I am a rising a sophomore, and I am aiming at applying to top colleges like most on this board. So far, my grades are good and all. The only questionable thing right now are my extracurricular activities. I know everyone says that its quality that matters not quantity, but I continue to see people with an incredible amount of ECs, while I only have 2, maybe 3.
My ECs are speech and debate, Boy Scouts, and AYSO soccer. I am very committed to both speech and debate and Boy Scouts. Basically, speech and debate is my life outside of school as hard as it is to say it LOL, and in Boy Scouts, I will soon be an Eagle Scout. I am not as committed to AYSO soccer, but I still do it, although I may discontinue doing it.
So my question is… Are 2 ECs that I am very committed to enough or do I need more? If I need more, how many more should I get involved with?
<p>If you feel like emphasizing Quality over Quantity, you might want to consider incorporating it in your essay, or at least stress it in the "short answer" section of the common application. The thing is that most apps give you little room to elaborate, so oftentimes, Quantity gives a better showing.</p>
<p>The EC most "efficient" in terms of impression vs. time spent is probably leadership positions. A lot of club officers at my school don't really do anything, and hold the position purely for the college app and will "bs" something out on the app to make themselves look good with the title. This is sad because some officiers and even sub-officers do put in a lot of dedication, but I think this is a realistic statement.</p>
<p>Like Flavian said, you have to show your involvement in your EC somewhere else in your app. There are tons of officers that do absolutely nothing and there are some who are extremeley dedicated to their group. The only way that the AdCom is going to know the difference is through admissions essays and recommendation letters. If Speech and Debate is your "life outside of school", then a letter of rec from your coach/sponsor will definately help because it will show that you didnt just show up for one club meeting and sign up, you worked hard throughout the year and were dedicated to the team. </p>
<p>Also, when I visited colleges, I remember hearing at more than one school that an Eagle Scout is looked very highly upon. It not only reflects your years of membership in the Boy Scouts, but also your tremendous dedication (since it's not an easy path) and also a good amount of community service and involvement. </p>
<p>Some colleges ask for an essay on your most meaningful activity, and perhaps you could use that opportunity to explain why you were in one of these activities and what it meant to you.</p>