Do hobbies count as extracurricular activities?

Hey everyone, I've been wondering whether the hobbies I enjoy in my free time, like photography and painting, can be considered as extracurricular activities on my college applications. Any insights on this?

Absolutely! Hobbies like photography and painting can indeed be considered as extracurricular activities on your college applications. As long as your hobbies demonstrate engagement outside of academics and show dedication or a commitment to developing a skill or passion, they can be considered valuable additions to your application.

While many students participate in clubs or sports, hobbies can also give you an edge and make you stand out, as they may highlight your unique interests or talents. However, it's important to showcase how these hobbies have contributed to your personal growth or achievements. For example, if you have volunteered to photograph events for a local nonprofit or have had your paintings displayed in local art exhibitions, these details can demonstrate the impact of your hobbies beyond personal enjoyment.

Remember that colleges are interested in understanding who you are as a person, and what you might bring to their campus community. Including your hobbies as part of your extracurricular activities can help paint a more complete picture of you as an applicant and demonstrate your well-roundedness and commitment to personal growth.

So, don't hesitate to include your photography and painting hobbies on your college applications if they've been significant parts of your life. Just make sure to clearly convey how these hobbies have positively impacted you or others, and how they've contributed to your personal development.