<p>I'm currently a high school junior and the only EC I have is French NHS. I'll probably get into NHS in a few months if I apply. Oh, and I'll probably start math team. 1-4 clubs isn't a lot, though. I had a perfect chance to get into Mu Alpha Theda and Science NHS as well as some other things, but neglected to do so for.. shallow reasons. I'm thinking of just doing them all next year. I'd do this because I do want to get more involved with my HS, and.. it'll look good on my app.</p>
<p>Or..</p>
<p>maybe it won't.</p>
<p>So, my question is: Cram clubs into senior year or not at all?</p>
<p>It depends on what else you are doing with your free time: If you are working a part-time job, taking care of siblings after school, pursuing your hobby, getting your certification in (fill in blank), than a lot of meaningless clubs just clutters up your application. If you haven't been pursuing any other interests, then you do have a bit of a problem, but just joining random clubs won't solve it. Find something you care about and take an active role. The purpose of extracurriculars, though its easy to forget in all the college hype, is to expand your range of experiences, develop new skills, do some good in the world and meet some likeminded people. Do it for yourself, not for the college application.</p>