Activities sponsored by and usually held at school, but that are not part of the academic curriculum.

Extracurricular activities, programs offered by a school system that do not form part of the academic curriculum, range from sports to newspaper editing to music and theater. Many, like football and drama, enjoy extreme longevity, serving as a part of their school's program over a number of years. Others, like recycling club or writer's workshop, may be offered for a shorter timespan to reflect a community interest or involvement by a particular sponsoring faculty member. For many students, extracurricular activities present an opportunity to practice social skills and to experiment in activities that may represent a career interest.

Extracurricular activities also help to form the student's profile for consideration in college admissions. A student's academic record and scores on standardized tests form the core of his or her college application profile. However, admissions officers consider other factors, such as a demonstrated talent and participation in athletics or the arts, or leadership in school or extracurricular activities.

For Further Study

Books

Miracle, Andres and C. Roger Rees. Lessons of the Locker Room. New York: Prometheus Books, 1994.

Periodicals

"Knock for Jocks." Psychology Today 27, November-December 1994, pp. 12+.

Townsend-Butterworth, Diana. "It's 3:15—Is Your Child Having Fun Yet?" Family Circle 108, September 1, 1995, pp. 60+.