Choosing the right extracurricular activities can help your college applications shine. At Brookline High School, students have access to a wide range of clubs, sports, internships, and service opportunities. Working with Educational Advocates College Consulting can refine your strategy. This article examines the most effective activity types, evaluates local options in Brookline, and demonstrates how to showcase your involvement effectively.
College admissions teams look beyond grades. They seek evidence of intellectual curiosity, maturity, leadership, and adaptability. Sustained, meaningful involvement in extracurriculars often carries more weight than a long list of short‑lived activities.
In Brookline, Massachusetts, students attend a school rich in offerings—Brookline High School supports over 100 student-led clubs, as well as a robust athletics program with 71 teams across 40 sports. Local organizations and paid internships are also available through programs like Steps to Success.
Educational Advocates College Consulting, based in Brookline and serving the greater Boston area, assists students in selecting, sustaining, and presenting extracurricular activities strategically to admissions teams.
Volunteer work shows compassion and civic responsibility. Long-term projects—such as tutoring, neighborhood clean-ups, or advocacy groups—demonstrate leadership with purpose.
Clubs such as debate, Science Olympiad, Math League, writing groups, or the school newspaper demonstrate a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. Presenting at competitions or starting a club is even stronger.
Serving as president, captain, council member, or founding a club shows initiative and organizational skill. Impactful leadership is more meaningful than just holding a title.
Visual art, theater, music ensembles, dance, or film explore creativity. Brookline students have access to performing arts and cultural affinity clubs—these highlight originality and focus.
Team sports develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management. Brookline High School offers unique sports such as squash, rugby, crew, ultimate frisbee, and curling. Playing multiple seasons or earning leadership roles can significantly enhance the impact.
Part-time jobs, summer internships, or independent initiatives (such as research or starting a blog/business) demonstrate maturity, practical skills, and a real-world focus. The Brookline "Steps to Success" program offers paid internships in local government and business sectors.
Working with Educational Advocates, College Consulting offers:
For example, if you're committed to community service, they can help you plan a project, track impact, and reflect meaningfully. If you're pursuing a STEM field, they guide you in combining robotics club, internships, and research.
Brookline High School introduced girls' wrestling as the first public school program in the U.S.—a testament to its spirit of inclusion and innovation in extracurricular offerings. Additionally, the school fields a premier ultimate disc program, one of the largest in New England, with over 110 active students.
Q: How many extracurriculars should I aim for?
A: Focus on 2–4 core activities you meaningfully engage with across multiple years. Depth matters more than quantity.
Q: Should I start a club even if nobody else is interested?
A: Yes. Founding an initiative shows leadership and initiative—always more meaningful than just joining others' groups.
Q: Do all activities need to relate to my intended college major?
A: Not necessarily. Your extracurriculars should reflect genuine passions. Admissions officers value authenticity and personal dedication—even in areas unrelated to your major.
Q: Is winning awards or recognition important?
A: It helps, but colleges prioritize commitment, initiative, and impact over medals. Honor matters most when tied to a story of growth and leadership.
Q: How early should I start?
A: The first year is ideal for exploring your interests. Seniors should show depth and leadership by then. Use summer to pursue internships or pre‑college programs.