One thing needs to be made clear: the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) part of the IB Diploma is important, but it’s not the only part. In fact, from my experience as an IB mentor, students who build a strong profile outside of CAS tend to stand out more during university admissions.
IB standards state that CAS helps students become well-rounded individuals and give back to their communities. But it’s still just a system with some basic rules. You need to go further to show effort and character. Yes, admissions staff can tell the difference between something you did for fun and something you had to do for school.
More importantly, things you do outside of CAS help you grow as a person. Doing a long-term charity job or working hard for a sport teaches you to be consistent, responsible, and independent. These are all skills that are worth more than good grades.
How to Choose the Right Activities for Your Goals?
A big list of clubs or short-term activities will look good on an application, so I’ve seen students sign up for everything under the sun. Really, though, it doesn’t matter how much you do; what matters is why you do it and what you learn from it.
Start With What You’re Interested in
It may seem clear, but too many students don’t do this. I believe that the best extracurricular profiles start with real desire. Would you like to take pictures? Create an Instagram page to showcase your work or keep records of school events. Do you like history? Start a podcast or lead a talk group. Your drive is better when you’re after something you enjoy.
Not sure which one to pick? Here are some bright things to think about:
- What do I like to do when I have time to myself?
- Just what kinds of issues or topics get my attention?
- What subjects do I want to study the most?
- Can I use a personal hobby for a group project or as an opportunity to lead?
- What kind of change do I want to make?
Getting answers to these questions can help you find things that make you feel good and give you a sense of meaning. A clear understanding of direction is what makes applicants stand out from the others.
Fit in With Your Plans for School
So, let’s say you want to apply for a science-based school. Volunteering at a hospital, joining a STEM club, or entering science fairs are all good ways to show unity. If you want to work in the arts as a career, doing artistic projects outside of school shows that you are dedicated and unique.
It doesn’t mean that everything you do has to be about your major. When your recreational activities support your academic or job goals, your application as a whole feels better and more purposeful.
Choose Depth Over Breadth
Many students get this wrong. Ten clubs, four events, and three short-term jobs are some of the things they try to do. There’s no need to worry about the number of events you list for admissions panels. They are interested in what you did inside them.
I always tell students to pick a few main hobbies and stick with them over time. Your hard work shows when you stay active for more than one term, take on new duties, and regularly add. Success in projects, being in charge of others, and growing year after year are all signs of maturity and drive, which are crucial in higher education.
Remember that it’s not about being proud. You have to show who you are.
Best Non-CAS Activities to Build Your Profile
Some may ask, “What should I do if it’s not CAS?” That is a question I get a lot from IB students. From what I’ve seen over the years, the best events that aren’t CAS are the ones that showcase who you are—your ideals, hobbies, and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some students build their names around sports, while others do it around service, coding tasks, or design. The most important thing is that the exercise helps you grow and show who you are outside of school.
A good recreational profile should include a mix of planned activities and self-initiated projects. These kinds of tasks aren’t required by school, but they show how independent, curious, and responsible you are.
Volunteering and Community Service
Volunteering outside of work hours makes a difference, even though service is part of CAS. Some of the students I worked with took their CAS experiences further and turned them into something meaningful.
For example, they turned a one-time volunteer lesson into a full-year reading program for kids from low-income families. One of the most powerful examples I’ve seen was a student who led a movement to raise awareness about mental health after having anxiety problems himself. The admissions staff really liked how honest and proactive you were.
Sports and Athletics
Don’t undervalue the power of being involved in sports. Consistently playing a sport demonstrates how well you can manage your time, stay disciplined, and remain dedicated.
One of my students was the captain of the school basketball team, and she used that experience to write her personal statement about being a leader and being strong. You can really boost your profile with sports, whether you play for fun or to win.
Competitions and Clubs for Students
There are good things about students who push themselves mentally outside of school. Events like MUN, discussion, code hackathons, business events, and science fairs show that you like to learn for its own sake. Last but not least, they help you get better at speaking, thinking critically, and researching, all of which are important in both the IB and university.
