6 answers
Jayden
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What extracurriculars look good on college applications for engineering?
What extracurriculars pair well with an engineering major for college? I have trouble searching for relevant extracurriculars, since my high school does not offer many opportunities pertaining to my goals. I am already involved in robotics and science competitions, but what are some other things that would look good on my college application?
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6 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
677
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
You’re doing great! Keep participating in robotics and science competitions, and build on them with small engineering projects like apps or system improvements, along with community STEM activities such as tutoring or volunteering to strengthen your skills, communication, and impact. Take initiative by starting projects or leading teams, and work well with others to further boost your profile.
Learn coding, CAD, or electronics, and look for research opportunities, internships, or lab work while also joining STEM clubs like coding, math, robotics, or engineering and attending workshops like coding bootcamps or robotics programs to show commitment and growth. Focus on practical tools like Python, C++, or Java, and CAD software such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks, using platforms like Arduino or GitHub to build and document real projects. Use feedback to improve and apply engineering thinking beyond the classroom, since consistently building and refining projects is one way to develop hands-on experience and demonstrate deep, sustained engagement in engineering.
Learn coding, CAD, or electronics, and look for research opportunities, internships, or lab work while also joining STEM clubs like coding, math, robotics, or engineering and attending workshops like coding bootcamps or robotics programs to show commitment and growth. Focus on practical tools like Python, C++, or Java, and CAD software such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks, using platforms like Arduino or GitHub to build and document real projects. Use feedback to improve and apply engineering thinking beyond the classroom, since consistently building and refining projects is one way to develop hands-on experience and demonstrate deep, sustained engagement in engineering.
Brock Chism
Corrections Specialist
12
Answers
Oceanside, California
Updated
Brock’s Answer
Hi Jayden, you are already on a strong path. Robotics and science competitions are actually some of the most valuable engineering-related extracurriculars because they show problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. Colleges generally care less about having a long list of activities and more about seeing genuine interest, growth, and leadership within them.
If your school does not offer many engineering opportunities, remember that you can create opportunities yourself. Some ideas include starting an engineering or coding club, learning CAD design or programming independently, entering engineering or design competitions online, building personal projects, volunteering in STEM programs for younger students, or seeking local internships, job shadowing, or research opportunities. Even something like designing an app, building a website, or creating a small invention can demonstrate initiative.
Leadership also pairs very well with engineering. Engineering is not only about technical knowledge; engineers constantly work with teams and solve real-world problems. Activities such as student government, tutoring, mentoring, sports, or leading projects can strengthen communication and leadership skills that colleges value.
I would also encourage you to focus on depth over quantity. Rather than joining ten unrelated clubs, becoming highly involved in a few activities and taking on leadership roles often creates a stronger application. For example, being “Robotics Team Captain who mentored new members and led a competition project” tells a stronger story than simply listing participation in many activities.
The fact that you are already thinking ahead about internships, research, and engineering opportunities shows initiative, which is something many colleges look for. Continue exploring your interests and creating opportunities where they do not already exist—you do not have to wait for your school to provide them.
If your school does not offer many engineering opportunities, remember that you can create opportunities yourself. Some ideas include starting an engineering or coding club, learning CAD design or programming independently, entering engineering or design competitions online, building personal projects, volunteering in STEM programs for younger students, or seeking local internships, job shadowing, or research opportunities. Even something like designing an app, building a website, or creating a small invention can demonstrate initiative.
Leadership also pairs very well with engineering. Engineering is not only about technical knowledge; engineers constantly work with teams and solve real-world problems. Activities such as student government, tutoring, mentoring, sports, or leading projects can strengthen communication and leadership skills that colleges value.
I would also encourage you to focus on depth over quantity. Rather than joining ten unrelated clubs, becoming highly involved in a few activities and taking on leadership roles often creates a stronger application. For example, being “Robotics Team Captain who mentored new members and led a competition project” tells a stronger story than simply listing participation in many activities.
The fact that you are already thinking ahead about internships, research, and engineering opportunities shows initiative, which is something many colleges look for. Continue exploring your interests and creating opportunities where they do not already exist—you do not have to wait for your school to provide them.
Brandon Recknagel
Manufacturing engineer
5
Answers
Walworth, WI
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
My answer will be a little bit different than the two previous ones.
I am an Automation Controls Engineer in the Manufacturing world (Plastics injection molding and assembly, car parts).
My extracurriculars in High School were varied, and various. Archery, hunting, fishing, skateboarding. Electric guitar, computers, building things like dog houses, etc. Try out a bunch of things and see what you like, and what things you do/don't have natural talent in!
If you're inclined, I can tell you that being involved and at least moderately knowledgeable about IT, computers, networking, and business management are all extremely beneficial in your future career, especially if you end up being an Automation Engineer. Knowing how to use Solidworks to design things, as well.
I currently am an Automation Controls Engineer by day, started Red Handed Security doing Video Security Camera systems by night (and also do Wi-Fi routers, printers, NAS, setup for customers as well).
I also have been using SolidWorks to design and then 3D print a bunch of miscellaneous accessories for some side money (and fun).
