According to The College Board, in addition to having a well-rounded academic experience in high school, college-bound students can benefit by participating in activities outside of the classroom.
A survey done in 300 high schools by the Minnesota State High School League showed that the average GPA of a student-athlete was 2.84, compared with 2.68 for a non-athlete student.1 According to the College Entrance Examination Board, music students scored about 11 percent higher than non-music students on the SAT. Students in music performance scored 57 points higher in the verbal area and 41 points higher on math, and students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math.2
But as school districts across the country continue to deal with constricting budgets, many are passing along fees, sometimes as much as $200 per activity, for extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, cheerleading, debate and other special interest clubs, to students and their families.
As a result, some parents who may already be feeling economically pinched may find ways make financial sacrifices in order for their kids to participate, while others will opt to pull their children from extracurricular activities. According to a study by BIGresearch, 11 percent of parent respondents said their children will cut back on extracurricular activities or sports.3
But for those with strong determination and a little ingenuity, there are ways to still participate - and gain the advantages that result from it. Some students may turn to fund-raising activities to support their interests.
Others may get involved in activities that don't involve a fee. For instance, volunteer opportunities abound in most communities and provide benefits for both the organization and the student. Some options include:
- Volunteering to be an assistant coach for a children's sports team;
- Auditioning for roles in community theater productions;
- Joining a church or community choir;
- Spending study hall period helping as a teacher's aide in a grade level or subject the student has successfully completed;
- Helping build houses for the homeless; and
- Volunteering in an animal shelter.
In addition to having a positive impact on the community, volunteer activities also provide many benefits for students - giving them valuable life experiences and demonstrating to colleges their commitment, dedication and interests. Plus, some schools offer academic credit for volunteer work through service-learning - a teaching method that integrates hands-on learning into the school curriculum.
Finally, an over-committed child can be at risk for burn out that could lead to poor academic performance. The College Board reminds us that students don't have to "do it all." Instead, they should carefully consider which activities represent the best "fit" for them and then pursue those interests.
1 Minnesota High School League, "The Value of Participation" http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/values.asp.
2 College Entrance Examination Board, "2001 College Bound Seniors A profile of SAT program test takers," http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2001/NATL.pdf
3 The Business Journal of Milwaukee. July 13 2009. <http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/07/13/daily28.html>.