Creative Arts and Projects
Come up with new ideas and put them into use. Share your work with other people, whether it’s writing, art, music, or play. Teen journals want to read your work. Put on a play in your area. Create a website to showcase your art. I’ve seen students with strong creative projects win grants or stand out during interviews, particularly when their imagination is related to their field of interest.
Courses, Internships, and Online Projects
You can find a lot of free or cheap ways to learn and do internships online. I believe that students who choose to learn on their own, whether it’s a short business training or a simple coding school, are mature and driven. A short internship at a neighborhood business, charity, or news organization can help you stand out in the job market.
Get Help With Your Paper
How to Turn Activities Into Impactful Stories for Applications?
It’s how you talk about what you do as well. I always tell students who are getting ready to apply to a university that. From what I’ve seen, even the most exciting events can fail if they aren’t explained well. A simple project, on the other hand, can become strong if it is presented clearly and thoughtfully.
Certificates are not taken into account when admissions officers read your application. Patterns, personality, and growth are what they want to see. It’s your job to show them why, how, and what will happen because of your work. That’s what makes actions into interesting stories.
I think it’s helpful to think about each task as if you were writing a short story. What made you write? What were some of the problems you had? What did you do to help? The most important thing is what you learned.
For each task, here is a simple plan you can follow:
- Put things in context. What did you do for the project? What time and place did it happen?
- Describe your job. What did you really do? What were the duties you agreed to do?
- Explain the challenge. Did you face any problems or setbacks? How did you respond?
- Draw attention to the result. Could you measure the outcome? Growth in terms of numbers, effects, or reach?
- Think about what you learned. What did this teach you about your goals, other people, or yourself?
You can say more than general things like “I helped with a club” or “I took part in a fundraiser” with this format. Instead, you’ll have something like, “As the lead organizer of our school’s climate awareness event, I led a group of 12 students, scouted and booked three outside speakers, and helped bring over 150 people to the event. When one of our main sponsors dropped out at the last minute, I learned how to meet goals and find new ways to meet deadlines.”
Your application will stand out if you tell a story like that.
Conclusion
Let’s remember that this is your story, not a list. You shouldn’t try to be perfect or act like someone you’re not. I think the best profiles are written by students who have stuck with something they care about. Whether you’re halfway through the IB or just starting out, you can still make a meaningful project.
What counts is that the things you do outside of school show that you’re trying, that you’re interested, and that they show what kind of person you’re becoming. That’s what colleges remember, trust me.
Also, if you need help with any IB assessments, you can always get in touch with our experts.
Nick Radlinsky
Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.
Nick's article, featured in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.
Maximizing Your Extracurricular Profile Beyond CAS
One thing needs to be made clear: the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) part of the IB Diploma is important, but it’s not the only part. In fact, from my experience as an IB mentor, students who build a strong profile outside of CAS tend to stand out more during university admissions.
How IB Subjects Shape Future Career Paths: Exploring Your Options
When you start the IB Diploma Programme, you pick classes and subjects to build your future. I know that the subjects you choose will impact your future job. Today, you’ll learn how your choices can help you get jobs in the real world and open doors you may not even know exist.
Crafting a Standout IB Personal Statement: Tips, Examples
If you’re applying to join the IB program, chances are you’ve been asked to submit an IB personal statement. It’s your chance to explain why you want to be in the IB, what makes you a good fit, and how you think you’ll benefit from it.
University Applications as an IB Student: A Comprehensive Guide
Applying to universities as an IB student comes with unique advantages—but also specific challenges. With the IB Diploma’s rigorous curriculum, extended research projects, and extracurricular commitments, it’s crucial to present your achievements effectively in your application.
IB CS EE Structure and Criteria. In Details
In this guide, I break down everything you need to know—from the essential Computer Science EE structure to the grading criteria used by IB examiners. You’ll learn how to structure your essay for maximum clarity, and apply critical thinking to strengthen your analysis.
What Is the Rubric and Format for IB CS IA?
This article breaks down the IB CS IA rubric, explaining each criterion—from planning and development to testing and evaluation. You’ll also find formatting guidelines, tips for clear documentation, and strategies to maximize your score.
