<p>It's my first post on this forum so I apologize if I'm not posting in the right sub-forum. </p>
<p>I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and last year I did forensics (speech+debate) as one of my extra-curriculars. It was a good experience overall, but I find that it is both laborious and time-consuming. I just don't see myself going through with it for another three years. The main reason why I did it (and the reason by which I justifying posting in this specific area of the forum) is because I was told it looks amazing on a college app. </p>
<p>The problem is that I'm very involved in jiu jitsu, and I don't have enough time for my sport nor do I have time for other clubs. At the expense of other extracurriculars, I've maintained a great GPA, but I simply don't have the passion to pursue forensics anymore.</p>
<p>I guess my question is this: Should I quit forensics in favor of activities that I would rather pursue (engineering club, robotics club, math club, school newspaper, Model UN, etc.)? Am I too far into my high school career to quit at this point? What would you do if you were in my position? Suck it up, or go for what you love? I really want to get into a top-tier school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your time and consideration. I appreciate any help in resolving this issue. </p>
<p>You are a sophomore, that is still early! Do something you enjoy and see yourself sticking with for the duration. Your martial art is a great EC, just because it’s not at school doesn’t mean it doesn’t count. Awards and dedication to ju jitsu are reportable on your common app, leadership like becoming an instructor or using it in volunteer activity etc. </p>
<p>Read How to Be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport soon. Also, I bet working as a reporter for the school newspaper would be good for your situation. </p>
<p>Yup, another vote for the Cal Newport book recommended above. Bottom line, though, do NOT stick with an EC that is really time consuming and you are not really interested in. Life is too short… and honestly, read the Newport book. Debate & forensics aren’t the keys to getting you where you want to go.</p>
<p>I also recommend that book. Drop the EC you don’t like and add/ramp up what you do like.
Have you started teaching Jiu Jitsu (if that is possible) or competing in tournaments or takeing that to the next level?</p>
<p>Dyiu, thanks for the recommendation. I’m going to begin reading the book tomorrow. Intparent, great advice - I’ve considered it and I completely agree. Better to be happy than miserable. And bopper, I have not begun teaching, but I expect that I will be given a teaching position sometime within the next year and a half. I’m trying to get involved in tournaments, yes. Overall, thanks everybody. If anyone else has some advice, I would really appreciate it, but I’m pretty much settled. Out with debate and in with a new start :)</p>