<p>If I have solid GPA, SAT scores, and college essays, how important are extra curricular activities? I have about 3-4, 2 of which are long term activities (been doing them for 2 to 3 years every week of school). I'm worried that my activities will not impress... thoughts?</p>
<p>I visited Columbia and UVA this summer and both said the transcript in their opinion is the most important thing on the application. The other parts (the essays, standardized test scores, recommendations and activities) are important too but they would rank the transcript as number one. Also they like to see a focus on a few extra-curriculars (like doing 4 different ones for all four years in high school) rather than people joining in their junior and senior year to beef up their application.
That being said I have a not to bad GPA but a lot of extra-curriculars. I don’t think having too many will hurt. But you have four really involved ones so I think you’re fine. They might not impress but you still have solid extra curriculars. And don’t just start joining clubs because you want them on your app. I think your four are plenty.(:</p>