<p>Extracurricular activities are an important part of college admission's process. However, I'd want more elaboration on it. How many should be done, doing or passion, specifics on time (like hours and days), and community service.</p>
<p>This is presumably for top schools.</p>
<p>No set amount. Do what you love. If it’s formulaic, they will see through it.</p>
<p>I always tell kids – let your ECs tell a story about you. Even if the story is that you are a well-rounded student who doesn’t know what he or she wants to do yet… that is a story. Be honest. Be real. Be passionate. Avoid listing being a member of 8 clubs on your Common Application. It won’t get you anywhere. </p>
<p>But, what is an extracurricular activity anyway? Is not eating or drinking “extracurricular?”</p>
<p>I think you are overthinking it. ECs should be something you do outside of school ( or inside in the case of clubs and sports) that supplements your interests. Of course you could put “eating” and “drinking” on there, but everyone does that and I doubt it would be significant enough to show who you are in terms of your passions.</p>
<p>Now, if you were a “man vs. food” competitor on national television or a recognized food critic that would be different. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Just talk about the things you do outside of classes, if it is lacking at the moment, join clubs, do some sports, volunteer for something you care about. Even a job counts as an extracurricular activity. If you are artistic or good at writing, you could possibly send those as supplements. As the others have said, it should tell something about you.</p>