How to Turn Everyday Hobbies Into Standout Applications

When it comes to college applications, many students feel pressure to fill their resumes with traditional accomplishments like leadership roles, internships, or volunteer work. While those experiences are valuable, colleges are also looking for students who bring creativity, authenticity, and unique perspectives to their campuses. One of the best ways to stand out? Highlight your hobbies.

Your hobbies might seem too casual or unrelated to academics at first glance, but they can become the foundation for a compelling application when framed correctly.

Here’s how you can turn your everyday passions into a standout story:

1. Recognize the Value in Your Hobbies
Colleges are interested in what makes you, you. Whether you spend hours gaming, knitting, cooking, gardening, or creating TikToks, your hobbies reveal your personality, creativity, and dedication. Don’t dismiss them because they’re not tied to a formal award or title.

Example: A student who loves gaming could highlight strategic thinking, teamwork in multiplayer games, or even coding skills gained from designing mods. Someone passionate about knitting could discuss patience, problem-solving, and the artistry involved in creating unique designs.

2. Connect Your Hobby to a Bigger Picture
Think about how your hobby has impacted you or others. Has it taught you valuable skills? Helped you overcome challenges? Allowed you to connect with your community? By tying your passion to a broader theme, you’ll show admissions officers how it has shaped your growth.

Example: If you enjoy baking, you could talk about starting a small business selling baked goods to raise money for charity. Or if you’re a skateboarder, you might share how skateboarding taught you perseverance after failing repeatedly to land a trick.

3. Tell a Story in Your Essays
Your personal statement or supplemental essays are the perfect place to showcase your hobbies. Use vivid details to bring your passion to life and explain why it matters to you. Admissions officers love essays that feel authentic and specific, so let your enthusiasm shine.

Example: Instead of saying, “I enjoy photography,” describe the moment you captured a stunning sunset after hiking for hours, and how that experience deepened your appreciation for nature and storytelling.

4. Quantify Your Impact
If your hobby has measurable achievements, include those! Numbers can help admissions officers understand the scope of your dedication.

Example: A content creator could share metrics like growing a YouTube channel to 10,000 subscribers or producing 50 videos on topics they’re passionate about. A gardener could discuss growing 30 types of plants and donating fresh vegetables to a local food pantry.

5. Show Initiative
Colleges love students who take initiative and demonstrate leadership. If you’ve found ways to expand or share your hobby, make sure to highlight that.

Example: If you’re a writer, mention starting a blog or submitting your work to local publications. If you’re into fashion, talk about organizing a clothing swap at your school or designing a sustainable clothing line.

6. Relate Your Hobby to Your Academic or Career Goals
Draw connections between your passion and your future ambitions. This demonstrates self-awareness and shows how your interests could enrich the college’s community.

Example: A gamer aspiring to study computer science could discuss their interest in designing immersive video games. A knitter interested in environmental science might talk about researching sustainable fibers and their impact on the fashion industry.

7. Incorporate It Into Your Activities List
Even if your hobby isn’t part of a formal club, you can still include it in the activities section of your application. Use descriptive language to highlight your commitment and achievements.

Example: Instead of writing “Knitting,” try “Designed and created over 50 handmade garments, donating proceeds to local shelters.”

8. Consider Creating a Portfolio
If your hobby involves a tangible product like art, music, writing, or videos, consider submitting a portfolio. Many colleges allow you to include a link to your work as part of your application.

Example: Share a portfolio of your digital illustrations or a SoundCloud playlist of original music you’ve composed.

9. Get Creative with Recommendations
Ask someone who knows about your hobby—a mentor, coach, or community leader—to write a recommendation letter. They can provide a unique perspective on your character and dedication.

Example: A chess coach could write about how your strategic thinking and leadership during tournaments reflect your academic and personal strengths.

10. Embrace the Unexpected
Finally, don’t be afraid to share something unconventional. Colleges love students who break the mold. Your quirky or unusual hobby might be exactly what makes you memorable.

Example: One student wrote about their passion for competitive Rubik’s Cube solving, while another shared how they developed a love for mushroom foraging. Both stories stood out because they were unique and authentic.

Your hobbies are more than just activities—they’re a window into who you are. By framing them thoughtfully in your college application, you can stand out as a passionate, well-rounded candidate. So whether you’re a gamer, a knitter, a baker, or a content creator, don’t be afraid to share your story. It might just be what sets you apart from the crowd.