<p>I've heard many a times that having a variety of extra curricular activities doesn't show the Adcoms what your real interests are, and often your true passion gets muddled in the mix. That you shouldn't join a ton of clubs and be mediocre, but that you should focus on certain clubs and gain leadership positions within them.</p>
<p>But what if you have leadership positions in many activities? </p>
<p>For me, I have actual leadership positions in several (+5) activities and I care about all of them very deeply. I've planned events, lead many people towards goals, and fund raised for many causes.</p>
<p>The problem is, I'm the type of person who loves to lead, and has a lot (and I mean -a lot-) of interests. From singing opera, to publishing scientific papers, to creating a few companies, and even fund raising for social and environmental causes. And yes, I've kept up a fairly decent average. </p>
<p>Are we - the philomaths, and polymaths - being frowned upon during admissions by being what makes us... well, us?</p>
<p>i,too, saw your chances thread. you DO have many ECs, and I have to say, you've accomplished a LOT in everything you do. However, I think you should cut down and focus on maybe 4-5 (MAX) activities that you really LOVE, those that you have contributed most to. Try to get ECs that relate to each other. I dont remember what ECs you wrote, but say for example, you're into science- keep Math&Science Club, science research, etc. [i just made up some examples]</p>
<p>Well I'm interested in Business, Social Sciences, Music, Environmental and Social Issues, and well, leadership in general! Although I want to be an Environmental Management Consultant, I still want to avidly pursue all of my interests during and after post-secondary.</p>
<p>To tell you the truth, that isn't my whole list. I just included the ones I had concrete leadership positions in this year. I've already whittled it down quite a bit. >_<. I want to choose just one to focus on, but I can't =(.</p>
<p>Ironically, having too many interests is very limiting.</p>
<p>In my opinion, if you're involved in many different activities, but you have also accomplished a lot in all those activities, then by all means list them; don't worry. The danger with listing too many activities for some people is that it becomes a laundry list, and they haven't done anything meaningful in half the activities.</p>
<p>I'll defer to those who say too many ECs make a person look unfocused, but I say to keep doing what you love and then choose to list or not list later. Just because you do five or eight or 10 activities doesn't mean the college has to know them all if it works against you, but it also doesn't mean you can't keep doing everything you love.</p>
<p>College admissions officers can probably tell the people who geniuinely love what they do from the people only doing something to go to college. I'm sure you'll be fine :)</p>