Top STEM Extracurriculars for Canadian High School Students

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has become one of the most popular programs for Canadian students interested in studying in the United States. STEM is becoming an increasingly competitive field for students applying to universities due to its interdisciplinary approach, job opportunities, sizeable wages, and STEM specialized institutions.

The 2021 Open Doors report shows that over 80% of the international students studying in the US are enrolled in STEM. The same report highlights a 6.8% increase of international STEM students in the US since 2015. Although the report includes students from countries such as India, China, and Iran, hundreds of Canadian students every year are also flocking to the US to further their STEM education.

At Crimson, the key questions we receive from Canadian students are:

• How can I stand out in my application?
• Are there extracurricular activities that set me apart from other students?

While the US admissions process practices a holistic approach to application evaluation, it's still crucial to have a robust extracurricular profile, impressive academics, and solid essays. These will exponentially increase your chances of admission.

Why are extracurriculars so important? What qualities are admissions officers looking for?

Extracurriculars communicate to admissions officers who you are outside of the classroom, what you are passionate about, and how you apply your field of study to the real world. Extracurriculars also offer insight into the type of student you’ll be at the university level. Universities are looking to fill their campuses with diverse students who are willing to create and integrate into communities across campus, including clubs and organizations. With a strong list of extracurriculars, students can set themselves apart from other academically-qualified students and demonstrate their suitability for the university. 

Whether you’re applying to Canada, the US, or the UK, admissions officers look for key qualities in your activities list. What admissions officers look for in a strong extracurricular list:

• Leadership & positive impact
• Dedication to your project over a significant period of time
• Connecting your passions and field of interest to the real world
• Challenging yourself and stepping outside the box

Top STEM Extracurricular Activities to Add to your Application

Finding the right extracurriculars to add to your application can be challenging, especially as a Canadian student that may experience limitations in their local high school. We’ve put together a list of STEM-related activities and opportunities you can pursue. They will help build a strong overall application that impresses admissions officers at the top US universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and more!

1. Crimson Research Institute

Crimson Research Institute (CRI) offers students the opportunity to complete an independent research project with the guidance and mentorship of PhDs and top US university faculty. Receive one-on-one support from some of the brightest minds in STEM and take your passion to the next level. CRI offers three flexible programs to ambitious students interested in adding an independent research project to their application. CRI programs are available year-round to students globally.

Former CRI students have published academic research papers, registered patents, and gained admission to top US universities including Harvard, Princeton, and MIT.

2. The Knowledge Society (TKS)

TKS is an accelerator program based in Toronto, Ontario that works with ambitious students, ages 13-17, to create an impact using the latest technology and sciences. TKS’ programs challenge students to find innovative solutions to global problems in a team of other like-minded individuals. Students are introduced to fast-emerging technologies and systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchains and cryptocurrency, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI).

TKS also offers students a unique opportunity to apply for financial assistance once accepted into their program. If you’re a student looking to build projects with the latest technology, network with other students, and develop real-world skills, this opportunity is for you!

Their programs run from September to June, with over 2000 students from 20 different countries participating.  2022 applications are now open! 

3. Technovation Girls

Technovation Girls is a unique program that equips young women, ages 8-18, to become tech entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and world leaders. Students are placed in teams and work to code mobile apps that address global issues such as domestic violence, climate change, COVID-19 impact, and much more. The best part is that students don’t need to have coding experience to participate, and the program is entirely free!

4. Canadian Computing Competition (CCC)

CCC is a unique opportunity offered by the University of Waterloo for students to challenge themselves and develop their interest in programming. This competition is designed for students with and without advanced programming skills to build their understanding of algorithms further.

The top 20 participants are invited to participate in the Canadian Computing Olympiad (CCO). Students experience week-long workshops, contests, and other extracurricular activities that they can add to their university application. The CCC begins on February 16, followed by the CCO beginning in May, with competitions recurring every year.

5. Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF)

CWSF is an annual weeklong fair in May that brings together hundreds of top young scientists from grades 7-12 to engage in scientific activities, projects, and competitions. In 2022, CWSF will be held as a virtual event and open to students across Canada who are interested in STEM.

6. Expo Sciences Hydro-Quebec

The Expo Sciences Hydro-Quebec is a regional science fair that allows students in Quebec to demonstrate their passion for science, technology, and innovation through hands-on projects and competitions. This opportunity allows students to engage with other young scientists and present their projects to a panel of judges where a winner will be determined.

7. Sunnybrook Research Institute Student Summer Programs

The hospital-based research institute located in Toronto is dedicated to advancing research and medicine. Sunnybrook’s Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research program is an advanced program conducted over the summer break. Those selected have the opportunity to work closely with medical professionals in a research lab and develop hands-on experience and knowledge in the fields of physics, engineering, and biology.

8. Ross and Verna Tate High School Internship Program (HIP)

Are you a student in grades 10, 11, or 12 passionate about computer science? This 6-week paid internship program offered by the University of Alberta allows students to gain valuable experience in computing over the summer break. Students will be paired with supervisors and in-lab mentors to complete a project in AI, robotics, and smartphone and software development.

Will extracurriculars boost my chances of going to university?

Students who gain admission to the top US universities have more than just strong extracurriculars. They also have strong academics, essays, and interviews. Taking the time to ensure every part of your application holds strong is the best way to increase your chances of admission to your dream university. Building a strong application doesn’t happen overnight or in your final year of high school.

Final Thoughts

There is no such thing as having the “right extracurriculars,” but having a strong set of extracurriculars that compliment your academics and essays can take your application to the next level.

Do you have your eyes set on the Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, or other world top universities? While you explore the STEM extracurriculars we’ve listed above, consider Crimson’s full admissions support program that helps students level up their entire application. With the expertise and support of over 2,400 tutors and mentors, students that work with Crimson are 4x more likely to gain admission to their dream university.