When it comes to preparing for university applications, you need to present yourself as the best candidate ever. To do this, you need more than just good grades. You need to show that you are genuine, passionate, creative and have grit. A great way to demonstrate this is through passion projects.

In this article, we will guide you through the concept of passion projects, the benefits they bring, and how to use them.

What is a Passion Project?

Passion projects refer to an independent project, separate from academic and work requirements, that most high school students undertake during the summer time.

Such projects usually take a variety of forms, ranging from the arts and creativity to in-depth research, personal challenges and community outreach and involvement. Later in this article, we will explore 100 ideas that can serve as inspiration for your upcoming college admissions preparation, but here are a few examples:

  • Start a non-profit organisation
  • Develop and launch a website or app
  • Organising an event
  • Writing a book
  • Launching a blog
  • etc.

In short, it gives you the perfect opportunity to explore and experiment with areas of interest, build confidence and express yourself. It also allows you to take ownership of your personal development and stand out in a very competitive environment.

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Passion Project for College Applicants?

Before you embark on developing a passion project, it’s important to understand that the benefits go far beyond helping you present yourself better in your future university admissions process.

Other benefits include:

Pursue topics and areas of interest

Ambitious high school students tend to focus on passing exams and getting good grades. They end up forgetting their passions at a very early age. Passion projects give them the space to focus on them, while still having a positive impact on their current goal: Getting into a recognised university.

Build relevant skills for today’s competitive world

These projects allow you to develop soft skills that will come in handy at different points in your career and life. Some of these skills include leadership (you will lead the project), communication, problem solving and creativity. Depending on the type of project, you will develop specific technical skills such as event organisation, UX, UI, website design, etc.

 Show that you are motivated and inspired

Leading and managing a project speaks volumes about the type of person you are and what you can achieve in the near future. It shows that you have initiative, that you find ways to stay motivated and that you are inspired to work, grow and achieve great things.

In addition, projects related to art, writing and creativity will help you build your portfolio and showcase your accomplishments to future admissions counsellors and even job opportunities. Similarly, projects that address social and environmental issues make a positive impact on your community and speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

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What Makes a Good Passion Project?

There are all kinds of passion projects. But what works well for you may not work for others. The key is to put your personal interests first and link them to your future career. 

For example, if you are someone who is passionate about spending time outdoors and you want to study computer science, then a great passion project idea would be to develop and launch an app that shares the best outdoor experiences by area.

When deciding which project to pursue, we strongly recommend that you keep the following in mind

  • Your passions
  • Your interests and hobbies
  • Your future field of study
  • Issues you are passionate about

These things will help keep you motivated through the different stages and challenges of the project. Remember that your passion project should be unique to you.

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How to Start a Passion Project in High School? 

However, here are some steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Identify your passion

As you probably know, every project has its challenges, but whatever it is, if you want it to look good on your university applications, you have to do it. If you are passionate about your project and have the grit to do it, it will be much easier than working on something you are not interested in.

Step 2: Work on your mission statement

This project should above all be organised and follow a structure. Writing a mission statement will help you keep your eyes on the prize and keep working towards success. Don’t forget to include your goals and values.

Step 3: Set your goals

In the same letter, you will want to set achievable goals for yourself. They will help you to stay on track and to devote enough time and resources to them. 

Step 4: Identify the resources you need

Every project, no matter what it is, requires resources. Before you start working on it, you want to make sure that you have the tools, equipment and budget to carry it through.

Step 5: Identify what you need to learn 

Make sure you list everything you need to understand and the skills you need to develop to carry out this project. You may want to consider finding a mentor or guide to help you get started.

100 Examples of Passion Projects for High School Students 

So far, we have made it clear that if you want to stand out in the university admissions process, you should really consider starting and completing a passion project. Here’s a list of 100 ideas to get you started.

Arts & Crafts

Artistic flair can be turned into a passion project that showcases your talent and skills and allows you to express yourself. It also demonstrates your commitment to achieving your goals and your view of the world. 

This type of passion project is ideal if you are considering studying history, literature, architecture, sociology, music, fashion or any other field related to the humanities.

Some ideas for arts and crafts passion projects include

  1. Make a documentary film about an issue affecting your community.
  2. Organise a book drive to make literature more accessible to parts of the community.
  3. Start a blog about an issue that is important to you.
  4. Teach an art class in a medium you enjoy.
  5. Start a social media campaign to raise awareness of a social issue.
  6. Start a weekly newsletter to spread the word about issues you care about.
  7. Create sculptures from recycled materials such as metal cans, plastic bottles, etc.
  8. Design and print T-shirts or tote bags using screen printing techniques.
  9. Build furniture or decorative items using woodworking skills and tools.
  10. Design and paint a mural that tells a story about your neighbourhood.
  11. Create unique paintings inspired by books and movies.
  12. Discover the art of origami.
  13. Host a photography exhibition.
  14. Produce and perform a community theatre play.
  15. Create a concert for your local community.

Technology & Innovation

Tech passion projects are perfect if you are considering engineering, science, IT, cyber security, web development or a related career. The following ideas will allow you to develop your skills, add value to your university applications and demonstrate what you can do.

