Best Extracurriculars for Future Engineering Majors
Let's get real—getting into engineering programs is no joke these days. Grades and test scores? Those are just your ticket to the door. What gets you through it? Those sweet extracurriculars that show colleges you're not just another student who can memorize formulas.
In this article, I will explain which extracurriculars you can choose that can help you stand out in college applications if you opt for an engineering major.
Why Extracurriculars Actually Matter
Before we dive in, let's clear something up: extracurriculars aren't just random activities you do to check boxes on applications. They're everything you're passionate about outside regular classes—clubs, competitions, personal projects, volunteering—basically, what you choose to do when nobody's forcing you.
Most engineering programs want problem-solvers, innovators, and team players, not just human calculators.
Pro tip? Quality over quantity, always. Colleges would rather see you deeply invested in a few activities that actually matter to you than trying to juggle fifteen random clubs where you barely show up. Depth beats breadth every single time.
Finding Your Engineering Flavor
Engineering isn't one-size-fits-all—different branches need different skills. Let's break down activities that'll give you the edge, no matter which path you're considering.
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Skills that shine: Design thinking, hands-on problem-solving, systems thinking
Activities worth your time:
- Robotics competitions like FIRST Robotics or VEX (bonus: these look incredible on applications)
- 3D printing clubs where you can design and create actual working prototypes
- DIY engineering projects that show you can turn ideas into reality (document these on Instagram or TikTok!)
- Automotive clubs where you rebuild engines or modify vehicles (yes, that project car counts as engineering experience)
- Manufacturing internships where you can see industrial processes IRL
The mechanical engineering world loves students who can prove they're comfortable getting their hands dirty while applying precise technical knowledge.
Software & Computer Engineering
Skills that shine: Coding, logical thinking, collaboration, user-centered design
Activities worth your time:
- Hackathons where you build functional software in impossibly short timeframes
- Personal coding projects with actual users (and yes, that Minecraft mod you made totally counts)
- Open-source contributions on GitHub that show you can work with established codebases
- Cybersecurity competitions like Capture The Flag events
- Tech-for-good initiatives, where you create solutions for actual community problems
The top U.S. colleges for software engineers significantly value practical experience, so you can start a portfolio site showcasing your projects. Nothing says "hire me someday" like having actual work to show off.
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Skills that shine: Circuit design, hardware integration, systems thinking
Activities worth your time:
- Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects that combine hardware and software
- IEEE student chapter involvement (great networking, too!)
- Science fair entries focused on electronics or IoT applications
- School tech team experience setting up sound systems or lighting rigs
- Electronics repair experiences (fixing gadgets for friends and family count)
Bonus points if you document your builds on YouTube or TikTok—teaching others shows deeper understanding.
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Skills that shine: Sustainability knowledge, structural design, real-world impact
Activities worth your time:
- Model bridge-building competitions that test structural principles
- Environmental restoration volunteer work (stream clean-ups, habitat restoration)
- Urban planning simulations or architecture clubs
- GIS mapping projects examining local environmental issues
- Science Olympiad engineering challenges
Show how you're connecting classroom concepts to real-world sustainability challenges in your community.
Biomedical/Chemical Engineering
Skills that shine: Lab techniques, biological/chemical knowledge, experimentation
Activities worth your time:
- Hospital or research lab volunteering (even basic tasks shows commitment)
- Science fairs with biology or chemistry themes
- Lab internships (even if you're just washing beakers, you're in the environment)
- Science communication through blogs or social media explainers
- Synthetic biology competitions like iGEM, if available in your area
The intersection of engineering and life sciences is huge right now—any experience in both areas is gold.
Outside-the-Box Options That Still Impress
Not every meaningful activity needs to scream "ENGINEERING!" Sometimes, the most impressive experiences show your creativity and initiative:
- Start a STEM-focused social media channel explaining concepts in ways that actually make sense
- Write for your school publication about emerging tech trends
- Mentor younger students in STEM subjects (teaching others is an elite-tier skill)
- Take a part-time job at a tech retailer (practical experience matters!)
- Hold leadership positions in non-STEM clubs (engineering schools want well-rounded humans)
Making Your Extracurriculars Actually Count
Having impressive activities is only half the battle. Here's how to maximize their impact:
- Track your growth: Keep notes on what you learned, challenges you overcame, and your contributions to each activity.
- Connect the dots: When writing application essays, it’s important to effectively narrate your extracurriculars by explicitly linking your experiences to your intended engineering focus.
- Show the climb: Colleges love seeing progression from member → leader, or novice → expert.
- Highlight initiative: Starting something new (even if small) often impresses more than joining something established.
- Quality > Quantity: One passion project that solved a real problem will outshine three years of passive club membership.
The Summer Advantage: Make Breaks Count
Let's talk about those precious summer months when you're free from the daily grind of classes. This time is gold for engineering hopefuls!
Most competitive engineering applicants use summer breaks strategically. While your friends are posting beach pics (no shade, we all need downtime), you could be leveling up your engineering profile with experiences that make admissions officers take notice.
Summer engineering programs at universities are absolute game-changers. Programs like MIT's Research Science Institute or Stanford's High School Summer College let you experience college-level engineering challenges while building connections with actual professors. These programs are competitive, but even applying shows initiative.
Can't snag a spot in those elite programs? Local community colleges often offer affordable engineering courses where you can earn actual college credit while still in high school. Imagine showing up to freshman year with prerequisites already knocked out!
If formal programs aren't your thing, summer is perfect for that ambitious personal project you've been dreaming about. Build that electric skateboard, code that app that solves a problem at your school, or design that 3D-printed solution for your community. Document everything—photos, videos, process notes—to share with admissions committees later.
Engineering Competitions: Where Colleges Scout Talent
Engineering competitions are basically the varsity sports of the STEM world, and college recruiters are definitely watching.
The beauty of competitions is that they let you demonstrate practical skills under pressure while working with teams. Engineering isn't just about knowing formulas; it's about applying knowledge in high-stakes situations with real constraints.
For robotics enthusiasts, the FIRST Robotics Competition is like the Super Bowl of high school engineering. Teams get six weeks to build and program robots that compete in games that change annually. Engineering schools absolutely love FIRST participants because they've already experienced the design-build-test cycle that's central to engineering education.
Science Olympiad offers events spanning all engineering disciplines, from bridge building to circuit labs. What makes the Science Olympiad special is the depth of knowledge required—you can't fake your way through these challenges.
For the mathematically inclined, competitions like the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) showcase the analytical thinking that underpins all engineering fields.
Here's the insider tip most students miss: participation trophies aren't the goal. Engineering schools are watching how you approach problems, collaborate with teammates, and handle setbacks. That resilience when your robot fails during competition or your bridge collapses during testing? That's the engineering mindset colleges are looking for.
Conclusion
The secret to standout engineering applications isn't trying to do everything—it's finding activities that genuinely excite you while building relevant skills. Admissions officers can spot fake passion from a mile away.
Engineering schools don't just want students who can solve equations—they want innovators who can tackle messy, real-world problems with creativity and persistence. Your extracurriculars are your chance to prove you're already that person.
If you're feeling overwhelmed about building your perfect engineering application profile, platforms like Kollegio can provide personalized feedback on your extracurricular strategy and help generate ideas tailored to your specific interests and engineering pathway. The AI technology in our platform can help ensure you're building a balanced profile that highlights your unique strengths.
Remember: the best extracurricular is always the one you'd do even if colleges weren't watching.
