Why do extracurricular activities  still influence admissions decisions, even though perfect GPAs, AP scores, and test prep are no longer uncommon? And why are colleges prioritizing innovation, research output, and actual product deployments over participation badges and title collection? Because admissions in 2026 will be a test of impact rather than effort. If you're deciding what extracurricular activities to pursue this year, this guide will show you each high-value optio