Virtual Activities and College Admissions: A Practical Guide

Virtual Extracurriculars Can Still Matter — If You Use Them the Right Way

Over the last several years, students and parents have asked the same question again and again:

“Do virtual extracurriculars really count?” 

It’s a fair concern. Many families worry that activities done online feel less impressive than traditional, in-person experiences. But the truth is more reassuring — virtual extracurriculars can absolutely be meaningful, as long as they’re chosen and framed thoughtfully.

What colleges care about most isn’t where an activity happened. It’s what the student did, why they did it, and what they learned from it.

What Admissions Officers Are Actually Looking For

Admissions readers are not tallying hours or ranking activities by format. Instead, they’re asking questions like:

• Did this student show curiosity or initiative?

• Did they follow an interest beyond the classroom?

• Did they take responsibility or build something meaningful?

• Did they grow from the experience?

A virtual activity that demonstrates commitment and purpose often carries more weight than a traditional activity pursued passively.

When Virtual Activities Make the Most Sense

Virtual extracurriculars are especially valuable when:

• A student has limited local opportunities

• Scheduling, transportation, or finances restrict access

• Interests are niche or highly specialized

• The student wants to explore an idea independently

For many students, virtual experiences actually expand access, rather than limit it.

Examples of Virtual Extracurriculars That Can Be Strong

Not all virtual activities are created equal. The strongest ones tend to involve creation, contribution, or leadership, rather than passive participation.

Some examples include:

• Launching a blog, newsletter, or podcast around a genuine interest

• Completing advanced online coursework tied to an academic goal

• Participating in virtual research, mentorships, or internships

• Teaching or tutoring younger students online

• Building a digital portfolio, app, or creative project

• Leading an online club, study group, or community initiative

What matters most is that the activity shows intentional engagement, not just résumé padding.

How to Avoid the “Checkbox” Trap

One common mistake families make is encouraging students to stack virtual activities simply because they sound impressive.

Colleges can usually tell when an activity exists only to “look good.”

A better approach is to ask:

• Why is this student drawn to this activity? 

• How does it connect to who they are or who they’re becoming? 

• What story does this experience help tell?

Depth almost always matters more than volume.

Helping Your Student Tell the Story Well

Even strong activities can fall flat if they’re poorly explained.

Students should be prepared to articulate:

• What they actually did (specifically)

• Why it mattered to them

• What skills they developed

• How the experience influenced their thinking or goals

This reflection often matters as much as the activity itself — especially in essays and short-answer responses.

A Reassuring Perspective for Parents

If your student’s extracurricular path looks different from what you expected, that’s okay.

Colleges are not looking for one “right” résumé. They are looking for students who:

• Take initiative

• Explore interests with purpose

• Make thoughtful use of the opportunities available to them

Virtual extracurriculars, when chosen intentionally, can absolutely support a strong application — and in some cases, help a student stand out.

At College Application Solutions, we help families evaluate extracurricular choices and understand how to present them clearly and confidently. Our course walks students through this step by step, and our live Q&A sessions give parents and students a chance to ask questions specific to their situation.

Because there’s no single formula for success — just thoughtful planning and honest storytelling.