Throughout the school years, students strive towards a single goal. To get into a premier university and get a great job, not necessarily in that order. They attend classes, study day in and out, and complete assignments & projects to equip themselves with all the necessary skills. However, getting into university isn’t just about only your ATAR scores anymore. With time, many institutes are diverting from the norm. They focus on the overall calibre of the student rather than specific scores. Similarly, professional space also accounts for one’s technical competencies and soft skills. This is why the importance of high school clubs is paramount. Here’s how joining a school organisation can help students develop a well-rounded personality.

Benefits of Joining Clubs in High School

  • Technical Upskilling School clubs provide the perfect opportunity for the students to gain new skills and enhance the existing ones. One can gain a plethora of technical and practical abilities here. For instance, a child aspiring to be an engineer can gain invaluable skills from a STEM club. Similarly, fields like photography or cooking require a strong grasp of the intricacies of the craft. This can be achieved at a relevant school club.
  • Enhances Job and University Application As the scope of admission criteria and job requirements widens, it has become crucial to list all aspects of one’s personality in resumes and applications. One can showcase their interests, habits, and hobbies through their time at a school organisation. Moreover, they provide a glimpse into students’ aptitude and soft skills. For instance, students can convey their ideas creatively and master grammatical skills through a writing club. It can boost their profile to get those university acceptances rolling.
  • Networking and Friends Clubs also act as an outlet for students to express themselves. They can connect socially, irrespective of their age and social background. It makes students affable and enables them to work in teams. The benefits of networking exceed the school grounds and can help students academically and professionally. For instance, their peers at clubs can help them in future career prospects. Or their teachers can provide a Letter of Recommendation or help them find a part-time job or a scholarship.
  • Practical Exposure Being confined to books is quite exhausting and redundant without learning its application in real life. Student organisations provide the opportunity to test the learnt theory practically. All the coursework one completes can be tested and utilised in reality through school clubs.
  • Soft Skills Development Besides gaining technical skills, specific to a subject or niche, school clubs become a platform to improve their soft skills. Interacting with people of different ages and learning together develops their emotional intelligence. Students learn effective communication strategies, teamwork skills, resolving conflicts and leadership skills.
  • Relax and Refresh High school students always have their schedules packed with studying, homework and tuition. They seldom get time to follow their hobbies and passions. High school clubs can be a way to unravel and indulge in extracurricular activities that the student enjoys.

Best Clubs to Join in High School for University

  • Language Club If a student aspires to learn a foreign language or brush up their skills in a native language, they must join a language society. Students get to learn grammar, comprehension, sentence formation, and vocabulary of a new language. If they aspire to travel or study abroad, connect with different people or just want to flex their learning ability, a language club is the best bet.
  • Speech and Debate Club A debate club is a befitting choice for a keen researcher who loves public speaking over social, political, cultural events and other issues of value. Students aspiring to become lawyers, social advocates or journalists can massively benefit from debate teams. Students often indulge in club activities that help students become eloquent, logical and creative problem solvers. For example, mock student government or UN countries’ debates etc.
  • Robotics Club Artificial intelligence is the future of the world as we know it. If a student is tech-savvy and is keen to learn the intricacies of machine learning, computers, AI and robotics. Students gain proficiency in technical skills and logical reasoning.
  • Community Service Clubs Clubs with a social purpose and perspective proffer the perfect platform for students aspiring to work in a human-centric field. These clubs help strengthen students’ volunteer and leadership experience. Some of these clubs are focused on spreading awareness of social causes such as environmental issues or mental disorders. The charity clubs usually organise drives to raise funds, supplies or support for various social issues. For instance, blood donation camps or collecting supplies for a disaster-hit area.
  • Art Clubs Singing, Drama, Painting, Photography club etc are few of the many key clubs one can join for artistic pursuits. Students with an artistic flair and creative minds can hone their craft and meet like-minded people in these clubs. Moreover, these clubs help them to explore their interests and give them ample time to practise & enhance their skills.
  • Subject-specific Clubs If a child is highly interested in a specific field, joining the subject’s club is the best way to fuel that passion. There are lots of academic clubs to prepare for specific subjects. For instance, psychology, history or maths club. Joining these groups helps students gain a deeper understanding and related practical skills.

Tips to Find the Right Club

  • Students should have an open mind while finding the best clubs to join in high school. They should consider all the available options and pick wisely.
  • One should never make the choice solely to impress their university admission committee. Without genuine interest, the school club will only become burdensome.
  • Students should focus on their personal preferences rather than choosing the trending group for a productive school experience.
  • Although not everyone is an extrovert, it’s important to engage proactively at school clubs to make the best use of its advantages.
  • Some clubs are extra helpful for university students. For example, athletes who want to join a sports team in future can find a relevant club at school.
  • While school clubs help students relax or get into university, their significance doesn’t exceed the actual coursework. Thus, it’s prudent to know how many clubs can you join in high school and put a limit on that number.

School clubs and organisations are a great way to amp up one’s academic and professional profile. Students can make one themselves in case their preferred group isn’t available at their school. Keeping aside the numerous benefits for university and job prospects, school clubs are the easiest way to relax, make friends and have a blast!