about the positive experiences you have had from them being lucky occurrences to something you worked hard for?

One of the many reasons I decided to pursue a career in graduate admissions consulting is that I read so many applications at Stanford where students failed to do their experience and potential justice in their statements of purpose. Graduate school is about the diversity of a cohort, not only in the diversity of cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs but in the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and goals. Your academic and related experiences should tell the story of how they have shaped where you are now and why you want to pursue an advanced degree. Remember that your diverse background is an asset, rather than a constraint.

If you’re unsure about how to portray your extracurriculars and other experiences on a resume, statement of purpose, etc., book some time with me on my profile, and we’ll work together to make your application shine. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I make it my mission to help you showcase your strengths, even if you can't see them. Let’s make your dreams a reality!

Final Note

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