When it comes to standing out in the competitive world of university applications, academics alone may not be enough to differentiate you. This is where super-curriculars come into play. While extracurricular activities showcase your passions and hobbies outside of academics, super-curriculars focus on activities directly related to your intended field of study, demonstrating your intellectual curiosity and commitment to the subject.
Super-curriculars aren’t about quantity but quality and depth. Universities, especially those in the UK and the US, value applicants who show a genuine and sustained interest in their chosen field beyond what is taught in the classroom. But what exactly are super-curriculars, and how can they make your university application stronger? Let’s dive in.
What Are Super-Curriculars?
Super-curricular activities are academic pursuits that go beyond the scope of your school curriculum. Unlike extracurriculars—which might involve sports, music, or volunteering—super-curriculars are tailored to your intended major or area of interest.
Examples include:
- Reading academic literature or books related to your field of study. For example, reading Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman if you’re interested in psychology.
- Participating in relevant competitions such as math Olympiads, science fairs, or essay-writing contests.
- Completing online courses or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on platforms like Coursera or edX. For instance, taking Harvard’s CS50: Introduction to Computer Science for aspiring computer science majors.
- Attending lectures, webinars, or workshops hosted by universities, experts, or industry professionals.
- Conducting independent research or projects, such as creating a business plan, building an app, or experimenting in a home lab.
These activities demonstrate to admissions officers that you’ve engaged deeply with your subject and are ready to pursue it at a higher level.
Why Do Universities Value Super-Curriculars?
Universities, particularly competitive ones like Oxford, Cambridge, or Ivy League schools, are looking for students who are passionate and self-driven. Super-curriculars serve as evidence of these traits because they show you’ve taken the initiative to explore your subject independently.
For instance, Cambridge University explicitly states that they are more interested in “how applicants engage with their subject” than in generic extracurriculars. Engaging with super-curriculars demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a vital quality for academic success.
Statistics back this up: According to a report from the Sutton Trust, UK universities increasingly favor applicants who demonstrate deeper academic engagement, with 90% of admissions tutors valuing subject-specific activities over general extracurriculars.
How to Choose Super-Curriculars Wisely
One common mistake students make is copying others’ super-curriculars instead of tailoring them to their unique interests. Here’s how to avoid that trap:
- Focus on Your Interests: Select activities that genuinely excite you. If you love biology, consider attending public dissections or shadowing a lab researcher. If literature is your passion, analyze works beyond your school syllabus and explore different genres.
- Seek Depth Over Breadth: Admissions tutors prefer depth in a few areas over a shallow involvement in many. For example, completing an in-depth research project on sustainable energy has more impact than attending one or two webinars.
- Be Unique: Think about ways to stand out. Instead of simply taking an online course, can you blog about your learning journey? Instead of just reading a book, can you reach out to the author for insights or share your reflections on social media?
A Word of Caution
While super-curriculars can significantly strengthen your application, they need to be genuine. Admissions officers are skilled at spotting over-inflated claims or activities that don’t align with your overall profile. Avoid overloading your application with every super-curricular you’ve attempted. Instead, choose the most impactful ones and articulate your experience clearly in your personal statement.
Your Super-Curricular Journey Starts Here
Whether you’re exploring law, medicine, engineering, or philosophy, there’s a world of opportunities to dive into your subject and showcase your passion. Not sure where to begin or how to make your super-curricular activities shine in your application? MyEduPathways is here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you select impactful activities to crafting a compelling personal statement, we’ll ensure your application stands out.
Get started today and take control of your future! Visit MyEduPathways.com to learn more.
Leave a Reply