Maximize your College Applications with Extracurricular Activities(ECAs) : Part 2

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) are the secret ingredient to having a college application that sounds out. ECAs reveal who you are beyond test scores, such as your interest, passions, and contributions to the world around you. In Part 1, we discussed how leadership roles, community service, entrepreneurial ventures, and internships can give you an edge in your application to Ashoka University or Masters' Union. But that’s only the beginning!

Let’s explore four more value-adding ECAs that highlight your cultural perseverance, artistic talents, academic excellence, research interests, passion for sports and public speaking skills. These can really help you to stand out!

  1. Artistic and Cultural Pursuits 

If you’ve been involved in arts and have achieved something with your passion- whether it’s in dance, music, theater, or visual arts - don’t hesitate to highlight them in your application! They are an excellent indicator of creativity, self pursuit and discipline. Be prepared to demonstrate your skill in these fields if your interviewer asks you to! It can give your interviews and applications an exciting and unique angle.

Ashoka University, with its focus on liberal arts and interdisciplinary learning, highly values creativity in its applicants. Whether you’ve been part of a school play, performed at a music competition, or had your artwork displayed in a gallery, these experiences show that you’re open to exploring different forms of expression. Masters' Union, while more business-focused, also appreciates creativity, particularly in how it translates into innovative thinking—a crucial trait in business and entrepreneurship. Connect how your creative skills would help in scaling a startup! If you need help for that, GuidEx has got your back, so feel free to get in contact with one of our mentors.

   2. Sports and Physical Activities 

Sports may seem like a straightforward extracurricular but they bring something much more valuable to the table than physical fitness.There’s no better way to demonstrate discipline, team work, resilience and the ability to manage and handle pressure than being a part of a sports team. Whether you're a national-level athlete or have been a dedicated member of your school’s sports team, your participation in sports can showcase valuable life skills.

Ashoka University values the well-roundedness that sports instill in students. Being active in sports reflects balance and determination, qualities that will help you thrive in their dynamic environment. Similarly, Masters' Union appreciates candidates who can handle competition and pressure, attributes that are essential in the fast-paced world of business. We hope this gives you an idea of the ideal candidate that these prestigious institutions look for.

  3. Public Speaking and Debating 

Public Speaking and Debating are often underrated but can have a significant impact in your application. If you’ve participated in Model United Nation (MUN), been a part of debating societies or spoken in public speaking competitions, be sure to highlight your experiences. And if you haven’t, what’s stopping you? Don’t hesitate and start speaking up!  These activities show that you can think critically, communicate effectively, and defend your ideas. 

For Ashoka University, debating showcases your ability to engage with complex ideas and present them persuasively. Masters' Union appreciates candidates who can communicate confidently and present their viewpoints in a convincing manner. These skills are essential in any leadership or entrepreneurial role, making debating and public speaking experiences strong additions to your ECA list.

  4. Research and Academic Competitions

Usually, colleges don’t expect high school graduates to have published research papers but if you have any, well done! They can be a real game-changer for your application along with participation in research projects and academic competitions. Research shows that you’re not just learning passively but are actively engaging with your field of interest. By highlighting your research or competition achievements, you’re showing admissions committees that you don’t just learn—you innovate, you question, and you strive to push boundaries.

For Ashoka University, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, research experience is a perfect fit. Whether you’ve conducted independent research, contributed to a school project, or published in a journal, this signals that you’re ready to dive deep into complex topics. Similarly, Masters' Union appreciates students who thrive in academic competitions, as these showcase your analytical thinking, leadership under pressure, and your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Whether it’s a business case study competition, a Hackathon, or a Math Olympiad, excelling in these arenas reflects the drive and ambition that Masters' Union looks for in future business leaders.

Conclusion

ECAs are not just activities you do apart from academics when you’re free; they’re about showing who you are and what makes you unique. Whether you’ve been a star athlete, a budding artist, an intern gaining hands-on experience, or a confident public speaker, each activity tells a story about your passions, skills, and readiness for the future.

At the end of the day, Ashoka University and Masters' Union are looking for students who are well-rounded, driven, and capable of making an impact—not just in the classroom but also in the world. By thoughtfully presenting your ECAs and connecting them to your personal growth, you’ll give yourself the best chance of standing out and making your application memorable.

Mention those ECAs that you want to be asked about in interviews and highlighted for. They can help you drive your application in the way you want them to go. If you haven’t checked out Part 1, click here! GuidEx always has more for you to know. Check out other blogs related to Extracurriculars on the website! Stay Curious!