Why Clubs Could Be the Secret to Getting Into Top US Universities

By Jacqueline L. Nottingham, University Admissions Counsellor, CGA

As a long-time educator and university admissions professional, I’ve had the privilege of working across many sides of the student journey — from guiding first-year college students and leading graduate admissions at Virginia Tech, to serving as Chief Enrolment Officer at Concord University, and later as a college counsellor with Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Programme.

Each of these roles deepened my understanding of how transformative education can be when students are supported not just academically, but holistically — through experiences that nurture leadership, teamwork, confidence, and self-discovery.

Now, in my new role at Crimson Global Academy (CGA) I’m excited to help students develop these same qualities through purposeful involvement in clubs and extracurricular activities. CGA’s virtual model provides a truly global learning environment, and with it, a remarkable opportunity: to connect students from every corner of the world through shared passions, creative collaboration, and a spirit of innovation.

How Global Clubs Prepare Students for US University Admissions

My background in U.S. higher education has shaped the way I view student success. American universities, including top-tier institutions like those in the Ivy League, have long embraced a holistic admissions process — one that values not only grades and test scores, but also the individual’s capacity for leadership, community engagement, and growth beyond the classroom.

Having worked closely with U.S. university admissions for over three decades, I’ve seen firsthand how committees look for students who bring curiosity, initiative, and commitment to the communities they join.

In my admissions work, one theme was constant: students who were meaningfully involved — whether through clubs, volunteer work, sports, or creative pursuits — often stood out for their depth of character. Their experiences showed that they were not just participants in their education, but active contributors to it. That’s the mindset I want to encourage at CGA: students who engage, lead, and make a difference both within and beyond our virtual classrooms.

Creating a Full-Circle Student Experience at CGA

At Crimson Global Academy, learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends. Clubs and extracurricular activities are a cornerstone of the CGA experience, helping students find belonging, explore interests, and apply classroom learning in practical, meaningful ways.

Whether it’s debating world issues, coding apps, designing art, or building a business idea, these experiences develop real-world skills — communication, collaboration, creativity, and resilience — all of which are key qualities US universities value.

Our goal is to create a “full-circle” student experience — one that balances academic rigour with opportunities for self-expression and connection. Clubs give students the chance to test ideas, take initiative, and even fail safely — all essential steps in personal growth. For many students, these experiences also spark future academic or career interests.

A student who joins Model UN may discover a passion for international relations, while one who contributes to the school newspaper might realise a love of storytelling or advocacy — both highly regarded areas in US university applications.

Building Confidence, Leadership, and Collaboration

When students participate in clubs, they begin to see themselves not just as learners, but as leaders. Leadership doesn’t always mean holding a title; often, it’s about showing up, contributing ideas, and working collaboratively toward a common goal.

In every club meeting, project, or performance, students are practising key skills that top US universities — and future employers — deeply value: initiative, communication, global awareness, and problem-solving.

Equally important, these experiences build student confidence. Those who may be shy in academic settings often find their voice through shared interests — a robotics project, a creative arts showcase, or a service initiative. Over time, these moments of engagement accumulate, shaping a stronger sense of identity and self-efficacy.

Global Relationships in a Digital World

One of the questions I’m most often asked is how students can form genuine relationships in an online environment. The answer lies in intentional design and community-building.

At CGA, clubs are not just “virtual meetups” — they are vibrant, interactive communities where students collaborate across time zones, share perspectives, and work toward shared outcomes.

Through project-based clubs, peer mentoring, and live discussions, students learn to communicate effectively in international teams — a skill increasingly vital in today’s globalised world.

The friendships they build transcend geography; they learn to navigate cultural differences, celebrate diversity, and appreciate how global collaboration works in practice.

We also emphasise mentorship and peer leadership within clubs. When older students take on guiding roles, they not only support younger peers but also model the kind of collaborative leadership US universities seek. It’s these authentic, human connections that turn an online school into a thriving global learning community.

The University Admissions Advantage of Extracurricular Involvement

For students thinking ahead to university applications, extracurricular engagement is more than just an optional add-on — it’s an essential dimension of their story.

Admissions teams at top US universities look for patterns of commitment and growth. They want to see how a student has explored interests over time and taken initiative to lead or create impact.

Depth matters more than quantity. A student who dedicates two years to leading a club, launching a service project, or mentoring peers often demonstrates more maturity and leadership potential than one who joins ten unrelated activities.

Consistent involvement tells universities, “This student follows through.” Leadership — formal or informal — signals readiness to contribute meaningfully to a campus community.

In many ways, clubs are the bridge between what students learn and who they become. They help shape the qualities universities most want to see: initiative, teamwork, creativity, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Expanding Opportunities for Global Students at CGA

As Crimson Global Academy continues to grow, expanding opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom will remain a priority. We want every student to find a place where they feel inspired to contribute — whether through global competitions, community service, creative arts, or academic enrichment.

We’re also exploring ways to connect clubs with mentorship and university preparation, so that every student’s involvement can be purposeful and personally rewarding.

Ultimately, education is about more than mastering content — it’s about shaping confident, compassionate, and globally minded individuals. Clubs and extracurriculars are where that transformation begins.

I’m honoured to be part of a school that recognises this truth and empowers students to take ownership of their journey — wherever in the world they may be.