Balancing Extracurriculars with Schoolwork

By Jaynab Akhtar, JIF’ 17

Extracurricular activities are a great way for students to step out of their comfort zones and try things they would not have thought about otherwise. They can also give students experience in leadership, collaboration, and working with different types of people as well as being fun. Extracurricular activities are also a great way to show colleges and universities that you are an involved and enthusiastic individual who wants to give back to her community in a variety of ways.

It is important to remember that you are still a student, of course. Balancing extracurricular activities with schoolwork is a challenge many high-achieving students face, but it does not have to be something to stress over! Keep these things in mind as you plan activities out.

1.  Make a schedule and plan ahead.

Planning and time management are keys to success when it comes to striking a balance between activities inside and outside of school. Make sure you set aside enough time every day to do homework and study, and make sure that time does not conflict with club meetings, fundraisers, soccer practice, etc. If you know you are going to miss school for an activity or field trip, procure the day’s lessons and homework ahead of time so you don’t fall behind.

2.  Make time for yourself as well.

You are a student and an active member of your community, but you are also a teenager who needs time to unwind and rest. It is easy to lose yourself in the stress of homework, tests, and activities, but try your best to set some time aside when you can stay in, read a book or enjoy a movie, and spend quality time with your family and friends. And make sure you are getting enough sleep at night! 

3.  Make sure the extracurricular activities you are part of are things you actually care about and are willing to devote time to.

It would be counterintuitive to put so much time and effort into an activity you are not passionate about. Extracurriculars are meant to enhance and enrich your education, so check in with yourself regularly and see if things are going well. If an activity is becoming too much to handle or if the experience is not as fulfilling or enlightening as you thought it would be, consider how worthwhile it is to you.