Being in high school, students are already under a lot of stress. Between AP classes, deciding where they want to go to college, what they want to do with their life and having a job, the last thing students want to think about is adding another time consumer, like extracurriculars, into their busy schedule. However, extracurriculars bring a lot of benefits to students’ lives that most people do not even think about.

To start, extracurriculars build friendships. By involving yourself in a sports team or club that you find interest in, you are bound to find people you get along with. You and all the other students in the said activity already have one interest in common. Making friends in high school can be challenging, and the easiest way to find people you like is to show up to a club meeting where everyone is there to share the same interests. The people you meet in clubs or on teams might become your lifelong friends. On top of that, joining an extracurricular also gives students an escape from their schoolwork and lives at home. It gives them a chance to take their mind off something that might be stressing them out, which in return results in a happier and healthier mindset that will result in a better attitude towards their work.

Extracurriculars also build responsibility and character. The National Center for Education Statistics shows that students involved in extracurriculars have a lower percentage of kids with unexcused absences and skipped classes. Being on a sports team forces you and your teammates to work together to achieve your ultimate goal. Teamwork is a great trait to learn early on in your life as it is a trait that all workplaces look for in their employees, so learning how to work well with others will benefit you greatly when you grow up and enter the workforce. Even if sports are not your thing, there are plenty of other options; whether it be fine arts, like music or theater, academic clubs, like the National Honors Society or poetry club, or helping your community through SALSA or best buddies. No matter what interests you, all of these activities will teach you responsibility. It first teaches you the responsibility of time by balancing practices or meetings with schoolwork and job hours. It also teaches you responsibility for work and accountability. You will be expected to show up to your activity and provide a healthy work ethic and participation. Once again, these are great traits to learn before entering the workforce as they are traits you’ll need for the rest of your life.

Finally, extracurriculars look great on college applications. Now this does not mean you should just join clubs and spots to help your college application, you should still find interest in the activities you choose. However, colleges are looking for applicants that have something that sets them apart from everyone else. By involving yourself in clubs and sports, you show that you are active in your community and school and you show interest in things other than academics. If you’re applying to low acceptance rate schools having a good GPA will not be enough to get you in. Everyone will have a great GPA, but not everyone will be in sports and clubs. This gives you an edge over other students that are only involved in academics.