I'm trying to plan for the rest of the school year and what activities to join. I know that extracurriculars are a big thing that colleges consider on your application, but I'm not sure what is best to have on your application. What is an adequate number of extracurriculars for a college application?
Best Answer
I know this sounds trite (good SAT word I picked up in the PrepMe vocab game lol!) but I really think you should focus on doing one or two things and being really passionate about them. I heard a talk from a college counselor at school and she said that it's important to be excellent in a few things rather than being a "jack of all trades". This means you should pick one or two activities and either be the captain of those sports teams or in the leadership of the club. Even more impressive would be if you started your own club. Find something that you're really passionate about (for example - the environment) and start a club, get lots of people to join. and undertake cool activities.
Other Answers
I think it's better to show that you are well rounded so you should focus on developing a couple of activities. Pick one sport, pick a few clubs you are really into, and find community service activity. Here is a sample of what I was thinking: play on the soccer team, be a member of the school service club, be the treasurer of the chess club, and volunteer at the local Habitat for Humantiy (an awesome organization you should all check out btw).
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Do one thing and be the king of it. If you're going to do quiz team - be the captain of the top team in the state. Being a superstar brings perks and awards.
Some people are better suited for focusing on one or two activities. If you're an incredible musician then focus on that. If you're not really a star at one thing but have a lot of interests, then do lots of different things.
Do as many things as you can - do sports in fall, winter, and spring. Be the captain of each team! Do lots of different clubs and be the president of each!
Being consistent with one or two extracurricular activities is the best way to go, but if you can handle many activities at once, then by all means go for it. The more the better, but remember try to stick with it!
Becca0202 is right, colleges dont want to see a bunch of random activities, because it tells them that your not focused in an area and that your probably just joining things to put on your resume. Join activities that show leadership and that you were a leader in your school. Make sure they are things you like to do.