Many factors influence the development and socialization of American adolescents including peers, schools, family, and the community. This paper examines how the relationship of extracurricular participation influences academic growth. To determine if selected personal and academic variables during high school currently affect college academic performance, 292 college students participated in the study. The degree of participation in extracurricular activities was assessed using a self-report questionnaire designed to provide responses about the students' academic and extracurricular experience during high school years. Participation was also broken down into separate areas of sports, music, dance, theater, and other activities. Data were collected on social, academic recognition, and affiliation as well. Analyzed data compared academic grade point average, educational aspirations, and various social supports that influence academic performance. Additionally, based on information gathered, recommendations are offered for future research, as well as discussion of benefits and limitations of the study. Contains 10 graphs and 30 references. (Author)