Going Beyond the Classroom: Super-Curriculars That Impress UK Admissions

Written By Joanne Clark
“Super-curriculars are activities that take the subjects you study further, beyond what your teacher has taught you or what you’ve done for homework.”
— University of Oxford

Super-Curriculars Vs Extra-Curriculars

Super-curricular activities are academic activities that go beyond what you learn in school and help show your genuine interest in a subject. These might include reading subject-related books, watching university lectures, entering essay competitions, or attending academic talks.

On the other hand, extra-curriculars are generally non-academic activities which take place outside the classroom, such as sports, music, drama, volunteering, or part-time work. They help you develop personal interests, as well as soft and transferable skills

UK Universities Prefer Super-curricular Activities

UK universities admit students based on their subject interest, academic achievements and potential. Super-curricular activities provide strong evidence that you are genuinely curious, able to learn independently, and ready to engage with your chosen subject at a higher level.

While you may mention extra-curricular activities briefly in your Personal Statement, UK admissions tutors are far more interested in how you’ve explored your future degree major(s) beyond the classroom. That’s why super-curriculars should form the core of your application essay. This shows that you’re well-prepared for the academic depth and early specialization of a UK degree—where you’ll be focused on your chosen subject from day one.

Do Super-Curricular Activities have to be Expensive?

No! Super-curricular activities do not need to cost anything or involve prestigious, paid-for programs. In fact, all UK universities, including the most competitive, are far more interested in evidence of genuine, self-motivated academic curiosity. Activities that anyone with money can buy into may even come across as inauthentic if not backed by real engagement.

What matters most is that you’ve taken the initiative to explore your subject independently—and that you can reflect on those experiences with insight and enthusiasm in your Personal Statement. Thoughtful, reflective engagement will always stand out more than expensive experiences.

“Super-curriculars don’t have to cost money or involve fancy programs. What matters most is that you’ve engaged thoughtfully with your subject and can talk about it with insight and enthusiasm”
— Jo
 

Top Super-Curricular Ideas

Make sure your Super-Curricular activities relate directly to your chosen degree course. Some of the ideas below are NYC specific, but most are applicable to students across the US.

📚 1. Wider Reading

Choosing to read around your chosen degree subject, beyond what’s required at school, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to show your genuine interest and academic curiosity. UK universities value students who take the initiative to explore their subject independently.

Try identifying a specific area within your subject that truly fascinates you and dive deeper into it. Narrowing your focus to an area of personal passion shows maturity, direction, and a strong academic mindset—qualities admissions tutors love to see.

You can start with any academic book, journal, article, or even a well-written longform essay. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few places to look for inspiration:

University of Cambridge Subject Reading Lists

Staircase 12 – Oxford’s Super-Curricular Hub

The Atlantic

Scientific American

JSTOR Daily

The New York Times

The Economist

NPR (National Public Radio)

💻 2. Online Courses

Free online courses to help you independently learn more about your chosen major(s). Explore:

🎧 3. TED Talks, Podcasts & Recorded Lectures

🎬 4. Documentaries & Films

📝 5. Competitions

Even if you don’t win, essay competitions are a great way to demonstrate your ability to think critically, construct arguments, and write at a high academic level—all qualities UK universities value. Options include:

🧠 6. Debating & Public Speaking

Join your school’s debate team, participate in Model UN, or try Debate Camp. These activities build persuasive writing and analytical thinking—perfect for students considering law, politics, or international relations.

❤️ 7. Community Service

Volunteering is a great way to build real-world skills, but it becomes a powerful super-curricular activity when your community service connects directly to your chosen academic subject.

For example, if you’re interested in veterinary science or animal behavior, try to find volunteering opportunities that involve animal handling or welfare, such as working at a local shelter, animal rescue center, or vet clinic. The key is to look for experiences that allow you to apply or explore concepts related to your future degree.

There are plenty of options available across the US. Here are some possibilities for students in NYC:

💼 8. Internships & Work Experience

Internships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and explore how your academic interests apply in real-world settings. Like volunteering, they’re most effective as super-curriculars when they clearly connect to your intended field of study.

For example, if you're planning to study business, an internship at a local startup or shadowing someone in marketing or finance can give you valuable insights into the industry. If you're interested in law, look for placements with legal aid organizations, city courts, or advocacy groups.

There are many ways NYC students can find internship opportunities linked to their academic goals. Start with:

City & Government Programs

🎟️ 9. Subject-Based Visits or Summer Overseas University Experiences

Visiting museums and exhibitions can be meaningful super-curricular activities when the exhibits relate to your intended degree subject. Whether it's analyzing ancient artefacts for history, exploring climate exhibits for environmental science, or studying anatomical models for medicine, a thoughtful museum visit shows initiative and subject engagement.

NYC is full of world-class museums that can enrich your academic interests. A well-planned visit can be an excellent super-curricular activity—just be sure to reflect on what you saw, what you learned, and how it connects to your subject.

Here are some top NYC options:

Overseas University Summer Academic Pograms

Some UK and European universities offer summer academic programs for US high school students (between 1 week and 1 month in duration). These programs can be expensive and are definitely not required for UK university admissions. However, if you have the opportunity, they can be a great way to support your own personal decision-making process and confidence building.

🧾 10. Keep a Record

Use a notebook or Google Doc to track what you did, what you learned, and how it connects to your future degree. This will make writing your UCAS Personal Statement so much easier later on.

More On-Line Resources

University of Cambridge:

University of Oxford:

Oxford Royale Academy

 34 Best Super-Curricular Activities for Applicants to Top Universities

Things We Don’t Know – Explaining the Questions Scientists are trying to answer

Joanne Clark
Previous

Why Super-Curricular Activities Matter for UK University Applications
Next

UK Personal Statement: What’s Changing?