20 Passion Project Ideas College Admissions Love

A passion project is borne out of love, interest, or curiosity in a particular subject, idea, or skill. It’s usually a self-directed undertaking that’s not tied to any specific requirement. However, these experiences often exhibit an individual’s dedication and commitment, as well as foster one’s confidence, independence, and skills. That’s why college admissions love seeing them in student’s resumes – and why you should consider taking them on. In this guide, we explore 20 passion project ideas that college admissions love.

Passion Project Ideas for Students

There are a million passion project examples that you could do as a high schooler. Here are 20 passion project ideas for students that could give you an edge in your future college applications:

1. Create a Research Project

Is there a question bugging you that you can’t seem to find answers for? Find out the answer for yourself through a comprehensive research project. You could look into a variety of topics that pique your interest, like the growth of K-pop or the rise and fall of trends on TikTok. Establish your methodology and document your findings, then share your conclusions with the general public by publishing them on scholarly websites.

2. Volunteer at a Local Organisation

Volunteerism is one of the most popular passion project ideas. Various organisations, such as a local soup kitchen or an elderly home, call for help from students like you. Volunteering can boost your college application as it exhibits a general sense of passion for helping others at no cost.

3. Develop a Mobile App

Nowadays, you don’t have to be a tech expert to develop a mobile app. With basic knowledge of coding and software development, plus some help from useful online tools, you can create your application. Make something that you think would be useful or entertaining for others, like an interactive map of your school, a new social media platform to connect kids in your community, or a fun new game.

4. Build a Website

Document the products of your creativity by building a website that could display your portfolio. If you’re into photography, music, or writing, you can compile everything into a site online that includes details of your endeavours. Then, when it’s time to submit college applications, you can attach this link to your submission for easy access.

5. Start a Blog

Writing a blog is among the best passion project ideas for writers. It can help you hone your skills and practice writing for other people, plus give you an outlet to express your love for certain subjects. You never know – you might find a niche audience that will find your blog useful and your voice inspiring.

6. Start a Community Garden

With help from your neighbourhood organisation, start a garden that benefits your community. This is a great passion project for students who have a green thumb and want to build their background in environmental pursuits; plus, it’s a good way to show a strong sense of advocacy.

7. Write a Book

Let your imagination run wild, or commemorate your personal experiences (or someone else’s) by writing a book! Publishing a written work might not be the easiest among passion project ideas for high schoolers, but even just finishing it can catch the eye of college admissions since it attests to your dedication and awesome writing skills.

8. Become a Workout Coach

Sports are always a good extra-curricular activity. But you can elevate your passion for activity by extending your skills to help others. Becoming a workout coach allows you to promote fitness to others while improving your people skills.

9. Record a Podcast

If you’d like to share your thoughts but feel like you’d be more articulate in person than in writing, you may want to consider recording a podcast. This is an easy passion project idea as it only requires a microphone and a recording device, and you can immediately publish your work online on various platforms.

10. Make a Cooking Vlog

Students who love cooking may find it helpful not just to write down their recipes but to share them with others. A cooking vlog is a fun way to document your cooking activities, learn how to work a camera and use editing tools through online learning courses.

11. Renovate Your Home

Show off your design and handyman skills by renovating a part of your home. Draw up how you’d like your room to look, then take the steps to make your vision come true. Remember to get adult supervision before you do some heavy lifting.

12. Establish a Fundraising Campaign

Being able to establish a fundraising campaign is among the most admirable passion project ideas for students. It attests to your love for community and proves how you’re able to gather people to work for a common cause.

13. Upcycle Old Items

Breathe life into your creativity while being a warrior for the environment! Gather old items from your home or donations, then find ways to upcycle them for continued use. For example, you can cut up old clothes and then sew them back to create new pieces.

14. Learn an Instrument

Learning an instrument not only indicates your inclination to music, but it also displays a sense of discipline within you since this endeavour requires a lot of practice and determination. If you can, go the extra step by performing in a recital, making your music, or playing at events.

15. Write Your Songs

Churn out your passion for music by writing your musical pieces. You don’t even have to know how to play an instrument to do this (though it definitely helps!). You can contribute by providing lyrics or giving melodies.

16. Film a Documentary

Students with a penchant for film and observing the every day can film a documentary. This is a simple passion project idea that only requires a talent for storytelling and a good eye for the camera. You can film a documentary about your life or focus on a special person that interests you, like an important figure in your local community.

17. Produce Short Films

Similar to documentaries, producing short films can be an easy project, but it gives you a little bit more creative freedom, allowing you to bring your imagination to life. Producing a film doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re behind the camera; you can work with friends and take up the role of scriptwriter, editor, actor, or even narrator.

18. Join a Debate Competition

Debate competitions can help you practice your public speaking skills, all while honing your ability to organise ideas, come up with rebuttals, and think on your feet. It’s also a great way to advocate for a topic you’re passionate about.

19. Set Up a Business

Many high schoolers can set up a business from something they’re passionate about. For example, if you love to bake, you can start a pastry business. If you like designing and sewing clothes, you can open your bespoke line. If you’re into teaching, you can begin a tutoring program for younger kids. Starting a business is an excellent way to show entrepreneurship, plus it builds several different skills that could be helpful for college and life beyond the classroom.

20. Travel Abroad

Many students consider travelling abroad as one of the best passion project examples. Aside from being an enjoyable experience, it teaches you how to be independent and allows you to learn about different people from various backgrounds and cultures.

While passion project ideas often arise out of a genuine love for a subject or activity, they can help you build your skills and expand your knowledge. This is why college admissions love seeing these efforts; they’re worthy undertakings that can help give you an edge in your applications for life after high school.

If you’re interested in studying abroad and are looking for consultants and counsellors who can help you put together the best college applications, reach out to upGrad GSP’s recruitment partners in North America (USA and Canada), the UK and Europe, and Asia-Pacific (Australia and New Zealand). They can help you navigate the ins and outs of international education and help you at every step of your application – from finding the best college abroad to completing requirements to obtaining a student visa. Start your study-abroad journey with upGrad GSP today!