are academic extracurriculars like model UN, JSA, olympiad teams, debate etc really important for selective schools? the only one I have is math team, but that’s basically doing a worksheet once a week. besides that I have two sports, student govt, yearbook, school paper, and a few other things. they take work, but it’s not really studying like the more academic ECs. I was thinking about joining model UN next year (ill be a sophomore). i wouldn’t mind doing it, i mean, it’s not like i’d do it 100% for college purposes and be miserable. but if all that really matters is how dedicated I am, etc, I’d just as soon put more time into what I already have. so, does it make a big difference? any advice is appreciated. thanks.
<p>they are considered a lot like any other activity. but i can see where they would have strength in admissions. for really smart students, academic EC's are a good application of their interests.</p>
<p>no, academic EC's, like any other EC, isn't necessary itself. but i highly recommend joining something like debate or Model UN because the skills you pick up from there (teamwork, public speaking, etc.) will prove to be very valuable in the future.</p>