Passion Projects: How to Get Into Your Dream School Post-COVID

A passion project — sometimes called a personal project — is a student-initiated, self-directed endeavor that explores a topic, issue, or activity you deeply care about. These projects are not assigned by teachers and typically take place outside of school or structured extracurriculars.

They involve independent research, creative problem-solving, project planning, and usually result in a tangible product or measurable impact — whether that’s a podcast, nonprofit, event, app, or blog.

Most importantly, a passion project positions you as the founder, director, and CEO of something you’ve built from scratch.

Here’s a breakdown of real and creative passion project ideas categorized by interest:

Academic
Research a global issue and publish your findings.

Learn a new language and create videos teaching others.

Build a website to tutor younger students.

Launch a blog or YouTube channel simplifying AP topics.

Write and pitch an op-ed to a newspaper.

Sports
Start a sports league for local kids.

Create a sports news outlet covering school games.

Launch a TikTok interviewing student-athletes.

Organize a 5K to raise money for underfunded teams.

Start a coaching business for youth or seniors.

Entrepreneurial
Sell sustainable products or a custom merch line.

Start a student subscription box or tutoring service.

Launch a budgeting toolkit for teens.

Create an app or Chrome extension that solves a student problem.

Livestream gaming content with an educational twist.

Community-Driven
Launch a nonprofit for a local cause.

Organize a club at school to support underserved groups.

Create care packages for shelters.

Help small businesses with their marketing.

Interview local seniors to create a community history archive.

Arts & Creative
Illustrate a children’s book and donate it.

Host a local teen art show for charity.

Make a mini-documentary on a social issue.

Compose music or perform to raise awareness for a cause.

Start a YouTube series teaching a creative skill.

Passion-Oriented
Start a podcast on something you geek out over (e.g., tech, books, pop culture).

Learn a new instrument and document your progress online.

Create a food blog featuring your cultural recipes.

Finish 100 puzzles and blog about your mindset journey.

Start a fan wiki or a travel photography Instagram.

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Creating a project from scratch can be intimidating — but you don’t have to do it all at once. Use this guide to break it into manageable steps! Use the guiding questions under each step and keep track of your answers. By the end, you'll have a framework for your passion project!

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Step 1: Pick A Topic/Idea

What are you passionate about? What excites or motivates you?

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Step 2: Define Your Goal/Impact

What will your project accomplish or change?

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Step 3: Plan Your Final Product

What will you make, share, or do by the end?

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Step 4: Map out the Timeline

Choose a start & end date and fill in the steps you'll need to complete in between.

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Step 5: Identify Necessary Resources

What tools, skills, or help will you need?

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Step 6: Launch Your Project

What's the first step you need to get going? How will you share the outcomes of your project?

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Colleges today are actively seeking self-starters — students who don't just follow instructions, but lead with curiosity and initiative. Passion projects are the clearest way to show that.

In a world where AI can write your essays and grades don’t tell the full story, what will make you stand out is a project that proves you’re intrinsically motivated, creative, and capable of building something meaningful from scratch.

If you want to get into your dream school — and thrive once you’re there — a passion project is one of the smartest, most authentic investments you can make in yourself.

Starting something from scratch doesn’t mean doing it alone. Ask a teacher for feedback, watch YouTube tutorials to learn new skills, or team up with a friend who shares your passion. And if you're looking for expert guidance — that’s where College Contact comes in.

We’ve built a network of 350+ undergraduates from over 100 top colleges, studying 150+ different career paths — and they’re here to help you bring your ideas to life.

Need support on your coding project? We’ve got software engineers.

Want help marketing your idea on social media? We’ve got influencers.

Writing a policy paper and need insight on government systems? We’ve got Ivy League students studying political philosophy and working on Capitol Hill.

Whatever your idea, College Contact mentors are here to help you dream it, plan it, and launch it. Reach out — we’d love to match you with someone who’s been in your shoes and can help you shine.