One thing I do remember from my college applications, is that you want to have a good amount of hours volunteering at charitable causes, or community involvement. I had a passion for archery, and my two uncles taught it for 4H in Burlington, WI. So for about 3 hours, one night a week, I drove out there and helped them teach kids in 4H about Archery, which all counts as community service hours.
We also had a tornado in the middle of January once, that actually hit my uncle's parents house (about 1/4 mile from my Aunt and Uncles house). I volunteered 3 days and helped them clean up the debris and mess.
One "10,000-foot view" piece of advice that I would give you is what I kind of meandered around.
Try out a bunch of stuff - do some sports or exercise. Get a 3D printer and learn how to use it to make useful things.
Get a new WiFi router for your parents house, and help them set it up.
Learn about computer networking, and computer functionality (IP Addresses, subnet masks, VLAN's, NAS systems, etc).
Not to push you too hard towards being an Automation Engineer, but I probably get 10-20 calls and emails a week from recruiters. There aren't enough of "me" for all the companies that need it. My salary is pretty good, and honestly if I were to quit my job or be let go, I can send a text message and have a new job starting the next morning.
My answer will be a little bit different than the two previous ones.
I am an Automation Controls Engineer in the Manufacturing world (Plastics injection molding and assembly, car parts).
My extracurriculars in High School were varied, and various. Archery, hunting, fishing, skateboarding. Electric guitar, computers, building things like dog houses, etc. Try out a bunch of things and see what you like, and what things you do/don't have natural talent in!
If you're inclined, I can tell you that being involved and at least moderately knowledgeable about IT, computers, networking, and business management are all extremely beneficial in your future career, especially if you end up being an Automation Engineer. Knowing how to use Solidworks to design things, as well.
I currently am an Automation Controls Engineer by day, started Red Handed Security doing Video Security Camera systems by night (and also do Wi-Fi routers, printers, NAS, setup for customers as well).
I also have been using SolidWorks to design and then 3D print a bunch of miscellaneous accessories for some side money (and fun).
One thing I do remember from my college applications, is that you want to have a good amount of hours volunteering at charitable causes, or community involvement. I had a passion for archery, and my two uncles taught it for 4H in Burlington, WI. So for about 3 hours, one night a week, I drove out there and helped them teach kids in 4H about Archery, which all counts as community service hours.
We also had a tornado in the middle of January once, that actually hit my uncle's parents house (about 1/4 mile from my Aunt and Uncles house). I volunteered 3 days and helped them clean up the debris and mess.
One "10,000-foot view" piece of advice that I would give you is what I kind of meandered around.
Try out a bunch of stuff - do some sports or exercise. Get a 3D printer and learn how to use it to make useful things.
Get a new WiFi router for your parents house, and help them set it up.
Learn about computer networking, and computer functionality (IP Addresses, subnet masks, VLAN's, NAS systems, etc).
Not to push you too hard towards being an Automation Engineer, but I probably get 10-20 calls and emails a week from recruiters. There aren't enough of "me" for all the companies that need it. My salary is pretty good, and honestly if I were to quit my job or be let go, I can send a text message and have a new job starting the next morning.
Sonakshi Grover
Change Management Consultant
3
Answers
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Updated
Sonakshi’s Answer
Great question! Here are some excellent extracurricular activities for engineering:
- Join STEM clubs or teams like robotics, coding, or engineering clubs to show hands-on building and teamwork skills.
- Participate in competitions such as science fairs, robotics contests, or Olympiads to demonstrate your skills, creativity, and achievements.
- Work on independent projects like building an app, robot, or device to showcase your initiative and problem-solving abilities.
- Get involved in research or internships to gain advanced skills and real-world experience.
- Take on leadership roles, such as leading a club or starting a project, to highlight your impact and responsibility.
- Volunteer in STEM-related activities or outreach programs to show your communication skills and how you apply your knowledge to help others.
Remember, colleges prefer seeing depth and impact in a few activities rather than a long list of unrelated ones.
- Join STEM clubs or teams like robotics, coding, or engineering clubs to show hands-on building and teamwork skills.
- Participate in competitions such as science fairs, robotics contests, or Olympiads to demonstrate your skills, creativity, and achievements.
- Work on independent projects like building an app, robot, or device to showcase your initiative and problem-solving abilities.
- Get involved in research or internships to gain advanced skills and real-world experience.
- Take on leadership roles, such as leading a club or starting a project, to highlight your impact and responsibility.
- Volunteer in STEM-related activities or outreach programs to show your communication skills and how you apply your knowledge to help others.
Remember, colleges prefer seeing depth and impact in a few activities rather than a long list of unrelated ones.
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
95
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
If you go out of your way to look like someone you are not for your college application, you will end up at a school that is not a good fit for you. Do the extracurriculars you actually love, and go the school that admits you for being you. I see so many sad endings result from students who try to make themselves look like what they think their dream school wants to see. Extracurriculars should be a chance to pursue your passions, whatever they may be, not a vehicle for college admissions. So many people have that upside down.
Stop trying to look like what you think a college wants to see. Be yourself and go to a college that wants the real you.
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Grace Simaan
Senior Consultant
5
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Anything your passionate about looks good on college applications, however I would recommend having leadership positions within the extracurricular activities that you choose. Engineering, robotics, etc clubs are great but if you decide to do other things, having a leadership position within those clubs is very important.