Why generic ‘extracurriculars’ are no longer enough in competitive global admissions

For many years, Indian students aspiring to study at top global universities were advised to participate in as many activities as possible. Play a sport, join a debate club, volunteer … show you’re “well-rounded.” However, admissions to the world’s best schools do not work like that anymore. Competition is fiercer and applicant pools are brimming with talent, so simply listing random activities risks diluting a student’s true potential. Now, what matters is real depth, genuine passion, meaningful leadership, and impact you can see.

This shift owes much to a broader change in how leading institutions teach. At several top U.S. universities, undergraduates are encouraged to dive into hands-on, project-based learning from day one. Early access to innovation labs and entrepreneurship centres helps students discover their true interests and develop real-world skills, long before they write their first application.

Personal impact

Admissions teams aren’t counting activities or hours. They ask what those experiences meant to you, where you took initiative, and what impact you achieved. Starting a project or sustaining commitment in one or two areas shows growth, responsibility, and deeper learning. For instance, a student who volunteers weekly at a local health clinic or spearheads a community coding workshop over several years stands out far more than one who joins dozens of clubs briefly. Admissions panels also value roles that connect to academic passions: high-school research, interdisciplinary projects, or efforts that earn external recognition, such as awards or publications. These elements of initiative, depth, impact, and intellectual engagement form the core of a stand-out profile.

Yet as the drive to impress grows, many students fall into the trap of crafting “over-calculated” profiles: strategically stacking activities to tick admissions office boxes. In rare cases, it can work but, more often, it backfires; inauthentic narratives are easily spotted and seldom compelling. Moreover, students who chase trending topics without genuine interest end up with disjointed stories that undermine academic focus. Instead, honest reflection on personal passions should inform every choice, transforming participation into memorable narratives grounded in real challenges and achievements.

Generic advice about “doing more” often misfires. A laundry list of clubs and short-term volunteering say little without leadership or measurable outcomes. While admirable, brief involvement cannot convey the problem-solving depth gained from tackling complex issues over months or years. Without proper guidance, opportunities to elevate simple activities into impactful, story-worthy projects are lost.

Begin early

A more strategic approach begins early and focuses on authentic interests. Identify causes or problems that resonate personally, then choose one or two areas for long-term commitment, taking on greater responsibility as you progress. Seek mentored experiences, structured projects, or internships with expert guidance to gain practical skills and produce concrete results. Guidance from educators, industry experts, or research supervisors is invaluable to refine projects and maximise impact. Document obstacles, solutions found, skills learned, and outcomes, which will fuel confident essays and interviews and show exactly how real-world work ties into academic goals. For example, a mentored robotics internship that culminates in a working prototype can demonstrate abilities far more vividly than a dozen brief club entries.

Data from recent application cycles reinforces this model. Over 70% students admitted to their first- or second-choice universities demonstrated sustained involvement of 2-3 years more in a single passion or project. Across disciplines, STEM, humanities, and arts, this pattern holds: depth beats breadth. Those who could point to clear results or recognition saw acceptance rates nearly double compared to peers with more scattered résumés.

Gaining entry to leading global universities today requires a thoughtful, focused strategy highlighting genuine commitment, leadership, measurable impact, and authentic passion. Admissions committees will remember those with a clear vision and proven dedication, as such applicants bring bring curiosity, resilience, and a track record of real-world problem solving. This reflective, passion-driven approach is no longer optional. It’s essential.

The writer is co-founder and CEO, Application Ally and BuildUp.