<p>I just started sophomore year. In 9th grade, I didn't participate in ANY activities. No extracurriculars, I just spent all my time studying and I know that is really bad. Honesty, I actually have never really had any significant hobbies or interests in my life. I don't have any special talents. I just don't have that 'passion' for anything. But it seems to me that I'll need one so I can actually have a shot at getting into a good college. I actually discovered this year that I have an interest in social studies, history, politics, law, etc. so I want to learn more about and participate in that kind of stuff. I think I'm going to try getting involved in a few clubs and activities that involve social studies-type topics. I also like to write (even though I conveniently suck at it), and would like to dwell further into that as well.</p>
<p>So, my questions:<br>
1) How much will colleges care that I didn't do anything in 9th grade? </p>
<p>2) How much will they care if I suddenly start getting involved in extracurriculars starting in sophomore year? </p>
<p>3) Is social studies a credible passion? Most students seem to pick things like sports or music or arts so I'm not really sure how far I could go with s.s.</p>
<p>4) If I make my major focus/interest area social studies, should I or should I not also get involved with writing like being in the Newspaper Club? Would that be too much on my plate?</p>
<p>I am new to all this what-do-colleges-want stuff, so please forgive my lack of knowledge. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>As long as you show an upward trend in your involvement in extracurriculars, you should be fine. I don't think the newspaper club would be too much, but don't do it for the sake of doing it.</p>
<p>Sophomore year is rather perfect to start anything - I'm a junior right now, and I'm actually wondering if it's bad most of my major ECs coincidentally started in junior year, due to timing/new organization issues.</p>
<p>Don't worry too much - just get into your areas of ECs as much as you can with as much passion, and it should be okay.</p>
<p>Do Model UN, Young Republicans/Democrats Club, etc. And if your school doesn't have those, start them!</p>
<p>And 9th grade is really no biggie. WOULD it have been awesome if you had done stuff in the 9th grade? Yes. WILL if hinder you? No. 9th grade is a big adjustment year and it's hard enough trying to find your way around a school and battling significantly tougher academics without throwing ECs in there.</p>
<p>Lmfao...you're in 9th grade. Be more lax and chill.</p>
<p>For the record, I'm a current sophomore and I haven't done a single EC in 9th grade either (if you count some of my hobbies...maybe). But unlike you, I never studied either. I didn't care about grades and the like...so it's not a big deal.</p>
<p>You seem pretty motivated and interested so just relax and do your stuff and it'll be fine...</p>