<p>So, I'm a junior in high school. I recently made a list of my extracurricular activities, just to see if something stands out as a passion or possibly find some sort of a hook. Most people, I think, have their ECs and then some community service on the side. But as for me, the bulk of my ECs listed have to do with volunteering, while I have some other clubs/1 sport (only two years of it, captain one year) on the side. In addition to this, in the early spring I will be starting up a project called Strides for Support where I will get students and community members to raise money and walk in walkathons for many local charities, promoting a healthy lifestyle and awareness for these organizations that need more recognition.</p>
<p>Is that okay? Should I find other ways to spend my time so my application isn't entirely volunteer work, or is does all this look good to admissions officers? </p>
<p>P.S. I don't know if it matters, but my top two colleges at the moment are highly competitive northeastern liberal arts schools; I have a rigorous class schedule; and I have a 4.23 GPA (unweighted, on scale of 4.33). And I will basically DIE if I don't get into my top school - to which I will almost surely apply EDI..and at which I am a legacy!</p>
<p>Do what you love. If that’s community service, then focus on that. Don’t adjust your activities to try to fit what you think colleges want to see.</p>
<p>In general, the things that are generally considered “hooks” are URM, legacy, recruited athletes</p>
<p>I’m not sure what exactly your question is. It is certainly okay to focus on volunteering, if you are passionate about volunteering. You should live a well-rounded life and put it to your application, not build your life around an ideal application. </p>
<p>One comment I would make: Volunteering is great, but make sure your academic career goes a little beyond just the classroom.</p>
It sounds like you enjoy volunteering so you are fine to stick with that, rather than trying to add some other activity to polish your application that will be for a short duration anyway.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, though, that very selective schools look for more than just spending time on ECs. As Stanford puts it in its FAQ
Other very selective colleges will look at ECs in a similar manner. So if you have the chance to demonstrate leadership or earn recognition in your volunteer work that would be beneficial.</p>