<p>Does it look bad if I start doing really interesting things around now, during college apps? It might look like I'm just trying to pretty up my resume at the very last second, but it's actually because a couple opportunities have opened up that haven't really been available before now.</p>
<p>That depends…what have your other “non-interesting” activities been before now? If you’ve had activities that were consistent and pretty interesting, then the fact that you’re participating in more this year probably won’t matter.
If you haven’t done anything, then you’ll look like you’re trying to pad your application.</p>
<p>i’ve done a lot with music throughout high school – won a bunch of awards, played in a couple prestigious orchestras, had jams with friends – but recently this non-profit organization that teaches music to underserved inner-city kids hired a new program manager, who’s creating a volunteer program. i’ve been really interested in working with the organization for a while, but they’ve always hired professional music teachers to teach the kids, until now.</p>
<p>Why would it look bad? People take up new activities throughout their lives. If you’ve only become active in the activity during the past few weeks, though, I don’t suggest putting it on your resume because that’s when it would look like you’re just trying to impress admissions officers.</p>
<p>Thanks; that sounds good.</p>