  1. Start a technology review blog.
  2. Design an app to help solve a problem in your community that you’ve recently noticed.
  3. Create a virtual tour of an area in your community that you think needs more attention.
  4. Design your own video game.
  5. Create a mental health app.
  6. Develop a machine learning algorithm to predict trends and analyse data.
  7. Develop a tool or software to improve cybersecurity measures for young people and young adults.
  8. Develop a game that uses AI to teach basic coding skills.
  9. Develop a chatbot for a specific purpose, such as helping students with extracurricular enquiries.
  10. Launch a YouTube channel or podcast reviewing the latest gadgets that can help students be more productive.
  11. Create a website to showcase your portfolio.
  12. Invent something to improve sustainability.
  13. Learn a new programming language.
  14. Take a computer apart and try to put it back together again.
  15. Invent a STEM-themed board game.

Writing & Literature

Passion projects, especially the ideas below, can be a great addition to your university application if you’re considering becoming a wordsmith or pursuing a degree in linguistics, literature, marketing, branding, etc.

  1. Create a podcast to share relevant information with others.
  2. Write and publish a novel or book.
  3. Write a book of poetry.
  4. Research and write a dissertation on a specific topic.
  5. Start a podcast about current events.
  6. Write and produce a play.
  7. Write a children’s book.
  8. Write a script for a short film.
  9. Translate a classic novel or literary work.
  10. Create a cookbook of family recipes and their stories.
  11. Writing a historical novel.
  12. Develop a collection of short stories.
  13. Write essays on classic works of literature.
  14. Launch a literary magazine for local high school writers.
  15. Organise a series of writing workshops.

Nature & Outdoors

Your interest in nature and outdoor activities can turn into an amazing passion project. It is a clear indicator of your personal development, commitment and character. It is also highly valued by universities as it demonstrates that you can make an important contribution to campus life. 

Passion projects such as the following are a perfect option if you want to dedicate your professional life to the environment, sustainability, climate change, social responsibility, international relations, human rights, wildlife, ecology and others.

  1. Start a non-profit organisation that benefits your local community.
  2. Organise a petition to help solve a specific problem facing your community.
  3. Start a campaign to influence political change.
  4. Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
  5. Organise a food drive to help local food pantries.
  6. Lead a workshop on a topic such as sustainability or justice.
  7. Start a community garden to grow produce for your community.
  8. Find new cycling routes in your neighbourhood.
  9. Capture and document local wildlife through photography.
  10. Develop an app with outdoor activities, camping spots, and safety tips.
  11. Volunteering on crisis lines.
  12. Catalogue every bird species seen in your area.
  13. Test the water quality in your neighbourhood.
  14. Challenge yourself physically through marathons or CrossFit competitions.
  15. Lead a team to plant a community forest.

Health & Wellness

As a future doctor, you want to start working on your university application as soon as possible. Ideas like those shared here will allow you to demonstrate your skills, interest and commitment to solving health problems and contributing to the well-being of your community.

  1. Develop a personalised exercise routine and share it online.
  2. Create a mindfulness podcast.
  3. Create healthy recipes and document your culinary journey.
  4. Create a mental health awareness campaign for teenagers.
  5. Volunteer in a healthcare setting.
  6. Conduct a research project on a relevant and current medical topic.
  7. Conducting a community health needs assessment in your local area.
  8. Organise a weekend yoga retreat for teenagers.
  9. Developing an app that helps users plan meals based on nutritional needs.
  10. Create a podcast series featuring interviews with health professionals and experts.
  11. Being a clinic escort to protect reproductive rights.
  12. Visiting elderly people without family to keep them company.
  13. Fundraising for groups such as UNICEF, Red Cross, etc.
  14. Organise blood drives.
  15. Creating and distributing educational materials to raise public awareness.

Business & Leadership

Your passion for entrepreneurship can turn into a successful career. Just remember that starting and completing projects like the ones below will look good on university applications for careers in business, economics, finance, human resources, project management, public relations and more.

  1. Write a business plan for a start-up.
  2. Participating in a peer mentoring programme.
  3. Interview an innovator.
  4. Start a non-profit organisation.
  5. Start a business.
  6. Create an Etsy shop.
  7. Create a new product.
  8. Find and do a job shadow.
  9. Find and do an internship.
  10. Write a product review.
  11. Plan and host an event.
  12. Analyse a business issue of your choice.
  13. Research how the minimum wage has changed or fluctuated in your home country.
  14. Suggest policies that could help make food more accessible to more people.
  15. Explore how sport plays an important role in the economy. 

Public Speaking & Debating

As you prepare to enter the world of politics, diplomacy or communications, you will want to undertake passion projects that help you develop and demonstrate your skills. 

Some ideas include:

  1. Start a podcast to discuss and debate current affairs and thought-provoking topics.
  2. Organise and participate in an online debate competition.
  3. Organise or take part in a speech and debate competition.
  4. Create a documentary film about social issues.
  5. Launching a social media campaign on a global issue.
  6. Volunteer for a local political campaign in your city, county, or state.
  7. Writing speeches for important political figures and collecting them in a portfolio.
  8. Apply for the TED-Ed Student Talks programme.
  9. Organise a letter-writing campaign to influence political change.
  10. Organise a rally or protest for a cause you’re passionate about.

Immerse Education’s summer programmes empowers students to turn their passion projects into reality by providing personalised guidance, expert mentorship, and the resources needed to develop and refine their own unique ideas. Read more about their summer schools today.