<p>I couldn't find answers to these in other threads so I thought I would start a new one- </p>
<p>I know there's a sports supplement, but should I include sports in my extracurriculars? I enjoy the sports I play but I'm not good enough to be recruited for a college varsity team.</p>
<p>Should I include church in my extracurriculars? (I go every week)</p>
<p>I know there was a big thread about this one, but I still haven't been able to decide whether or not I should include babysitting- it was my only job for my first 1 1/2 years of high school, and I have babysat quite a bit for all four years. I enjoy babysitting so I feel like I should include it, but I don't want to sound childish. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Yes - especially if you were on Varsity or JV. Not if you played hoops with the kids down the street once a month. If practices and games took up a good amount of your time, then count it as an EC.</p></li>
<li><p>I don’t think this would be a good idea unless you are a very active member of your church (volunteer there often, work in the daycare, etc) or participate in Youth Group (even then, only if you’re active in it). Otherwise, you’re just going to church - something a lot of teens do, and many times because their parents make them or because it’s what’s expected. I don’t think it’s very notable, in that case. </p></li>
<li><p>This one I don’t know about. Whether you do or do not include it, I don’t think it’d make too big of a difference (unless it’s a family responsibility). I think it’d be better to include rather than leave it off, because I can’t see an admissions officer looking down on you for babysitting. But again, I’m not sure.</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>Yes, list it in your ECs but just don’t do the sports supplement. Many people do sports in high school but don’t want to play in college.</p></li>
<li><p>No, unless you are in a youth group that means or something similar that has to do with the church</p></li>
<li><p>I’m not sure. I would probably put it down, but wait for more responses</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for the replies- they’ve been helpful!</p>
<p>As Britney Spears sings, like 1, 2, 3, so here goes!</p>
<p>1.) Do the sports supplement! It shows you are interested in their school, and willing to go the extra mile. Colleges want students that will accept their offer of admission, it is even in their stats, and is called a “yield” rate. Anything that can boost your offer of admission is something you should do, short of being gimmicky or untrue to yourself. If you play sports well and can elaborate, go for it! You don’t have to be the best, because what matters is what you learned from it, and what accomplishments you have to show from it. Sports are good for your health and reflect positively on you. You have 12 extracurricular spaces on the commonapp. I personally filled out all 12. It can’t hurt you as long as you are honest and insightful. Colleges have intramural and club sports teams too. They may be interested in you for that.</p>
<p>2.) Good for you for going to church! I am Catholic. I’d include church if it is meaningful to you. You should explain briefly why you like it and what positions you have held. Some people babysit in the church nursery, others are altar boys, some people volunteer in their church groups, some people fundraise for their church etc. There are many things you can do to help your church. List any of these if you have done them first, and then continue on with why church is good/fun for you. People actually like religious people because it can indicate morality and good value systems.</p>
<p>3.) Babysitting could be quite an asset if you wanted to be a teacher. I don’t think babysitting is too childish, because many people raise kids as they are parents. It’s all perspective and how you present it. I know the character limits bite! I babysit too, I find it fun, relaxing, and inspiring.</p>
<p>I would love to talk to you more, I am a commonapplication warrior! </p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Have fun, and best of luck!</p>
<p>Sports definitely go in the activities section.</p>
<p>I would say attending church is not an extracurricular, but being involved in your church is. </p>
<p>If you love babysitting, include babysitting! Especially if it was a significant time commitment.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>