What extracurriculars does UVM value most in applicants?

UVM tends to value depth, commitment, and impact more than any single “type” of extracurricular. They are usually looking for students who have shown sustained involvement, leadership, initiative, and a real contribution to their school or community, not just a long list of clubs. A strong activity can be athletics, music, student government, volunteering, work, family responsibilities, research, or a passion project if you’ve stuck with it and grown through it.

For UVM specifically, activities that show engagement with community, service, sustainability, health, and leadership often fit especially well with the school’s culture, since UVM places a lot of emphasis on public good, environment, and student involvement. That said, there is no official “best” extracurricular category that gets special treatment. A student who has spent years developing one serious commitment can stand out more than someone with many short-term memberships.

What matters most is the story your activities tell about how you spend your time and what you bring to campus. If your strongest involvement is one activity you’ve invested heavily in, that will likely matter more than a scattered list of lighter commitments.